📱intro to communication studies review

key term - World wide web

Definition

The world wide web is an information system that allows documents and resources to be linked via hyperlinks and accessed through the internet. It revolutionized communication by providing a platform for sharing information, creating social connections, and enabling commerce, fundamentally changing how people interact with mass media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The world wide web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while he was working at CERN, aiming to facilitate information sharing among researchers.
  2. The first website was launched in 1991, serving as a demonstration of the capabilities of the web and its potential for connecting information.
  3. The introduction of web browsers like Mosaic in 1993 made it easier for users to navigate the web, leading to rapid growth in web usage.
  4. The world wide web played a crucial role in the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, leading to significant investment in internet businesses and e-commerce.
  5. Social media platforms emerged from the foundation of the world wide web, transforming how people communicate and share content online.

Review Questions

  • How did the invention of the world wide web impact the way information is shared and consumed compared to traditional mass media?
    • The invention of the world wide web dramatically shifted how information is shared and consumed. Unlike traditional mass media, which often had one-way communication from producers to consumers, the web enabled a two-way interaction where users can not only access but also create and share content. This interactivity led to a democratization of information, allowing anyone with internet access to publish their ideas and opinions, which significantly changed the landscape of mass communication.
  • Evaluate the role of web browsers in making the world wide web accessible to the general public.
    • Web browsers played a pivotal role in making the world wide web user-friendly and accessible to everyone. Before browsers like Mosaic and Netscape Navigator, navigating the web required technical knowledge. The development of intuitive graphical interfaces allowed even non-technical users to browse websites easily. This accessibility contributed to the explosive growth of internet use in the 1990s and helped integrate the web into daily life as a primary source of information and communication.
  • Synthesize how the evolution of the world wide web has influenced modern societal changes, particularly in communication and commerce.
    • The evolution of the world wide web has significantly influenced modern society by transforming communication and commerce. The rise of social media platforms has changed how people interact, allowing for real-time sharing of ideas and fostering global connections. In commerce, businesses have adapted to an online marketplace, leading to e-commerce's dominance over traditional retail. This shift has also driven changes in consumer behavior, as people now expect instant access to information and services online. The convergence of these factors illustrates how the world wide web has reshaped everyday life and societal norms.