Technology can play a huge part in making a better, and more efficient society

Today is Safer Internet Day and the theme this year is "Let's create a better internet together".

Personally, I like the idea of a "better" internet. And while a safer internet should always be a priority for all users, a better internet hints at the altruistic side of the digital world, and its potential to help others and society as a whole.

Many people say the internet and smartphones have eroded our community's spirit and are playing a large part in the collapse of relationships and the death of society.  I say that technology can play a huge part in making a better, and more efficient society.

Take grocery shopping. In the pre-internet era, a simple trip to the supermarket was often a scary and dangerous experience. Some of the many hazards to be navigated included unruly rogue trolleys, kids screaming for the sugary treats that were displayed cunningly at their eye level and the demoralizing possibility of picking the slowest checkout queue. These days all of that can be sidestepped by ordering your groceries online and having them delivered to your doorstep. Now that's a better internet in action.

There are countless Facebook groups, forums and YouTube channels dedicated to helping people get answers to simple questions, from fixing broken electronics to sharing knowledge about software products to composting.

Here are a few examples of websites that can make our lives better

How can you help someone online? Start a blog, contribute to community forums and online discussions. You never know who might benefit from your knowledge.

On a more technical note you still need to use strong passwords. If you use a password manager (free of commercial) you can create separate/strong password for each site. This will be a godsend when a hacker finally breaks into site xyz, they can't use your username and password for other sites you use.

See you online.