Running Head: INTERNET
1
Internet
Name
Institution
Internet
Introduction
The world is gradually becoming a global village due to the humongous technological advances that are currently taking place because of the internet. The internet is mainly a global system, which consist of interconnected computer networks, which utilize a standard TCP/IP (internet protocol suite). This standard TCP/IP links together numerous billion devices around the world. The internet is therefore an international network of several networks, which consist of millions of government, business, and academic, public, and private packet switched networks (Bodden, 2008). These packets switched networks are linked through a wide array of optical, wireless, and electronic networking technologies. It is paramount to note that the internet carries a humongous variety of information services and resources, such as the WWW (Worldwide Wide Web) applications and the infrastructure, which supports email. Others include information services and resources include peer-to-peer networks for telephony and file sharing as well as interlinked hypertext documents (Bodden, 2008). This study will expound on the internet technology as well as outline how it affects the society through psychological and sociological effects.
History of the internet
The internet’s origins can be traced back to extensive research that was commissioned by the government of the United States, mainly in the 1960s to build a fault-tolerant and robust communication through computer networks. However, there are other authoritative sources, which state that the internet history began with the electronic computer development, which took place in the 1950s. These sources state that the initial packet-networking concept originated in numerous computer science laboratories mainly in France, Great Britain, and in the United States (Hamilton, 2005).
In addition, in the 1960s, the US Department of Defense awarded various contracts for the development of packet network systems, which included the ARPANET development, which was the first network to utilize the IP (Internet Protocol). These developments have gradually advanced to what is currently referred to as the internet. The science that is associated with the internet involves the linking of billions of interconnected devices, which are able to communicate with each other, as well as sharing information (Tkacz, 2009).
How the internet technology affects the society
The internet has greatly revolutionized many aspects of the society, which include how people view the entire world, how people communicate globally, how people socialize as well as how people conduct their businesses. The internet has enabled people from all walks-of-life and from any location in this world to communicate easily and effectively with each other from a click of a button. The internet has established social platforms, which enable people to communicate.
1. Running Head: INTERNET
1
Internet
Name
Institution
Internet
Introduction
The world is gradually becoming a global village due to the
humongous technological advances that are currently taking
place because of the internet. The internet is mainly a global
system, which consist of interconnected computer networks,
which utilize a standard TCP/IP (internet protocol suite). This
standard TCP/IP links together numerous billion devices around
the world. The internet is therefore an international network of
several networks, which consist of millions of government,
business, and academic, public, and private packet switched
networks (Bodden, 2008). These packets switched networks are
linked through a wide array of optical, wireless, and electronic
networking technologies. It is paramount to note that the
internet carries a humongous variety of information services
and resources, such as the WWW (Worldwide Wide Web)
applications and the infrastructure, which supports email.
Others include information services and resources include peer-
to-peer networks for telephony and file sharing as well as
interlinked hypertext documents (Bodden, 2008). This study
will expound on the internet technology as well as outline how
it affects the society through psychological and sociological
effects.
2. History of the internet
The internet’s origins can be traced back to extensive research
that was commissioned by the government of the United States,
mainly in the 1960s to build a fault-tolerant and robust
communication through computer networks. However, there are
other authoritative sources, which state that the internet history
began with the electronic computer development, which took
place in the 1950s. These sources state that the initial packet-
networking concept originated in numerous computer science
laboratories mainly in France, Great Britain, and in the United
States (Hamilton, 2005).
In addition, in the 1960s, the US Department of Defense
awarded various contracts for the development of packet
network systems, which included the ARPANET development,
which was the first network to utilize the IP (Internet Protocol).
These developments have gradually advanced to what is
currently referred to as the internet. The science that is
associated with the internet involves the linking of billions of
interconnected devices, which are able to communicate with
each other, as well as sharing information (Tkacz, 2009).
How the internet technology affects the society
The internet has greatly revolutionized many aspects of the
society, which include how people view the entire world, how
people communicate globally, how people socialize as well as
how people conduct their businesses. The internet has enabled
people from all walks-of-life and from any location in this
world to communicate easily and effectively with each other
from a click of a button. The internet has established social
platforms, which enable people to communicate, socialize and
share ideas from any corner of the world (Bodden, 2008).
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Skype, LinkedIn, and
3. Google chat are examples of technologies that have been
established because of the internet. Commercial companies have
also utilized these platforms for the purposes of marketing their
products. These commercial companies also update their
potential and existing customers with the latest trends. Such
platforms have also been use spread the latest news by media
houses, which ensures that people are always updated (Tkacz,
2009).
The psychological effects of the internet technology on the
society
The internet has been able to enlighten and inform people on
any subject in this world. A person can easily utilize the
internet to get any information regarding anything in this world
and this has effectively led to people becoming informed and
knowledgeable. The internet has also transformed how people
view the world since the internet has opened up the entire
world. People are able to learn the cultures of other people in
any part of the world just from a click of a button. The internet
has also made it possible for people around the world to interact
with each other through providing a cheaper platform whereby
they do not have to travel to other places to meet people or
conduct their businesses (Hamilton, 2005).
People are able to transact their business and do their shopping
through the internet and this has significantly reduced
transportation costs. The internet is the most convenient
platform for a person to gather information about a particular
firm or organization. The internet has also made it possible for
people to get an education from their location through online
education. The internet has provided an ideal learning platform
where people learn from their locations globally and share ideas
with other students from other parts of the world (Bodden,
2008).
4. The sociological effects of the internet technology on the
society
The internet has made it possible for people from any corner of
the world to socialize effectively. This has led to people
knowing more about each other without necessarily travelling to
their locations. Family members are able to communicate and
share photos as well as update each other through the internet.
Thus, the internet has provided a valuable link among family
members since they can share and discuss family matters at ease
without having to travel back home for such meetings. This
method is cost effective and people are able to save to do other
tasks. People are also able to communicate through email
(Tkacz, 2009).
Globalization
The internet has a changed the world economy since many
companies have gone back to the drawing board to re-strategies
on their policy. This is because the internet has established
what is commonly referred as globalization. Globalization has
led to companies being able to conduct business in any part of
the world since the internet has offered an international
exposure to companies. The internet has enabled companies to
market their goods and products to the entire world and this has
generated extra income for them. These companies have to
embrace the internet for them to remain relevant in the business
world (Bodden, 2008).
Conclusion
It is evident that the internet has transformed the entire world
and it has affected all the societal aspects both psychologically
and sociologically. The internet has numerous merits as
compared to its demerits and this is the paramount reason why
5. people around the world are embracing the internet technology.
The internet technology is gradually changing and people as
well as organizations should ensure that they are up-to-date
with the latest trends. The internet is indeed a phenomenon that
cannot be ignored since it has influenced the society and it will
continue to affect it. The internet is an integral part of today’s
life and this is the major reason why many people are always on
their PCs (personal computers), smart phones, and on the
internet busy conducting their businesses. The internet has also
revolutionized how people conduct their official duties. The
majority of the people are nowadays working from their homes
and they do not have to go to the offices. This has enabled
companies to reduce their office rental costs and recent research
by authoritative scholars has shown that people who work at
their own convenience have higher productivity. This internet
phenomenon should be encouraged globally.
References
Bodden, V. (2008). Internet. Mankato, Minn: Creative
Education.
Hamilton, J. (2005). Internet. Edina, MN: Abdo Pub.
Tkacz, E. (2009). Internet: Technical development and
applications. Berlin: Springer.