This is the 21st century,, and there is no doubt that the world has already turned into a global village. Internet and media cover every nook and corner of the world, and no place is too far. Information is available to everyone at their fingertips, and technological advancements take over every walk of our lives.
People can now set up their business brand while sitting in the comforts of their homes. It’s needless to be said that all these privileges were not available a century back. The planet has gradually transformed into a “global village,” a coin termed by Marshall McLuhan back in 1964. But how did the idea come about, and what led the world to become a global village? Let’s find out.
Information
Access to information is not an easy thing until a few years ago. Remember the days when you had to skim through numerous books at the library and newspapers to know something? The industrial revolution brought in the first bout of change, and globalization made it possible for people to know everything about what’s happening in another part of the world.
Today, you don’t need newspapers, and you have access to all kinds of information. Staying updated all round the clock is a cakewalk these days. The media plays an important role. Though people still watch television, the use of smartphones can keep you informed on the go. You can enquire about just anything online without any hassle.
Communication
As had been the case with information, communicating, or staying in touch with each other in those yesteryears was quite tough. Before post offices came into place, people had to visit the home of the individual they wanted to communicate with.
However, that was possible only if they were in the same town or could spare more than a few days traveling. In today’s world, the internet has revolutionized the entire scenario, and we can contact people no matter how far away they are. All you need now is to pick up your phone, message, or call anyone living in any part of the world. The evolution of phones to the internet and social media communication became an easy thing in the past decade. The communication barrier no longer exists.
Cultural Barrier
Before the advent of telecommunications and the internet, the main hindrance was the cultural barrier. The cultural differences led to misinformation and misconception. While the world has turned into a global village now, it has become quite easy for an individual to get conversant with different cultures worldwide.
The media has been able to connect everyone to everyone across the globe. Several events are held every year like Paris Fashion Week, Dubai Shopping Festival, Calabar Festival, Lagos Fashion and Design Week, etc. had quite broken the cultural barrier and break any misconception that existed before globalization happened.
Trade
The trade happened by barter back in the old days. However, there were certain hurdles as people had to buy something in exchange for something. Nowadays, you surely wouldn’t want to buy a bag in exchange for a shoe as you can buy a bag anywhere. Nowadays, you can order anything online sitting on a couch at your home, and get it right at your doorstep.
Globalization has completely revolutionized trading, and the physical market today has turned into an online market. A majority of the people prefer to buy their goods from an online platform to visiting the offline markets. Therefore, the offline markets are now gearing up to take their business online. This way, they will reach a wider audience and make trading between countries a lot easier.
Creative Awareness
People used to be creative geniuses back then. But, they had no opportunity to display their talent. Owing to globalization, people can showcase their creations on the internet and allow people to witness their artistry. This way, indigenous culture is getting exposed to people across the planet, and that’s a plus point.
Globalization has modernized several nations that were not so economically strong. Globalization broke a lot of barriers, and people have come closer to each other. However, we are sure this is just the beginning, and technologically we will see a lot more advances in the years ahead!