The history and evolution of the internet
The internet’s evolution began in the 1960s with the creation of ARPANET, a U.S. Department of Defense project aimed at connecting research institutions for secure communication. This early network laid the foundation for modern internet protocols. In the 1970s, Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn developed the TCP/IP protocols, which allowed different computer networks to communicate, forming the basis of today’s internet.
The 1980s saw the rise of early internet services such as email, along with the development of larger online communities and bulletin board systems (BBS). However, the most transformative event came in 1989 when Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. This innovation introduced a system of linked hypertext documents, enabling users to access and share information on a global scale, significantly expanding the internet’s utility beyond military and academic applications.
In the 1990s, the internet experienced rapid commercialization and expansion, as businesses, households, and educational institutions began connecting to this new network. The introduction of web browsers like Mosaic and Netscape Navigator helped make the internet accessible to the average person, turning it into a global phenomenon. By the end of the decade, the internet had become essential for communication, information sharing, and commerce.
Today, the internet connects billions of devices globally and plays a vital role in almost every aspect of life, from social media to online education, e-commerce, and beyond. Its continued evolution drives technological innovations, reshaping economies and societies worldwide.
