Remarkable Journey of the Internet and its ambiguous Impact on Humans!
World Wide Web Day is observed on 1st of August every year. The day is marked in the honor of the ability of people to browse information freely using the internet. The Web is the tool that billions across the globe use every moment to interact with the global system of interconnected computer systems that is the Internet. The Internet, an interconnected network of digital communication systems, has undoubtfully revolutionized the way we live, work and communicate with each other. This day we remember the advent of the World Wide Web (WWW) developed by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. The day honors and acknowledges the founder of the Internet, Tim Berners-Lee. This date is considered the birth of the modern internet.
TIMELINE OF INTERNET
1989 Invention of the WWW (1989-1993):
In 1989, Sir Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web, revolutionizing global communication and information exchange. Over the next few years, the first web browsers and servers emerged, setting the stage for the internet’s exponential growth.
1994 Web Commercialization (1994-1999):
The mid-1990s witnessed the commercialization of the internet, as companies like Netscape and Yahoo entered the scene. E-commerce started to thrive, and the dot-com era began, paving the way for the internet to become a critical aspect of daily life.
2000 Dot-Com Bubble & Recovery (2000-04):
The turn of the millennium saw the infamous dot-com bubble burst, causing a severe decline in internet-based businesses. Despite the crash, the internet rebounded and laid the groundwork for more sustainable online ventures, with companies like Google and Amazon emerging as major players.
2004 Web 2.0 & social media (2004-2010):
Web 2.0 brought interactive and user-driven internet experiences, fostering the growth of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. This era marked a shift from static web pages to dynamic and participatory online communities.
2015 Rise of Streaming Services (2015-2021):
The 2010s witnessed the explosive rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify. These platforms revolutionized how people consumed media, leading to a significant shift away from traditional TV and radio broadcasting.
2022 Introduction of Web 3.0:
With the introduction of Web 3.0, the internet moved towards a decentralized and more interconnected network. Utilizing blockchain technology, Web 3.0 offers enhanced security, privacy, and enables new opportunities for online collaboration and innovation.
Internet and its impact on us:
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram revolutionized how we connect, share and communicate with others online. These platforms created new ways for individuals, communities and businesses to interact. But these developments came with heavy toll on our mental health also.
It seems like we live our lives on the Internet, but excessive Internet and social media use impact our mental health. While it’s a helpful tool for education, work, social interaction and entertainment but overuse can be detrimental to our on mental health.
Social media use can be a good thing because it helps us keep up connect with family and friends, but we need to be careful about how it affects our mental balance. Various mental health studies have shown that very much use of social media use can lead to a feeling of depression in some people. When we get on social media, we are looking for affirmation and consciously or not, we are comparing our life to the lives of others constantly which create a feeling of low self-esteem and envy among us towards other.
Excessive reliance on smartphones, computers and tablets can disrupt our sleep patterns. The light emitted from these devices inhibits the secretion of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. If you find yourself constantly checking social media or responding to emails even in the middle of the night, you might be experiencing what experts refer to as “problematic Internet use.”
If you feel that Internet use is overwhelming and negatively impacting your or your child’s daily life, it’s crucial to address these concerns with a healthcare professional. For assistance and support, consider reaching out to the ‘Islaah Centre for Psychological Wellness‘ conveniently located at the heart of Hyderabad city. https://islaahwellness.com/ they can provide valuable guidance and help you manage your relationship with technology in a healthier way. Remember, taking proactive steps to address these issues can lead to improved well-being and better sleep habits.
As we celebrate World Wide Web Day, we must acknowledge the profound influence the internet had on us. From bridging gaps between communities to empowering the youth and transforming the economy, the World Wide Web has left an indelible mark on the Globe. However, with the opportunities come challenges also such as mental health issues, data privacy and cybersecurity. It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, private sector and civil society, to work collaboratively to ensure that the internet remains a force for good and benefits for every human being.
Written by: Mohd. Talib Khan
