The document discusses the evolution of digital technology and the internet from its inception in 1983 to its current state, highlighting its impact on consumers' lives. It addresses how internet access has transformed from government researchers sharing information to billions of users conducting various activities online, including shopping and communications. Additionally, it notes the rise of smart technology and e-commerce, while also considering privacy concerns and changing consumer behaviors.

1. The evolution of
digital
technology.
* How consumers use technology and its
impact on their lives
By Charlotte Brown

2. A brief history of the birth of the internet and how it has evolved overtime
The official birth date of the internet was in January 1983.
The reason it is considered the official birth date of the
internet is because a new communicative system was
invented called Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork
Protocol (University system of Georgia, N.D)
Fig 1- Ihtsham, A- Jan, 2023, Timeline of the
development of Internet- Image Fig 3 - Bytebytego - Jan, 2024, Internet Evolution-
Image
The internet initially began as a way for government
researchers to share information in the 1960’s. Due to the
computers being a fixed unit, researchers were unable to
converse and connect with one another. Specialists had to
travel to the site where the computer was or have special
magnetic computer tapes that would be sent through the
postal system. (University system of Georgia, N.D)
Overtime the internet has developed with the
protocol and the internet is now a worldwide
network of interconnected devices such as
computers, mobiles, smart appliances, and more.
The internet enables devices to communicate with
one another and offers a quick exchange of files,
telecommunications, and more. (BasuMallick. C,
2023).
Fig 2 – Ahmed.H -October, 2021, History of the
internet progressions - Image

3. Access to the internet
The internet was originally used to access sources of information by
government researchers and share information. When the internet was
born, the way in which we accessed the internet is different to how we
access the internet today. Ways to originally access the internet was
through connections such as, DSL, Satellite Connections, Cable
Connections, Dial up connections, this is to only name a few (XFINITY
Discovery HUB, ND).
In 2000, people were using 56k Dial up connections, but in 2006, the
internet became more in demand and progressed to 20MB DSL
connections (Thomson. A, 2022)
Fig 4- Geek for Geeks- June, 2024- Type of internet connection,
Dial up connection- Image
Fig 4- Kemp. S, Jan, 2024, Internet Use Timeline- Image
Since the birth of the internet in 1983, every year more and more people
are accessing the internet and integrating it into their everyday lives. It is
averaged that there are over 5.35 billion internet users globally, this
equates to around 66% of the world’s population. (Forbes, 2024)
We have come a long way in how we connect and access the internet.
Today the internet can be accessed for nearly anything, some examples
include buying groceries, paying bills, and more. Today we can access the
internet by connecting via Broadband, Wi-Fi Hotspots and Mobile
Hotspots.

4. The use of Digital devices such as Laptop’s, Tv’s, Smartphones, Tablets,
Video games and more are widely accessed by audiences every-day. All over
the globe countries have some form of access to the internet available.
This means the internet can be accessed from any digital device, anytime,
worldwide by simply connecting to the Wifi or through a mobile hotspot.
Digital devices
accessed by audiences
Fig 5- Kemp. S- Jan, 2022 – Device Ownership- Image Fig 6- Santos. K- May, 2020 – Access to digital devices through Wifi
Different audiences connect to the internet via different digital devices such as
mobile phone, Laptop, a tablet device and more. The most popular way
audiences connect and access the internet is by connecting via Broadband, Wi-
Fi Hotspots and Mobile Hotspots (XFINITY Discovery HUB, ND).
In this image you can see the statistics of device ownership in 2022.
Audiences use their digital devices for several different things, for example;
studying, entertainment, optimising search engines, social networking and
more.

5. Before the first Ecommerce Marketplace launched in 1992 (Kazinik. B,
2024), customers traditionally visited businesses physical stores
offering products, services and recommendations, face to face to its
customers. This is what is known as a Brick-and-Mortar stores (Murphy,
C. B, 2024).
The way in which customers search for information today upon first
recognition of a want or need typically turn to their digital devices rather
than going to a store. They use their digital devices to access the
internet via a search engine for products and price comparison. Our
phones listen to us and create personalised adverts and
recommendations for products and services study finds. (Stouffer. C,
2023)
How customers search
for information
Fig 8- Ionos- August, 2022- The Buying Decision process- Image
Fig 7- Iskiev. M – October 2023, Consumer preference on how to
discover new products- Image
This leads us to the online buying process and understanding how it works.
The process is broken down into steps; (Ionos, 2022, FIG 8)
Problem Recognition / Identification – Broken glass
Information Search – Searching for shatter proof glass
Evaluation of Alternatives Phase – Price comparison
Purchase Decision – Adding the item to basket and checking out
Post-Purchase Evaluation – How satsifided they are with product and
product review for other customers

6. What Consumers buy online
Consumer have a variety of choices when purchasing online this can be anything
from buying streaming service subscriptions, physical products such as groceries,
electronics, home furnishing, cosmetics and more (Gelder. K. V, 2023) to
purchasing, Digital services such as graphic design, virtual assistance services, or
even online tutoring services.
Fig 9- Goldstein. D, May 2021 - Streaming services statistics – Image Fig 10- Fokina. M, March, 2024- Most popular categories for what
consumers buy online – Image
Consumers purchase different products and services for several
different reasons for example; preferences, influence, personals
needs, necessity and more. Consumers often buy products for
convenience, necessity and enhancement of everyday life, or
services such as; music streaming services, movie streaming
services and more for entertainment.

7. Online video consumption
Fig 12- Bump. P- April 2023- Online video consumption to learn new
things or to learn about a brand - Image
Fig 11- Oberlo- ND- Most popular ways to consuming video’s online
- Image
Overtime the way in which we consume online video has drastically
changed. Dating back to 1993 when Xerox Parc produced the first
online streaming video for a band called Severe Tire Damage.
(Restream Team, 2021).
In the early 2000’s is when online media streaming became more well
known with YouTube being founded and optimized for download and
viewing online videos, as well as some of our favourites, Facebook
Videos, Netflix and Hulu (History Tools, 2023).
Overtime consumers have heavily relied on marketing videos from
brands, and content that motivates them to watch content that
teaches consumers new things with a platform such as YouTube.
Consumers overtime have use online videos as an escape or to
unwind from everyday life through online video consumption such as
media streaming (Bump. P, 2023).
During the covid 19 pandemic in 2020, the amount of online video
consumption skyrocketed due to lockdown measures preventing us
from going about our everyday lives. More people turned to online
videos consumption as a form of entertainment.

8. Consumer trends
• Increased use of digital devices especially mobile
devices which are heavily relied on for things such as
search engines, mobile applications like social media for
communication, grocery shopping, entertainment,
finances and more. As of 2023, around 93% of the UK’s
total population were using their smartphone for mobile
applications and the internet (Petrosyann A, 2023)
• Increased digital content consumption through watching
short, engaging reels and TikTok's and use of streaming
services for Music and video streaming.
Over the past 3-5 years, consumers use of technology has drastically increased due to major influence of technological
advancements and the influence of the Covid 19- pandemic.
• Increase remote working due to the pandemic and using
remote working tools on our digital devices to stay
connected through zoom, teams and more.
• Growth of Ecommerce online shopping for platforms
such as Amazon. Consumers turned to online shopping
and 67% of consumer reported they shop differently now
due to the pandemic (Fryer. V, ND)
Fig 13- Callahan. A, Sept, 2023 – Increase in remote
working due to pandemic - Image
Fig 14- Carufel. R, May, 2019 – Increase in digital device
usage and video/content consumption- Image

9. Consumer trends
Increase in integrating Smart technology into homes for more interconnected and
automated living such as Bluetooth speakers, smart TV’S, voice assistants and more.
Which leads me onto technological advances such as coding and automations, more
advanced IT security systems with the rise of cybercrime, advancements in AI technology
such as report writing and virtual customer assistants (chatbots). (Bocchino. S, 2023).
Not to mention storing digital files on cloud servers which you can access with any digital
device.
Fig 15- Ajeevin ND – Increase in smart technology integration
into our homes- Image
Fig 16- Robinson. B- September, 2023 – Technological
advancements with AI technology- Image

10. Summary
Overtime digital technology and how we access the internet, and our digital devices has rapidly evolved.
Starting as a way for researchers using the internet to share information with each other by using static digital computer units, and evolving overtime into high speed, advanced digital
technology. Digital devices can be accessed anywhere worldwide simply by connecting to Wi-Fi, we use our digital devices to search for information online with high-speed search
engines, to consume video streaming to watch TV shows or learn about a new brand, or we can use our digital devices to to communicate with each other through social media, to
remotely work, to purchase products and services online, and more. Digital devices can tailor personalised ads and product recommendations, through search engine searches or
through listening to our conversations.
Digital technology has transformed lives by enhancing connectivity allowing us to instantly connect with friends and family worldwide through social media. It has also changed the way
in which we search and access information, enabling more informed decision making with access to price comparisons, reviews, and more. Online shopping has become more
convenient, personalised and accessible changing the way consumers shop.
Technological advancements have changed the way consumers have integrated their smart devices into their everyday lives such as smart home devices, online education health and
fitness trackers, promoting efficiency and continuous learning.
In conclusion Digital technology has created improved access to service, increased convenience, enhancing the consumers quality of life, but it also poses privacy concerns as
personal data is frequently collected, excessive screen time with digital devices and reliance on them which can cause unhealthy relationships causing a social disconnection.

11. References
• Reference 1 & 2- Online Library Learning Centre (ND), A brief history of the internet, Online Learning Library centre – (Online), Available at
https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit07/internet07_02.phtml (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 3- BasuMallick. C, 2023, What is the internet, Spiceworks (Online), Available at https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/what-is-the-internet/
(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 4- Xfinity, (ND)- Understanding the difference between internet connections- Xfinity discovery hub (Online)- Available at
https://www.xfinity.com/hub/internet/internet-connections(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 5- Thomson. A, 2022- In 2000, people were using 56K dial-up connections, Portage. Life (Online) Available at https://portage.life/article/the-evolution-of-internet-
speed-and-capacity-made-possible-by-fiber-optic-technology/ (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 6- Pelchen. L, 2024- There are 5.35 Billion internet users worldwide, Forbes Blog (Online) Available at Internet Usage Statistics In 2024 – Forbes Home (Accessed
27th July, 2024)
• Reference 7- X.Finity Discovery hub, ND- Understanding the differences between internet connection, X-Finity Discovery hub (Online), Available at Internet Connection Types:
WiFi, Broadband, DSL, Cable (xfinity.com) (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 8- Kazinik. B, 2024, The first eCommerce marketplace launches- Mayple Blog (Online)- Available at The History of eCommerce - How it All Started (mayple.com)
(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 9- Murphy C.B, 2024, What is Brick and Mortar- Investopedia Blog (Online) Available at - Brick-and-Mortar Stores: Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages
(investopedia.com) (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 10- Stouffer. C 2023, Why is my phone listening to me Norton Blog (Online), Available at Is my phone listening to me? Yes, here’s why and how to stop it – Norton
(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 11- Ionos, 2022- Five phase model (Dewey) – Ionos Blog (Online) Available at - https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/online-sales/buyer-decision-
process/ (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 12- Gelder. K. V, 2023, Online shopping behaviour in the United Kingdom- Statista blog (Online) Available at - Online shopping behavior in the United Kingdom (UK)
- statistics & facts | Statista (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 13- Restream team, 2021, The Xerox PARC live stream – Restream (Online) Available at - The Fascinating History of Live Streaming – Restream Blog (Accessed 27th
July, 2024)

12. References
• Reference 14- History tools, 2023, The Founding of YouTube (2005)- History Tools Blog (Online) Available at The Complete History of YouTube: From Humble Beginnings to
Global Video Giant – History Tools (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 15- Bump. P, 2024, Consumers increasingly rely on marketing videos from brands- Hubspot Blog (Online) Available at How Video Consumption Is Changing in 2024
[New Research] (hubspot.com) – (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 16- V. Fryer, ND- COVID Ecommerce Trends - Bigcomerce Blog (Online), Available at Understanding the COVID-19 Effect on Ecommerce + Trends | BigCommerce
(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 17- Petrosyan. A, 2019- Internet usage in the United Kingdom- Statista Blog- (Online) Available at Internet usage in the United Kingdom (UK) - Statistics & Facts |
Statista – (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Reference 18- Bocchino. S, 2023- The rise of artificial intelligence, WEBIT blog (Online) Available at- 5 Changes in technology in the last five years - Naperville, Aurora, St.
Charles | WEBIT Services (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 1- Ihtsham. A, 2023- Timeline of the development of Internet- Image- Linkedin- Available at - History of Internet (linkedin.com)- (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 2- Ahmed.H -October, 2021, History of the internet progressions, Image- Kinex- Available at - History of the Internet - How it all began? – kinex - (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 3- Bytebytego - Jan, 2024, Internet Evolution- Image- ByteByteGo- Available at- A Crash Course in Networking - ByteByteGo Newsletter (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 4- Geek for Geeks- June, 2024- Type of internet connection, Dial up connection- Image- Geek for Geeks - Available at- Types of Internet Connection – GeeksforGeeks
(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 5- Kemp. S, Jan, 2024, Internet Use Timeline- Image- Datareportal- Available at- Internet use in 2024 — DataReportal – Global Digital Insights (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 6- Santos. K- May, 2020 – Access to digital devices through Wifi- Medium Blog- Available at- Why Technology Is Important In Education | by Kimberly Santos | Medium
(Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 7- Iskiev. M – October 2023, Consumer preference on how to discover new products- Image- Hubspot Blog- Available at- The Top Channels Consumers Use to Learn About
Products [New Data] (hubspot.com) (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
Figure References

13. Figures References
• Fig 8- Ionos- August, 2022- The Buying Decision process- Image- Ionos Blog- Available at- Buyer decision process and types explained - IONOS UK (Accessed 27th July 2024),
• Fig 9- Goldstein. D, May 2021 - Streaming services statistics – Image- Mekko Graphics Blog- Available at- Top Streaming Services - Mekko Graphics (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 10- Fokina. M, March, 2024- Most popular categories for what consumers buy online – Image- Tidio Business growth blog- Available at- Online Shopping Statistics:
Ecommerce Trends for 2024 (tidio.com) (Accessed 27th July 2024)
• Fig 11- Oberlo- ND- Most popular ways to consuming video’s online – Image- Oberlo- Available at - Online Video Consumption Statistics [Updated May 2024] (oberlo.com)
(Accessed 27th July 2024)
• Fig 12- Bump. P- April 2023- Online video consumption to learn new things or to learn about a brand – Image- Hubspot Blog- Available at- How Video Consumption Is
Changing in 2024 [New Research] (hubspot.com) (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 13- Callahan. A, Sept, 2023 – Increase in remote working due to pandemic – Image- Medium blog- Available at The Rise Of Remote Work And The Digital Divide | by Aiesha
Callahan | Medium, (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 14- Carufel. R, May, 2019 – Increase in digital device usage and video/content consumption- Image- Agility Blog- Available at- Content consumption changes call for
diversification in media relations strategies - Agility PR Solutions, (Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 15- Ajeevin ND – Increase in smart technology integration into our homes- Smart home, Ajeevi- Available at- Smart Home - new (ajeevi.com) Accessed 27th July, 2024)
• Fig 16- Robinson. B- September, 2023 – Technological advancements with AI technology- Image- Forbes blog- Available at-
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2023/09/02/workers-taking-wellness-into-their-own-hands-using-ai-backed-mental-health/ (Accessed 27th July 2024)