Technology plays an essential role in the way we lead our lives today, this has never been more obvious than during our current situation. This got me thinking… ‘What would we do if we didn’t have technology, specifically the internet?’

If we did not have phones and iPads to chat to and facetime our friends with, we would become less sociable, which would lead to us missing our friends, feeling lonely and upset. Humans are sociable creatures we need to communicate with others.

As schools have been closed, school children across the world have been completing most of their schoolwork online from home. If we did not have the technical hardware, submitting essays, art projects and maths tests would be much more complicated and take a great deal longer. Our online learning also allows us to use methods such as Zoom and Skype to speak with our teachers in a ‘face to face’ situation, enabling us to receive support and instant feedback from them as if we were in the classroom.

Businesses have also become more reliant on additional technology over the last few months. Whilst computers, online printers, phones and fancy coffee machines are the norm in an office setting, this has not always been the case at home. As offices are closed, ‘working from home’ has become the new essential normal. Many homes will now be decked out with lap tops, monitors, light rings (for Zoom calls) and printers. Businesses must continue to function, jobs still need to be done, decisions made, and the economy supported – parents need to be kept busy too!

The world of online shopping would not exist without technology. The internet makes buying almost anything from the comfort of your sofa a simple task. During these Covid months, for many, online shopping has been a lifeline. People have taken heed of the ‘Stay at Home’ advice from our government and benefitted from deliveries of shopping made online, from supermarkets and local suppliers, to prevent visiting shops and risk contracting or spreading the corona virus.

The list of the benefits of online technology goes on. During Covid times, consultations with medical professionals can take place; requests to support local charities in need can be advertised; Quiz nights with friends are organised; take away orders can be made; ‘live’ exercise classes are taking place and even hairdressers are holding online appointments to try and prevent any home hair cutting disasters! On a more serious point, technology and science are working hand in hand to find a vaccine to pull us out of this pandemic.

There are many ways that we use technology and I for one am very VERY glad that we have it!