Web 2.0

 It is rather amazing how far the internet has come in the last thirty years. When I was first learning how to use a computer as a young elementary student I was in the “computer lab” being told how to place my fingers on the keyboard much like learning to play the piano. I played word games to strengthen my typing speed or later using AIM chat to talk to my friends. Today I type on my touch screen smart phone with only a couple digits and FaceTime with friends. I can also remember a time when using the Apple Maps or Google Maps on your smart device was new and how very basic the GPS design functioned where as now I get so much more out of my Google Maps — even restaurant reviews! The connectivity of such applications and interactive websites that direct things like our online shopping habits is incredible. Humans are constantly communicating, but so are the devices we use in constant connection in some way or another. 

The experience of Web 2.0 is a reality for those of us that are fortunate to own smart devices, therefore it is an easy resource to take for granted. Users can understand the benefits of all that Web 2.0 has to offer, but it also needs to be made affordable for all. Luckily there are affordable cell phone plans emerging with companies such as Mint Mobile and Visible. The more people that benefit from Web 2.0 the more widely educated we can all become in American society!