Using the Internet to Explore and Build

The way I use the Internet has evolved.

Back when it was a novelty and AOL was king, I just checked my e-mail and occasionally spoke up in a chat room or two. My surfing was aimless and chatting with strangers was a let down because I felt like I had nothing to show for hours worth of screen time.

Then, the Internet became more functional for me. I started using it to buy stuff… groceries, Christmas presents… and everything was delivered right to my door. Talk about the ultimate accessibility tool! Forget figuring out how to carry shopping bags while pushing my wheelchair, or negotiating tiny dressing rooms. Instead, I browsed for things I needed from home.

After that, I started using the Web to explore. I found it to be a great resource for up-to-date information. I also discovered that places that are not so wheelchair friendly in real life are barrier-free online. I visited Shakespeare’s house and medieval castles in England. Using on-site kiosks, I toured the inaccessible aspects of these attractions virtually. As a result, the Internet became a place for me -- a “space” to navigate and mine.

Now, I also think of it as a place where I can build. I still use the Internet to get things done and to explore, but it’s become something more. It connects me to others, gives me a publishing platform to express myself, and helps me to grow my social network in new, exciting ways. The Web has a social pay-off.

How do you use the Internet?