Why do you think it is important to know the history of the internet?

Answer 1

Personal reflections:

There are several reasons. Remember that the internet does not go back several decades. When people were first developing the ideas that turned into modern computer technology, not many of them had a clear idea that such a thing as the internet would come into existence. But once computer technology had developed to a certain point, smart people saw a concept, a connection that could not have been thought of before. They built on brilliant ideas that came before them. Since the advent of the internet, many people have done several similar things-- building on ideas that came before. You could put Steve Jobs in this group. It would be very interesting studying how people take the world as it is and somehow dream up what is coming next, while still staying grounded in reality! The grounding in reality is the thing that makes many of the advancements possible. It's great to have a brilliant idea, but if there is no way to make the connections that will bring the idea to life, then your idea becomes a 'pipedream'.

Especially with computer-related technology changing as rapidly as it does, having a careful look at how it is growing and developing is very important. If you don't have some idea how savvy people have brought us forward, it's probably a good bet that you won't be one of them.

Also, the truth is that our technology is taking part in how WE are EVOLVING as human beings. This may seem like a strange idea. But as technology advances rapidly, we may not be fully realizing how the new technology is inviting us to change. In a sense, we are creating ourselves, but with a few big blind spots along the way. Studying the history of the internet and related technology, especially about how it changes and develops, may be the new 'psychology' of the 21st century.