From parenting techniques to macrame: 13 women on the very important things the internet has taught them.

The internet has taught us, in short, everything we know. 

While we're sure people got by just fine before googling even became a verb (although we're not sure how), it's no secret that the internet shook the modern world as we know it. It's revealed truths, it's brought injustice to light, it's generally made human civilisation more connected and informed, and also taught us how to be... functioning human beings. With tutorials.

Of course, there is no internet – meaning NO search engines, no streaming, no social platforms – without a good, strong modem to do the heavy lifting. 

Gone are the days when we nagged our brothers for a turn on the dial-up family computer, when the new Optus Ultra WiFi Modem exists. As someone who works on the internet, learns from the internet and connects socially through the internet – I've always relied on a strong and sturdy internet connection to keep me going. Heck, haven't we all. The best thing about the Optus Ultra WiFi Modem is that it does its job. Very well.

Optus' new Modem guarantees that the internet is reliably speedy, that video tutorials or gamers won't have their entertainment buffering or lagging, and that there will be a strong connection in every corner of the house. 

To show just how much we need a WiFi connection, Mamamia reached out to our wider community to ask women what exact life (or any) skill the internet has taught actually them. 

Below, 13 women share their greatest lessons and learnings with us. 

"The internet genuinely taught me how to cut my hair. Specifically my bangs – because I was craving something short and sweet. I also dyed my hair myself that day (I'm a natural blonde) from learning online what NOT to do. Thanks, internet." - Clarice Wood.

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"The internet taught me how to make Alison Roman's famous shallot pasta recipe... and it's now the favourite, most cost-effective dish in my recipe book. I also learned how to scrabble words – if you want to figure out if a word is actually classified, I recommend you cheat and just Google it." - Andi Baulderstone.

"The internet actually taught me how to make macrame, and I’ve been creating and selling wall-hangings, rainbows and baby mobiles as a side hustle ever since. I've watched HOURS of free tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube, and credit all that beautiful free content for teaching me all the techniques (– it’s also SO mesmerising to watch someone make macrame, I’d recommend watching them even if you don’t even plan on making anything from them… lol). Selling them on Facebook Marketplace and local markets helped me then make enough money to buy my car!" - Shell Webb.

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"The internet taught me which actors have been in what. Because you know when you watch anything on Netflix and just google the cast list and check where you've seen them before?! How did I used to watch stuff BEFORE!?" - Laura Jackel.

"The internet taught me... well, how to parent. That's the long and short of it!" - Michelle Fry.

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"The internet taught me the most insane beauty trends I've ever seen. I would have never known about blush on the forehead or even something as basic as nose contouring without online beauty content and TikTok. I feel like my entire personality was formed on the internet, lol." - Shannen Findlay.

"The internet taught me it is okay to solo travel and that I'm not alone in being a bit wanderlust. I haven't travelled internationally yet, but I went road-tripping for two years across the eastern coast of Australia. There were so many hard lessons and beautiful learnings. I had to stop because my van carked it on me. Unfortunately, the internet couldn't teach me how to make an engine brand new again, but I'll happily pass that onto the pros." - Jessica King.

"The internet taught me about having a baby. I thought I wouldn't be able to do it. And then I did it. She's two years old now and she's perfect. Well - not perfect... but she is wonderful. We actually all play lots and lots of games online, and stream movies for the kids – her big cousin visits often, as everyone in the family knows I have unlimited data on my home internet plan (haha)." - Chelsea Takiari.

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"The internet taught be about technology demos on YouTube, so thanks to that free education, I now know how to use mics, cameras and software." - Cassie Merritt.

"I never knew about skincare! I was literally washing my face with soap when I ran out of cleanser. And scrubbing it with a facial scrub which is better suited as sandpaper. Praise the internet." - Pip Lamb.

"The internet taught me how to plan a wedding and where I should even get married. We chose a place a few hours from Sydney. It was on a farm and we said our vows in front of our closest friends and family, and a few curious ducks as well. I wouldn't have known where to begin if I didn't have the internet, imagine planning a wedding without it..." - Jamilla Richards.

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"When I was younger, mental health was rarely talked about in my household. So when I started experiencing symptoms of anxiety, I turned to the internet to help me figure out what was going on in my head, as the initial step. I was able to discover what anxiety is, the fact that lots of us experience it, and I was also able to find the contact details of a great psychologist in my area and book an appointment. That access to information is so important." - Isabella Ross.

And I have the online world and the sheer breadth of information available online to thank for that.

Great things in life come from having better home internet. Be in control with seriously fast and reliable WiFi, thanks to Optus’ Ultra WiFi modem. Get the next-gen WiFi modem included in select Optus nbn plans.

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.

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