Welcome the New Spice

The term Internet is known by many but understood by few. Even I personally do not fully grasp it's concept and mechanism behind this word. Thus, when I'm introduced to this course COM125 - Introduction to the Internet, I am glad that finally I can come to a deeper knowledge and hopefully understanding of this unfathomable virtual world.

In the dictionary, it is:

In·ter·net

/ˈɪntərˌnɛt/ [in-ter-net] 

–noun

a vast computer network linking smaller computer networks worldwide (usually prec. by the ). The Internet includes commercial, educational, governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols.

And so to speak, the dictionary term actually spells it all. The Internet is a collection of countless computers connected to form a global networked environment. Like a global village in that sense. At any corner of the'world, the user accessing the Internet is liken to a 'village'. And the link is the Internet connection formed between all these 'villages'. For example, sending a message doesn't just stop at the snail mail option, in the modern times now, Email, Internet Chats (MSN, Facebook Chat, SKYPE etc) and even Facetime (If you own an iPhone 4) have already broaden the meaning of 'sending a message'. I have always thought this instantaneous interactivity is extremely fascinating and effective! It is really cool how Internet has even created it's own language known as 'NetLingo'!

NetLingo basically means, the Internet language. For example, LOL, BRB, Cu, B4N, lylas, IDK, GR8. For the youths, chatting is like learning another new language! Since it is an online language, it is global in nature and is quickly becoming a global form of English. I won't be surprised if one day these lingo becomes a definition in the dictionary itself!

Besides this, the Internet can also bridge people of different cultures together, which I feel is the most beneficial of all the advantages of the Internet. It harbours the potential to become the primary tool for helping people of the world understand each other and view citizens of other cultures as real individuals living similar lives, while in different ways. Learning about other cultures via the Internet is one step towards tolerance and acceptance of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or national heritage.

Not forgetting what we have learnt in COM225 – Understanding Interpersonal Communication, the Internet is a one-stop reference source for information about nay country! It prepares you mentally and physically what to expect when you visit a foreign country for business or pleasure. You will know how many sweaters you should bring or what should you always do when you have first contact with a client of totally different background.

To sum it up, the Internet brings people together. It is like the Doraemon Magic Pouch where not just endless but useful information can be found.

Just like how the quote says it,

'...the Web might be better than sex...'

- Bob Metcalfe, InfoWorld, August 21, 1995, Vol. 17, Issue 34