The Internet
The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and servers that allows the exchange of information across the world. It is arguably the most transformative technology of the past century.
What the Internet Is
The internet connects billions of devices — computers, phones, servers — through a system of physical cables (fiber optic, copper), wireless radio signals (Wi-Fi, cellular), and satellites.
When you use the internet, you’re sending and receiving data packets — small chunks of digital information — that travel through this network to reach their destination in fractions of a second.
What You Can Do on the Internet
| Activity | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Browse websites | Load pages from servers worldwide via web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) |
| Send email | Exchange text and file messages asynchronously |
| Chat/message | Real-time text, voice, or video communication (WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.) |
| Stream video | Watch content from platforms like YouTube, Netflix, TikTok |
| Search for information | Use search engines (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo) to find content |
| Shop online | Purchase goods from retailers (Shopping) |
| Social media | Connect with others on platforms (Social Media) |
| Banking and finance | Manage money digitally |
| Work and learn | Remote work, online education, collaboration |
How to Access the Internet
- Wi-Fi — wireless connection to a router, which connects to the internet via your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
- Cellular data — your phone connects via 4G/5G signals from cell towers; typically metered (you pay for data)
- Ethernet — physical cable connection; faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi
Passwords protect your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords (long, random, not repeated). Consider a password manager — software that remembers complex passwords for you.
Internet Safety
The internet is enormously useful but also contains risks:
Scams and Fraud
- Phishing — fake emails or websites pretending to be legitimate (your bank, a company) to steal your password or information
- Tech support scams — fake alerts claiming your computer is infected; they want access or payment
- Romance scams — fake profiles building relationships to eventually request money
- If it seems too good to be true — it is.
Privacy
- Websites track your behavior through cookies (small data files)
- Large companies (Google, Meta/Facebook) collect enormous amounts of data about you
- Nothing you send online should be considered fully private
- Use HTTPS websites (look for the padlock icon in the browser) for sensitive activities
Misinformation
- The internet makes spreading false information extremely easy
- See How to Read the News, Evaluating Sources, Misinformation
The Deep Web and Dark Web
- The surface web is what search engines index — publicly accessible websites
- The deep web is everything not indexed — email inboxes, private databases, subscription content
- The dark web is encrypted, anonymous, and accessible only through specialized software. It contains both legitimate private communication and illegal activity.
Chad does not need to interact with the dark web.
Related: What is Technology | Smartphones | Social Media | Misinformation | Evaluating Sources