Extra Credit: The Internet

The “Something to Share” section of the FCC’s article, “The Internet: A Short History of Getting Connected,” was nothing surprising. It basically described the formation of the concept of the internet. When reading the section about “Common Standards,” however, I was shocked as to the unorganized and amateur nature of the actual formation of an internet protocol from the “Request for Comments.” Overall, it almost sounded as if the networking of computers was made simple largely due to luck and the strict adherence to standards and protocols rather than a set plan. After the internet became feasible in terms of wire capabilities and broadband and its popularity soared, it seems like the transition of society to the internet was extremely rapid. I’m not sure if it has slowed at all, but I am curious as to whether or not any other new technology could be invented that would surpass computers as an information sharing staple. It seems that it will be difficult to reduce our dependence on computers anytime in the foreseeable future.