The internet changed the world. If something has had an impact on the evolution of mankind after the birth of the silicon chip it is the World Wide Web (www). Connecting people all over the world, this mammoth network of optical fibers and switches has managed to make it to the list of life’s basic necessities. With its humble beginnings of being part of a military network, the web has grown into a world of its own, with virtual netizens traversing it day in and day out.
The first helping of the internet helped to connect. It connected hubs, computers and people. People were soon recognizing the power of being in two places at the same time. You could be on several chat clients and email anywhere in the world while still physically existing in an altogether different part of the world. One world was the motto of web 1.0.
The second version of the internet known popularly as web 2.0 breathed life into the network created by the first version of the www. This was the living web. People not only connected here but also collaborated. Minds all over the world could now connect via the very optical fibers that connected people. The motto of the web was no longer one world but one love!
The web 2.0 brought forth some human characteristics forgotten over long periods of aggression and animosity. The world was not just without borders but was also without the typical hatred so common to the human race. Social networking brought about a never before known kind of collaboration. Social groups dedicated to causes could not garner up support throughout the world. Artists could now collaborate, make music and even distribute it online. Content was no longer just words. Content now encompassed music, videos and animations in addition to the written language. The world had learnt to love and respect.
The Open Source revolution started a mutiny on board the enterprise software battleship. Programmers all over the world collaborated to create a behemoth known as Linux. The after effect? Better and cheaper software solutions from the software giants. Some of the best software ideas have been the result of collaborative thinking. The Firefox browser is an ideal example. The Wordpress blogging platform is again a typical example of open source winning over professional software.
A closer look at the world wide web of today reveals a very interesting fact. The web is no longer just a technology. It is human. Well, at least almost. A vast chain of connected individuals have been able to achieve in the past decade what the scientists and inventors of the past have over the last century. This web has succeeded not only technically but socially as well. Not only has this web succeeded in humanizing us humans, it has laid down the roadmap for future versions of collaborative success stories. It is strange how a technically non living “thing” can be human and teach us lessons on love, collaboration and sharing.
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