THE INTERNET!
Please note that I am not saying that this is what I think is the most important invention, but this is my favorite. Certainly, the invention of mathematics and the sewer system (as mentioned by professor Lavian in class) are more important, but I chose the internet as my favorite in the way that I have witnessed it transform lives- mine and others.
What is the Internet?
I don't think the internet requires a formal introduction; you wouldn't be reading this if it weren't for the internet. However, I will provide the definition available on wikipedia: The Internet is the global system of interconnected mainframe, personal, and wireless computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link billions of devices worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of various networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. In short, it is incredible!
My World before the Internet
I have distinct memories of myself as a kid at a time where the internet wasn't a household phenomenon. My source of information and news was the newspaper, my textbooks, and my parents. If I was unsure of some information (let's say the meaning of a word), my best bet was to ask my teachers or go to the library. My source of electronic entertainment, similarly, was television, radio, music player, and if I were good, I could play video-games (CD-ROMs) on the computer. My "social network" was the friends I actually played with in person. It wasn't bad at all, but if I think about it now, I can't imagine myself looking through books to clarify a doubt. I would just "Google it".
How it Changed the World (including mine)
The internet transformed every aspect of our lives. It increased accessibility to information, knowledge, news, entertainment, people, goods, and services. We can now connect to old friends, pull up an article from 2003 with ease, find out the latest news in real-time, listen to any song at anytime, get items delivered at our door step, and so on. It simplified our life in many ways. It has the capability to reach out to the masses at virtually no cost.
Why I Picked this as my Favorite
As someone who is very passionate about creating technology that increases accessibility of healthcare in rural areas, I think the internet is the cheapest and the most sustainable way to do so. We can eliminate the need of an on-site doctor by sharing the reports/data of the patient via the internet, increasing the number of patients one doctor can cater to without being restricted to one location. I think such technologies can revolutionized how underprivileged people experience healthcare services, in addition to other services.
Here's my video:
Hi Srushti,
ReplyDeleteI found your analysis regarding the ability of the internet to impact healthcare very unique. It will be interesting to see its impacts on costs, and if it can change the pharmaceutical industry going forward. Thanks!
Great write up about the Internet and how it has changed the world. People our age have an interesting perspective because although we have never technically lived before the Internet, its usage has changed drastically since the late 90s. I remember the days, especially before smartphones, when the Internet was not such a constant force in our lives like it is now. Definitely one of the most influential inventions.
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