The vastness of the internet has sparked a communication revolution across the world, vastly heightening our societal connection and capability to achieve grandeur feats.  However, what truly is the internet? Superficially, I would respond that it’s a network of computers that grants one access to practically limitless information about the world, whether that be through social media, news outlets, commercial websites, or online academic resources.  However, that is only half the answer.  That explains the uses of the Internet but not its inner functioning.  See, a majority today take Twitter, online shopping, and Netflix for granted, not realizing the complexity and challenges the creators of the internet had to overcome.

During the 1960s when the Internet was first being fabricated, computers were limited in quantity, speed, and capability compared to today’s products.  Consequently, not only was it extremely difficult to connect the computers in a network, but many didn’t even see a need or desire to do so.  They didn’t see a need to access data on other computers or for anyone else to access the data on their own computers.  Albeit, their computers did not do much at the time.  However, it’s still striking that what is now the cornerstone of human life was once deemed unnecessary, a major theme in the development of technology. People seem to never realize the usefulness or productive power of technology until they personally use it. Whether it be the internet, smartphone, tablet, virtual reality, or smartwatch, much of society is critical of the new technology and deem it extravagant initially, until they personally use the technology, discovering its potential to improve their lives.

It’s quite fascinating also that the few bright, innovative individuals who saw a need for the internet all had largely varying reasons for and needs from it. First, let’s examine Paul Baran. It was the height of the Cold War and Baran was fearful that during a nuclear attack, the American communications network would crash, causing even greater chaos than the devastating effects of the weaponry itself.  Thus, Baran desired a resiliently interconnected network between the computers in the United States that could withstand a nuclear attack.  He also proposed to share the network with the Soviet Union, so that neither side could be completely crippled in the event of a nuclear war.  Then, there was Bob Taylor, who wanted to connect the three computers in his office together and for universities to share their research and resources with each other; Joseph Licklider, who envisioned interactive, symbiosis computing; and a few others. Together, these brave men formed the origins of the internet.

The internet originates from the Arpanet, funded by ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) and developed by the consulting agency BBN.  A fascinating facet of the creation of the original Arpanet is that the culture developed then has withstood the test of time on the internet.  The original founders of the internet promoted a free-spirited, open, agile environment.   The BBN was a small, non-bureaucratic consulting group that had a loose, whimsical culture.  They took on projects at their hearts’ desires.  Their way of approaching life set the foundation for the culture fostered on the internet.  The internet is an open and free place to share ideas, explore the universe, express your opinions, and create whatever your heart desires.  The epitome of this culture is embodied in Reddit, the self-proclaimed home page of the internet.  Had ARPA picked a bureaucratic group to construct the internet rather than the BBN, the internet and its culture would be unidentifiable today.  It wouldn’t be the space of free thought and personal connection it is today, and I think that’s truly incredible.

Overall, the internet and its complexities are absolutely captivating, and I am ecstatic to see what this seminar has in store for all of us!