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The internet has become an integral part of our lives, shaping the way we communicate,
work, and access information. While we use it daily, there’s a wealth of fascinating
information about the internet that many people are unaware of. Here are 18 things you may
not have known about this digital marvel:
1. Internet’s Humble Beginnings: The internet, born in the late 1960s, was initially called ARPANET and designed for military and academic purposes.
2. The First Email: The first email was sent in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson, who used the “@” symbol to separate the user from the computer.
3. The First Website: The world’s first website, created by Tim Berners-Lee, went live in 1991. It was dedicated to information about the World Wide Web.
4. The Concept of ‘Surfing the Web’: The term “surfing the web” was popularized in the 1990s, referring to the act of navigating the internet through hyperlinks.
5. The First Domain Name: The first domain name ever registered was “symbolics.com” on March 15, 1985. It belonged to a computer manufacturer.
6. Internet Speed Records: Researchers in the Czech Republic set a record in 2020, achieving an internet speed of 44.2 terabits per second.
7. The Internet’s Physical Size: The internet’s total length of fiber-optic cables is estimated to be long enough to wrap around the Earth more than 7,500 times.
8. Internet Takedown in Sweden: In 2012, a woman in Sweden accidentally took down the internet in her country for a day while trying to disconnect a cable.
9. The World’s Most Active Internet Users: As of 2021, the Philippines holds the title for the most hours spent online per day, with an average of about 10 hours and 56 minutes.
10. The Internet’s Environmental Impact: The internet’s carbon footprint is estimated to be on par with the global aviation industry, generating approximately 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
11. First Webcam: The world’s first webcam was set up at the University of Cambridge to monitor a coffee pot. It allowed users to check if coffee was available.
12. China’s ‘Great Firewall’: China has an extensive internet censorship system, known as the “Great Firewall,” which restricts access to various websites and online content.
13. The Internet’s Underwater Cables: Submarine cables crisscross the ocean floor, connecting continents. They transmit over 99% of international data.
14. Internet Addiction: The term “internet addiction disorder” (IAD) was first coined by Dr. Ivan Goldberg in 1995. It’s characterized by excessive internet use that interferes with daily life.
15. Internet Users by Language: As of 2021, English is the most common language usedon the internet, followed by Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
16. Internet of Things (IoT): The number of connected IoT devices is projected to reach 35 billion by 2021, with applications ranging from smart home appliances to industrial systems.
17. The Internet in Space: The International Space Station (ISS) has an internet connection, allowing astronauts to stay in touch with the world.
18. The First Banner Ad: The first-ever banner ad appeared on the web in 1994 and promoted AT&T’s “You Will” campaign. It had a click-through rate of 44%.
The internet continues to evolve, and its impact on society grows daily. It’s a vast, intricate
network with a rich history, and understanding its inner workings can help us navigate this
digital landscape more effectively. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, the
internet’s capacity to surprise and inform is virtually limitless.
