The Internet: The Influence Of The Internet

The Internet, the single most powerful agent of change in recent history, In the words of Arthur C. Clarke, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” The rapid pace and reach of the changes wrought by the Internet indeed has a touch of magic about them.

As a tool available to a fairly wide public, the Internet is only twenty years old, but it is already the key catalyst of the most extensive and fastest technological revolution in history.("Managing in virtual environment

. Part 1. Becoming virtual," n.d.) It is the most extensive because over the past two decades its effects have touched practically every citizen in the world. And it is the fastest because its large-scale adoption is quicker than that of any

The development of more advanced technology has facilitated smoother surfing on the Internet. People can now access the Internet not only from PCs, but also from the Web TVs, Palm Pilots and mobile phone. The typical online purchaser in the year 2000 was well educated, married, and had a high economic status (Coyle, 2000). Electronic retailing continues to grow in size and importance as increasing numbers of consumers buy online, Imagine life today without the convenience of the Internet. People would actually have to get up out of their comfortable chairs, get in their cars, and drive to the store, the library, the mall, or wherever they wanted to go to purchase the product that they wanted. Many consumers are fed up with conventional

In addition to this massive information highway there are many different tools that can be utilized on this global network. Using the Internet, people find jobs, send electronic cards, shop, make airline and hotel reservations, execute stock trades, and even pay bills online! With the increasing popularity of people shopping and purchasing goods online, the Internet has created new ways of doing business. Realizing the potential of the Internet, many companies have started to advertise their products and services on-line. However, consumers are becoming hesitant as it relates to purchases over the Internet because of the fear of being deceived by online retailers. The research study will examine a prosperous component of the Internet, Internet Shopping. Internet shopping makes sense; you can shop 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, at your own pace, and in the privacy of your home. There is no hassle of long lines, crowds, or annoying salespeople. This study examines the advantages and disadvantages of Internet Shopping, and how to eradicate problems with privacy, security, and theft. One of the major advantages of Internet shopping is convenience. Shopping from the convenience and comfort of your own home may have its apparent advantages; no more standing in line, no more hassles of worrisome sales associates