In the modern age, technology has advanced faster than anybody could have expected. With over 99% of adults in the United States using the Internet on a consistent basis, it’s clear that technology is the way of the future. It’s currently estimated that 127 new devices connect to the Internet every second, going to show just how widespread Internet hardware has become.
However, each piece of hardware that connects to the internet relies on advanced software for its internal functions. As software has evolved along with hardware, the capability of that hardware has increased exponentially. The software has allowed for major global developments that wouldn’t have been possible prior to the digital age.
What is Software?
While hardware is any piece of technology that’s physical, software is the nontangible technology that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it. For example, your computer keyboard is a piece of hardware, but the software within your computer actually causes letters to appear on the screen when you interact with the hardware.
Without software, hardware such as a keyboard would essentially just be a paperweight. While not recognized as being important, the software has played a major role in the development of technology around the world over the years. In fact, the software has begun to become so advanced that the need for physical hardware is decreasing on a rapid basis, potentially serving as the next major technological development.
What Does Software Do?
The keyboard example from above is just a small sample of what software actually does. Getting more granular, the software is a set of instructions based on data or programs that is used to operate computers to complete specific tasks. There are two primary types of software in existence: application and system software.
Application software refers to any software that is used to perform one specific purpose, whereas system software allows a computer to function and is essentially the foundation that application software runs off of. An example of application software could be Microsoft Word, whereas system software would be the Apple iPhone Operating System.
While the nuances of software can certainly be confusing to anybody without extensive knowledge within the field, the effects of software on the world have been seen by everybody.
How Has Software Changed the World?
In reality, there are no shortage of ways in which software has touched the different aspects of the world. It has become so prominent that many people use software consistently on a daily basis for everything from small to large tasks. The below seven ways in which software has impacted the world are truly just the tip of the iceberg:
- Allowed people to find lost connections in the world
While utilizing modern software to find lost connections may not be the first idea that pops into your head, it’s one unique way that software has changed everything. Life gets busy, and people can lose contact with one another over time. Reconnecting with those people used to be impossible before the rise of technology.
Nowadays, however, all a person needs is another’s first and last name, along with the last known location, and people search sites can locate potential matches for that individual. These matches are determined using information pulled from public records, which means it’s a completely legal way of finding lost connections in the world.
- Lightning-fast access to virtually any data
Never has there been a time before in history when the average person has access to whatever data they may need instantly. The answer to a myriad of questions is no more than a Google search away. The only downside to this benefit brought about by software is that data can be inaccurate or modified.
- Introduced the concept of “telehealth.”
For those who don’t have the means to reach a doctor or for those who simply prefer staying in the comfort of their home, telehealth allows individuals to connect with doctors from around the world who can provide their services. By using video chatting platforms such as Zoom or even just chatting virtually, doctors can now provide health services to anyone, anywhere.
- Created an entire industry around online shopping
In the old days, major shopping holidays such as Black Friday resulted in hordes of people at physical retail stores. Now, however, digital Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales have become far more popular. In fact, online Black Friday sales in 2022 topped $9 billion, breaking the prior record.
- Changed how companies market products or services
Marketing used to require purchasing billboards to advertise a product, but nowadays, complex algorithms target ads to those who are most likely to purchase the product. The software has allowed advertising to move completely digital and has allowed companies to increase their revenues faster than they ever thought possible.
- Created new job opportunities
The software has allowed for new job opportunities in two ways: new jobs developing software and digital jobs over the Internet. Software developers are some of the highest-paid employees seen today, going to shows how important this career path is. Additionally, the gig economy has been able to develop solely because the software has advanced. Companies such as DoorDash and Uber wouldn’t exist if not for the development of software.
- Introduced artificial intelligence to the world
Finally, artificial intelligence is one of the newest, as well as most complex, forms of software that is in development today. Being able to perform tasks that normally require a human touch, artificial intelligence systems could automate many of the processes that exist within society.
The Bottom Line
Software is unique in that it’s not some tangible item that can be touched. However, while you may not be able to touch software, you can see the widespread effects of the technology. Used in everything from business processes to daily life, the software is the future of the world. Understanding the changes that it has caused in the past can help anybody understand the changes software will spark in the future.
