A virtual assistant\’s career is highly dependent upon the existence of the Internet. This massive network of networks allow us access to a massive library of information, as well as an unprecedented way to connect with people from all over the globe. Virtual assistance has been made possible through all these, along with advancements in computer hardware and software technologies.
Now what if the Internet—our very access to the World Wide Web and the VA\’s means to work—suddenly goes offline? It sure is a scary thought for anyone whose life and finances depend on the Internet, and a whole lot more to people who came to depend on the Internet for pretty much anything. A lot of things can happen in such an event, and here are some likely scenarios that we can think of.
Banks go back to basics.
Electronic banking and ATMs are pretty much the norm in banking these days, and these are all dependent on the Internet. If, even for just a single day, the Internet shuts down, this would drastically change the way modern banking is done. Banks will once again get long queues as their clients are no longer able to process transactions through ATM machines or their computers.
Millions of people are going to lose their jobs.
It\’s not just VAs that will find themselves out of work should a global Internet shutdown actually happens. Internet marketers, web developers, customer support agencies, online sellers, and many others will end up unemployed. The Internet simply has infiltrated industries to such a great degree that special jobs have been created to help businesses take advantage of this technology.
Goodbye e-commerce, hello again phone shopping.
With the Internet gone, so does e-commerce. While e-commerce businesses may have a hard time to get back up and shift from an online to an offline market, buyers may find an alternative to e-commerce in the form of phone shopping. Sure, they may spend a bit more on their phone subscription, but at least they still have the option to avail of offers that are not available in their immediate area.
Some businesses will stop working altogether.
While many of us are taking it for granted, fact is that the Internet has deeply permeated our daily lives, to the point that there are entities that will not be able to function without it. Online businesses, for instance, will no longer be able to make money once the medium through which they operate is gone. Hardest hit will be those that offer Internet-based services, such as website development and search engine optimization.
People will spend less time in front of a screen, but not necessarily more with each other.
True enough, many people have become so dependent on the Internet for everything from learning to entertainment to communication. Once the Internet goes offline, these people will start spending less time in front of their phones and computers. That, however, does not mean that they\’ll suddenly start talking to other people or go to libraries. They\’d likely miss the Internet, and end up feeling anxious and isolated, especially if the \’Net is one of the few ways through which they can communicate with other people.
The Internet has surely become a significant part of our lives. From the most urbanized American metropolis to that remote village in Africa, people have hooked themselves up to what was once dubbed the Information Superhighway, and have come to depend on its massive library of information and the sprawling network that allow folks from different corners of the world to communicate. The Internet suddenly going offline will definitely shake up the world order, causing a significant change to the way we live our lives.
