When it comes to the internet, we often boil it down, usually hyperbolically, down to just memes and cat videos. However, the internet is a literal game changer deserves more recognition for the all the ways in which it has revolutionized our modern world. While, yes, the internet does contain plenty of “dank memes” and feisty felines, there is so much more to offer from the world wide web that I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about it. So, here are some reasons to be grateful for what you have next time your internet connection is lost.

First and foremost, let’s talk about shopping. Shopping has long been an essential, and yet tedious, aspect of human life. We need food and water to survive, and that means going to the store and buying some sustenance. This remains largely true today, but just about any dry goods are available online, and even some fresh foods. Then, of course, there are services like Blue Apron that not only send you recipes but also the fresh ingredients to make the meal with that recipe. Then, of course, there are countless other ways to shop online. For example, you could buy a new pair of jeans from Buckle and then a new book from Amazon, and the best part is that you have to either leave your home or interact with another human being.

Another way in which the internet has improved our lives is by shrinking the global community. With the advent of social media, such as Facebook, we have a greater capacity to engage in conversation and discourse with anyone and everyone. Without the language barrier, and sometimes even then, we can engage with one another across any distance and regardless of culture, for the most part. This has far reaching consequences, as you might imagine, and most of them are good. While foreign policy might be under tighter scrutiny as a result of social media, the main benefit of social media is to connect us regardless of distance and time. That’s right. Time. As a result of instant messaging, we can talk to someone in the future by sending a message to be received later. Or the two of you can talk simultaneously as god intended. The internet accommodates all tastes.With the shrinking of the global community, we can rest assured that we are one step closer to finding that we aren’t so different after all and attaining world peace.