Today, September 2, 2009, that fresh-faced, rebellious youngster known as the Internet turns 40. Yes, two-score years ago, the first message was passed from one computer to another in a lab at the University of California. That first message was comprised of meaningless data, thereby setting the stage for much of what would follow on the Net in years to come. Not since the creation of barber shops and beauty parlors has there been such an efficient method for spreading misinformation. Twenty years after that test run, a chap named Tim Berners-Lee made improvements to the hypertext concept that led to him being credited as the inventor of the World Wide Web, and that made the Net what it is today.

In its youth, the Internet was rambunctious, free-spirited and often quirky, as most of us were in our halcyon days. That led it to many revelations and innovations, but also often reinforced among its users the “me-centered” attitude common to teenagers and young adults. Download a song without paying the performer and songwriter for what they created? Hey, it’s on the Net, therefore it’s free! Got a narrow point of view you simply must share with the world to convince others they should think the same way? Start your own Web site!

But the Net is maturing, even if some of its users haven’t. It provides, almost instantly, vast access to medical information, historical research, scientific and other data that even the largest library could never hold, and that information grows exponentially each year; however, don’t buy the nonsense that “everything is on the Net.” It isn’t.

The Internet allows old friends to reconnect and new ones to be found. It has created entirely new ways of working and new jobs that couldn’t exist without it – including mine. It has become a responsible adult while retaining the characteristics of a mischievous child. And it has changed our lives and our cultures in irreversible ways.

So, let’s say happy 40th birthday to friend Internet. No need to tell it about Geritol or hair-coloring products; it already knows where to find that information.

About the Author: I regard historic research as a never-ending Easter egg hunt: You never know where you'll find a hidden treasure. Growing up with parents who told stories of family history probably had a lot to do with that. I realized early on that history is about lives already lived. I've met war veterans, early aviators, friends of Abraham Lincoln's in-laws, and a host of others who shared their histories with me – and it was never boring!

Related Articles USS New Jersey Tags Along Sleep Tight GeoCities Russia Plans Giant WW II Archive Ain’t That Tweet? Library of Congress to Archive Twitter Messages Google Earth’s WWII aerial images (The Independent)

Find similar posts tagged with: pop culture, technology, World History
2 Comments »