e-Commerce

This doesn't really have to do much with entertainment or communication directly, but in essence they all tie together, so this is relevant.

Think of how much the internet has influenced commerce. You can buy ANYTHING online these days. From the smallest purchases like Silly Bandz to a movie, or even a plane ticket, car, or house. Online transactions have made shopping much easier and more convenient to consumers everywhere- you can buy whatever you want from anywhere in the world with just one click. It works well vs. buying things in person; a store may not have something in stock, but the internet will. It works well vs. buying over the phone; you won't have to deal with an annoying representative or recording. Obviously there are some things such as a car or a house that would be wiser to purchase in person (at least i think!).

Online commerce obviously has it's pros to it, but there are some cons as well...

Buying things online puts a damper on business. While retail stores still need a team to work in person, many people will shop online rather than in-store, leaving some employees without work. Online purchases has taken a big toll on the travel industry- while some people still use travel agents, almost everyone makes their own travel arrangements these days. We book our own flights, hotels, cars, cruises, trains etc. because it's simple and we trust ourselves more than anyone else. I know I book all my own travel arrangements on my own, unless I'm traveling in a large family group (in which case a family friend is a great travel agent and books everything for us). Since so many people take care of their own travels though, the need for travel agents has relatively dissappeared, and a carreer in it is hard to manage. This article describes it pretty well..

Along with the loss of business and some jobs, commerce online can be dangerous. You willingly put your credit card numbers online for websites, but who know's who really has access to it, or who is trying to hack into your information? Recently, my bank informed me that someone in South Carolina had been using my credit card (I've never been to SC), and I can only imagine that they got my account info from some website I bought something from. It's a sketchy world out there.

Until next time

Work, party, blog!