Final answer:
The Coronavirus pandemic has led to advancements in digital technology and increased reliance on the internet for communication, with platforms like Zoom and social media becoming vital. This advancement has seen both positives, like improved communications, and negatives, such as educational inequalities and increased stress. It is important to balance the benefits with an awareness of potential downsides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Coronavirus pandemic has had a mixed impact on the internet and its users. In terms of online communication, there has been a surge in the use of digital platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Sky-pe, which have become essential for professional, educational, and personal interactions. However, the increase in internet reliance also brings to light some negative consequences such as the exacerbation of educational inequalities, stress and mental health issues, along with highlighting societal reliance on essential workers.
Changes in internet infrastructure have been substantial, with improvements to accommodate higher traffic as remote work and online services increased in demand. The effect on social media usage has also been profound, with platforms playing a critical role in spreading information, but also misinformation. Moreover, the pandemic has contributed to advancements in digital technology, as new tools and platforms have been developed and existing ones have been refined to meet new communication needs. Despite these positives, there has been concern about the monopolization of the internet by big tech companies, the spread of consumerism, and unequal access to technology.
The key is to balance the beneficial aspects of improved internet and social media technologies with an awareness of their potential downsides. To mitigate these effects, one could advocate for more equitable access to technology, enhanced digital literacy, and regulations to prevent the spread of misinformation.