Thank God for the Internet! – Say what?

Why The Internet Is Important

We live in a world where the next best thing is already a thing of the past, thanks to social media. Where we hear any and everything from news stations as long as their channel is the first to let us know. Where the spread of epidemics, mass hysteria, famine, economic distress, and the end of the world is on everyone’s minds due to the screens in front of them. These are just a few of the subjects that have been turning the globe upside down since the start of 2020. Thankfully, the internet is also keeping everyone connected and almost sane.

People are learning how to interact differently. Even children are dependent on it more than ever as a means to education for the upcoming school year. What we do with the internet, how we utilize it, is vital to how it can benefit people in these troubling times. The internet was once a luxury to some and is now a necessity to everyone. To communicate with loved ones, stay informed, and even for things people used to take for granted, like shopping from home.

Did you know –despite over 22 million Americans filing for unemployment (see chart below from The Washington Post)— since the corona virus hit the nation, America has seen an exceptionally high increase of online shopping? 

​Online buying has never been more popular. Sure, states are reopening, and some businesses are too. Yet we still see the elderly fearing for their lives in grocery stores, even with a mask on, and others who cannot wear masks due to health conditions or phobias, keeping them away from public places. Not to mention the thousands of stores that were shut down due to the risk of spreading the virus that have yet to open up again, and financial obligations that closed some businesses indefinitely. It makes sense that there would be a rise in online purchases. 

​​According to The New York Times, the spike in online sales happened after Americans received their first stimulus check (see chart below), which aided in a surge of online shopping later in April. If the internet were not accessible, what exactly would people be doing for essential items? They would be growing their own food and sewing their own clothes, which some people are great at doing; but the rest of us? Not so much. The comfort of online shopping proves to be an essential part of the internet and is something that is helping online businesses stay afloat.

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Though the internet might seem like an awful place with everything going on, without the internet, people would be in even more chaos than they are now. Online businesses seem to be the only ones doing as good as normal. So, what could people do as unemployment rises and online sales increase? Here’s a thought, why not start an online business? It doesn’t even have to be a business you are passionate about; it just has to be something that would sell right now.
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A popular money maker during this time is recycled (used) clothing. Everyone loves shopping, but no one likes paying the highest price for something they could get cheaper elsewhere. Since there are so many people out of work, no one wants splurge on anything new, but they still want the satisfaction of buying things they want that they can afford. If you are someone who is staying home, think of the things people are willing to spend on, get creative, and start selling— boom, online work. 

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Being a legitimate business owner entails a lot of other legal requirements, but starting small on resale cites like Mercari, Poshmark, eBay etc. is something anyone can do to make some extra cash. It’s the perfect time to make money while cleaning out your house. There are so many opportunities as well as advantages during this time of global stress. Use the internet! Find your niche. You got this!

We Are More is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned.
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No copyright or infringement is intended.