From the moment it began to emerge in the latter half of the twentieth century, the internet has profoundly reshaped virtually every facet of human life. Originally conceived as a tool for scientific research, government communication, and information sharing within academic circles, it has evolved into an omnipresent force that touches work, education, entertainment, commerce, and social interaction. Its influence is so pervasive that many people scarcely pause to consider its true impact; it has become as fundamental to daily life as electricity, running water, or modern transportation systems.

Yet beyond the conveniences it provides, the internet’s most transformative effect may be its role as a vast, dynamic repository of shared human knowledge. Unlike previous centuries, when access to information was painstakingly slow and highly localized—limited to libraries, print media, or word of mouth—today, knowledge is instantly accessible to anyone with a connection. Scholarly insights, once painstakingly uncovered over years of study, are now searchable in seconds. Rare discoveries that previously reached only a handful of minds are now immediately available to millions. This democratization of information has leveled the playing field, creating unprecedented opportunities for curiosity, learning, and innovation on a global scale.