the internet turns 25 today.
now can we just stop for a minute and marvel at this amazing tool in the palm of our hands? 3,5 billion people, almost half of this earth`s population, have access to this net that connects us, that stores and makes available a major part of humanity´s collected wisdom, brilliant thoughts and inspirations of history´s sages, great thinkers, scientists, philosophers, artists, experts in every field.
the internet brings forth swarm intelligence, it enables everyone to stand on the shoulders of giants. there is scientific research and empirical data available for free if you want to dig deep into any topic of interest, but there are also short and sweet videoclips that explain even the most complicated topics in a simple and entertaining way, so you can approach whatever you’re interested in - even as an absolute beginner. you can try out and learn about all activities that ever tickled your fancy - from experts! but you can also just kick back and enjoy music, radio plays, movies, art, made by people who devote their life to this.
but the internet does not only enable us to receive data, information and entertainment, we can also use it as a mouthpiece and send whatever we want into the world. our thoughts, our art, our truth. we can connect with likeminded people, collaborate, support causes we believe in.
we can use this democratization of media to enhance communication, empathy and fairness, to stay in touch with family and friends all around the world and to make new aquaintances that probably never would’ve crossed our way without this technology.
but the internet and the mobile technologies can also divide us if we use them in the wrong way. if we let them trivialize and dismember our communication into sms-lenghs pieces, if we prefer to dive into virtual realities instead of connecting with the people we’re with. if we use it to show off and not to connect, inform, entertain or inspire. if we engage in a rat race of superficial beauty and hyper consumption. if we spread hate. if we misuse data transparency to supress and not to enhance fairness and justice.
the internet is in the palm of your hands. what will you use it for?