Man, modern technology is really something. When you stop for a moment and think a bit about it, it's really mind-blowing. So I'm just gonna gush a bit.
My Samsung Galaxy S2 is getting a bit screwy so I decided that it's time to buy a new phone (it's almost 3 years old, I've had it for a big longer than 2 years).
First: The InternetThe vast amount of information available these days is insane. We have never lived in a more prosperous age. Not only that, information has been organized quite a bit in the past decade. The Internet used to be filled with lots of shit (it still is), but today you can find all the information you need very easily. I searched a bit through
gsmarena.com to find a phone that I'd like to buy. They have this search engine with extensive options and you can find just the phone you want very easily. I decided that I'll buy a Sony Xperia ZL.
Second: GlobalizationAfter picking the phone, I have to find a place where I can buy one. Turns out that the phone isn't actually available in my country so small ads or carrier deals won't work for me. Luckily, the Internet still provides another solution: eBay. I found a seller that's stationed in Germany so I wouldn't have to pay import taxes or wait too much. My SIM card burned out the other day and I don't want to get a new one until I have my phone (which uses a micro SIM card, but my current one is the regular one).
Third: Online PaymentPayPal, duh. I easily paid for the phone using PayPal. It's great that you don't have to go anywhere. You just login, confirm and it's done. The future is now. And it's nothing less awesome that they said it would be.
Fourth: More GlobalizationThe phone is already on its way via DHL. I paid for it yesterday and it will probably arrive next week or so (I don't expect it to arrive over the weekend). In other words, I bought a phone that isn't available in my country without having to leave my chair and it will even be delivered to my doorstep. Tell me that the future isn't awesome.
And I'm just mentioning a few things here. The Internet is obviously the key element here, but you get the idea. Want to learn Japanese? You have the Internet. Looking to buy groceries and get them delivered home? Internet. Need some info and references for your essay? Wikipedia/Internet. Bored and want to watch a movie? Netflix/Torrents/Internet. Feeling lonely and want to talk to someone? Forum/Internet. Horny, but have no partner? Internet porn. Making travel plans and buying plane tickets? Internet. Want to sell your stuff? Internet. Want to become a rock star and have your own website? Internet.
Seriously, this is the future. And it's awesome. It's a shame that people have gotten so used to it that they don't see its awesomeness and the potential it has.