Final answer:
The information medium that has gained popularity with businesses since the widespread use of the internet is social media, including platforms like . They have become key for business communication, marketing, and customer interactions. The internet has also influenced the news and publishing industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The information medium that has gained immense popularity with businesses since the advent of widespread internet use is social media. With the digital revolution, especially since the 1990s, businesses have embraced various platforms such as , market their products, and engage with customers in real-time. These platforms have essentially transformed into crucial channels for business communication, marketing strategies, and customer engagement. The internet has been instrumental in shaping new forms of telecommunication, giving rise to services that deliver products like computer software, financial advice, travel planning, and media content over networks at lowered costs, thereby facilitating international trade and commerce.
Moreover, the internet and social media's influence have extended to the news and publishing industries. News agencies and magazines shifted towards immediate, multimedia reporting, while the publishing industry is transitioning from print to electronic formats, such as e-books. Even political figures have recognized the significant role of social media in reaching out to the public and voters. Overall, the internet has expanded the bandwidth of communication, offering diverse, instant, and less expensive options for information sharing and commercial activities.