Internet

Definition

The internet is a global network of interconnected computers that allows for the transmission and exchange of data through various protocols. It serves as a backbone for communication, commerce, and information sharing across the world, fundamentally transforming how individuals and businesses operate. By facilitating real-time communication and access to information, the internet has significantly influenced economic globalization and technological interconnectedness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The internet was initially developed in the 1960s as a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense known as ARPANET.
2. By enabling multinational corporations to operate across borders seamlessly, the internet has been a key driver of economic globalization.
3. The rise of social media platforms on the internet has changed how individuals interact socially and politically, influencing movements worldwide.
4. Technological advancements such as cloud computing and big data analytics are made possible through the infrastructure of the internet, enhancing business operations.
5. The internet has contributed to a more interconnected world, allowing real-time communication across different time zones, which facilitates global collaboration.

Review Questions

• How has the internet facilitated the operations of multinational corporations in a global economy?
  • The internet allows multinational corporations to connect with customers, suppliers, and partners worldwide, streamlining communication and enhancing collaboration. Through online platforms, these corporations can manage logistics, marketing, and sales operations in real time. This connectivity enables businesses to respond quickly to market demands, adapt to changes in consumer behavior, and maintain competitive advantages on a global scale.
• Evaluate the impact of the internet on social movements and political activism around the world.
  • The internet has significantly empowered social movements by providing platforms for organizing, mobilizing, and raising awareness. Activists can share information rapidly, reach a larger audience, and create networks that transcend geographical boundaries. The use of social media during events like the Arab Spring illustrates how the internet can facilitate political change by uniting diverse groups under common causes while also giving voice to marginalized communities.
• Analyze how the growth of the internet has led to both opportunities and challenges in addressing the digital divide within different societies.
  • As the internet continues to grow, it creates opportunities for education, economic advancement, and social interaction. However, this growth also highlights the digital divide between those with access to high-speed internet and technology and those without. Addressing this divide is essential for ensuring equitable access to resources; without it, vulnerable populations may fall further behind in education and economic opportunities. Efforts to bridge this gap require investment in infrastructure as well as policy initiatives aimed at making technology accessible to all.

Related terms

World Wide Web: A system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet, allowing users to view and navigate web pages using a browser.

E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, which has revolutionized traditional retail and expanded market reach.

Digital Divide: The gap between those who have easy access to the internet and technology, and those who do not, often leading to social and economic disparities.