50 Years of Internet
The Internet as we know it today, started out as a means for researchers to connect with data on large, powerful computers at a distance. The first “connection” was on October 29, 1969. The effort was funded by ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency).
Research computers at two then four universities were the first to be connected. In time more computers were added and eventually the “ARPANET” paved the way for what we know today as the Internet. In time this network became the World Wide Web which was made accessible to the public April 30, 1993.
Even though my childhood, teen and college years were pre-Internet, I cannot imagine life without the Internet, my computer and digital devices today.
I have had a front row seat on the emergence of home computers, email, web browsers, websites, and eventually laptops, Wi-Fi, mobile phones, and tablets and the list goes on and on. I have gone through so many “learning curves,” I cannot count them all and they are still happening!
Online meetings and live-streaming are common place. Social media which is relatively recent, is practically a “utility” for communicators. We have GPS, Siri and Alexa, smart phones and smart kitchen appliances, etc. to help us. I see preschoolers sitting in shopping carts watching cartoons and videos on their parent’s phones and wonder what the world will be like when they grow up.
It is important to note that the developed world and areas with the needed infrastructure have the most access to the Internet. The lack of access for others is a limitation that impacts quality of life and economic security. Access to the Internet is one of the factors distinguishing the “haves” from the “have nots” and is an issue that we need to address even in parts of our own country.
The digital revolution has impacted communications, news media, economies, education, medicine, security, and commerce in ways unimaginable before the Internet. The Internet is being used for so many good things, but of course, there are those who are using it for harm. That good/evil reality is true of every human endeavor and advancement. As in so many situations, we must follow the good and protect ourselves, those we love and serve, and our missions from the evil. We must be prudent, but we must not shrink from the opportunities these new methods and means provide for us who are missionary disciples today.
My motto is: The Internet is a mission field. Let’s be there. The Internet is a mission tool. Let’s use it.
How do you feel about the Internet?
Here are two articles about the 50 years of the Internet, you may find interesting. I used them for some of the information in this blog.