INTERNET

The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and other devices that allows
for the transmission and exchange of data and information. It enables communication,
access to vast amounts of information, online services, and collaboration across
geographical boundaries. The internet operates through a system of interconnected
networks using standardized communication protocols, such as TCP/IP (Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). It encompasses a wide range of services, including the
World Wide Web, email, file transfer, online gaming, social media, and much more. The
internet has become an integral part of modern life, impacting virtually every aspect of
society, from business and education to entertainment and personal communication.

INVENTED BY

The internet was not invented by a single person, but rather developed through the
collaborative efforts of many individuals and organizations over time. It originated from the
ARPANET project, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research
Projects Agency (ARPA) in the late 1960s. The goal was to create a network that could
withstand a nuclear attack and ensure communication between different computers.

Important contributions came from pioneers like Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn, who
developed the TCP/IP protocol suite that forms the foundation of the internet. Tim
Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web, which made the internet more
user-friendly and accessible to the general public.

USES OF INTERNET

The internet has a wide range of uses, including:

1. Communication: Email, instant messaging, and social media platforms for connecting with
others.

2. Information access: Researching topics, accessing news and current events, and finding
educational resources.

3. Entertainment: Streaming movies, music, and videos, online gaming, and reading blogs or
articles.

4. E-commerce: Online shopping, banking, and financial transactions.

5. Education: Online courses, tutorials, and resources for learning new skills or subjects.

6. Work: Remote work, video conferencing, and accessing work-related resources.

7. Social networking: Connecting with friends, family, and professional contacts through
various social media platforms.
8. Collaboration: Working on group projects, sharing documents, and collaborating with
others online.

9. Access to government services: Filing taxes, applying for permits, and accessing
government information and resources.

10. Research and development: Accessing scientific papers, collaborating with researchers,
and sharing findings with the global community.

THE EMERGENCE OF INTERNET AS MASS MEDIUM

The emergence of the internet as a mass medium has been a game-changer. Back in the
day, the internet was mainly used for research and communication, but as technology
advanced, it became more accessible to the general public. With the rise of personal
computers and the development of user-friendly interfaces, the internet started to gain
popularity.

One of the key factors in the internet's mass adoption was the introduction of the World Wide
Web in the early 1990s. This allowed for the creation of websites and the easy sharing of
information. Suddenly, people could access a wealth of knowledge, news, and entertainment
with just a few clicks.

As more people got connected to the internet, it became a platform for various forms of
media. Traditional media outlets, like newspapers, magazines, and television, recognized the
potential of the internet and started to establish their online presence. They began publishing
articles, broadcasting shows, and even streaming live events online.

With the internet, anyone could become a content creator. Social media platforms emerged,
allowing individuals to share their thoughts, photos, and videos with the world. This led to the
democratization of media, giving a voice to people who were previously unheard.

The internet also revolutionized the advertising industry. Online advertising became more
targeted and personalized, allowing businesses to reach specific audiences more effectively.
This shift in advertising revenue impacted traditional media, as advertisers started to allocate
more of their budgets to online platforms.

Today, the internet is an integral part of our daily lives. It has transformed how we access
information, consume media, and interact with others. It continues to evolve, shaping the
future of mass media and communication.

WORLD WIDE WEB

The World Wide Web (WWW), often referred to simply as the web, is a system of
interconnected documents and resources linked by hyperlinks and URLs (Uniform Resource
Locators). It was created by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 and became
publicly accessible in 1991. The web operates over the internet and allows users to access
and share information, multimedia content, and applications using a web browser.
The World Wide Web is built on the foundation of hypertext, which allows for non-linear
navigation of information. This means that users can easily jump from one document to
another by clicking on hyperlinks. The web also supports multimedia elements such as
images, videos, and interactive content.

Key components of the World Wide Web include web pages (documents written in HTML or
other markup languages), web servers (computers that store and deliver web content), web
browsers (software applications used to access and view web pages), and web standards
(such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) that govern the creation and display of web content.

The World Wide Web has revolutionized communication, commerce, education, and
entertainment, becoming an essential part of modern life. It has enabled the rapid exchange
of information, the growth of e-commerce, online education, social networking, and countless
other applications that have transformed how people interact with information and with each
other.