STRONGER TOGETHER: HOW THE INTERNET HAS TRANSFORMED US
The wonders of the World Wide Web are widely documented. Countless articles tell us how the Internet has made our lives more convenient. We no longer have to wait in line or carry cash around when we go shopping. We can access the most updated information from vast databases. We can download software, documents, and images whenever we need them. But the Internet's impact on people goes beyond mere convenience. Online communities and social networks have transformed people's lives.
An English teacher in Birmingham, UK, Jan Tchamani, developed a serious illness and had to quit her job at age 50. Stuck at home, she found herself out of work and only had her computer for company. Over time, she discovered that surfing the Internet could help ease her feelings of loneliness and boredom. She could listen to music, watch movies, play games, and explore the world. She also joined an online group where she could discuss her problems and receive support and advice from others.
Jan realized that one of the greatest benefits of the Internet is its ability to bridge the distance that usually exists between people. Inspired by the people she met online, she decided to start an IT club to teach older people how to use computers and the Internet. She and her friends now organize events and raise funds to pay for private teachers. Many people have been helped by the club, including a 59-year-old man who learned how to ap for jobs online and found a great job. As he is now employed and can take care of himself, his daughter has time to attend university.
Another example is a 61-year-old woman who was living alone. She started a small online company with two friends. She no longer feels lonely, and her business has become quite successful. Jan has taken online classes to learn more about how to use the Internet to make society better. She believes that it is crucial to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the Internet and knows how to use new technology.
Her next goal is to start a charity website to raise money for children in poor countries. Jan's life has greatly improved due to the Internet. "When you go through tough times, you meet others who are facing similar challenges," Jan says. "Thinking about other people's situations inspires me to offer assistance."
力量大：
互联网如何改变了我们
关于万维网奇妙之处的文献不计其数。文章中讲述了互联网如何使我们的生活变得更加便捷。购物时，我们不再需要排队等候，也不必随身携带现金。我们可以从大型数据库中获取最新信息。在任何需要的时候，我们都可以下载软件、文档和图片。互联网不仅让生活更便捷，更重要的是，它改变了人们的生活方式和社会互动。
英国伯明翰的一位英语教师简·夏曼尼突然患上重病，不得不辞去工作。50岁时，她发现自己失业了，被困在家里，只有电脑陪伴。她发现互联网可以帮她减轻孤独和无聊。她可以听音乐、看电影、玩游戏、探索世界。她还加入了一个在线群组，与他人交流问题，获得支持和建议。她意识到互联网的最大好处之一就是能够消除人与人之间的距离感。
简·夏曼尼受到了网友的启发，决定成立一个IT，教年长一些的人们学习使用电脑和互联网。如今，她和朋友们各种活动，为私人教师的工资筹金。许多人得到了的帮助。一位男子学会了如何在网上申请工作并找到了一份好工作。他的女儿也有时间上大学了。一位独居的妇女与朋友一起创办了一家小型网络公司。她不再感到孤独，而且她的公司也相当成功。
简开始参加网络课程，学习如何更好地利用互联网为社会做出贡献。她坚信消除数字鸿沟、确保每个人都能使用互联网并了解如何运用新技术是非常重要的。她的下一个目标是创建一个慈善网站，为贫困的儿童募捐。
简的生活因互联网而发生了巨大变化。“当你处于困境时，你会遇到同样面临挑战的人。”简说，“想到别人的处境，我就会受到激励，伸出援助之手。”