Aspiring journalist Sid Chaffer joined the BIS digital team for some work experience this week. She gave us a hand helping policy makers to embrace the web, and sums up her thoughts here on the importance of the web.
The web has become the single tappable knowledge base of the world. In this ever-expanding library of online content, learning how to use the information on the internet to its full advantage can put you ahead of the curve. It’s the go-to place for practically everything and can also help you connect directly with the people you want to hold close. For example, businesses are learning to deal with virtual customers, from newspapers erecting pay walls to companies selling their wares through Groupon. It’s clear that if you’re not prepared to dive into the digital pool, you’re likely to get left behind.
But it’s not just the web that matters. Digital platforms like Twitter are changing the way we think and behave too. Journalists and CEO’s are no longer names on pieces of paper, or a signature on a faceless email. Now, we are gaining access to their everyday life and opinions in real time. In return, we are responding with ours, opening up debates in a way that is new and surprising. The online community has become a valuable voice, one that it would be foolish to ignore. A letter of complaint may take weeks to arrive and will only be seen by the recipient. A damaging tweet is instant and potentially seen by thousands of followers, something that may destroy a carefully crafted image in seconds.
Knowing how to use digital media to its full advantage to seek, show and tell is proving to be an essential life skill and a secret of modern success. Burrowing into blog posts and surfing social media adds depth and personality to current topics, unearthing fascinating facts and connecting you to like-minded people.
While the pen may still be mightier than the sword, the keyboard is fast catching up in terms of influence and impact. With access to such a rich and varied resource, we really need to let our fingers to do the talking.
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