The internet. You use it daily… but do you actually know much about it? These fun internet facts will help you learn more about the internet we all know and love!
It Was Invented in a Beer Garden
You can thank beer for the creation of the internet. One of the most intriguing internet facts, you can credit the creation of the internet to Rossotti’s beer garden in August of 1976. Originally a military venture, the internet was created so that a signal could be received without being physically wired to the sender.
There in Rossotti’s beer garden, a signal was sent from a group of men and women using a computer all the way to an antenna miles away. Once this was successful, they pushed their signal further and further. This success was the beginning of the creation of the internet!
More Than Half the World’s Population Uses It
Currently, over sixty percent of the world’s population uses the internet. Although use of the internet differs throughout the world, more than half of us use it and rely on it every day. Even if you don’t use the internet yourself, it definitely affects your life in one way or another.
WiFi is Nearly 30 Years Old
Did you know that WiFi is older than some millennials? One of the most fascinating pieces of internet trivia is how old WiFi actually is. Wireless internet was invented and released for public use in 1997, which is nearly 30 years old now.
Many people still used dial up internet for quite some time after the invention and release of WiFi, meaning that you may remember having to deal with slow, annoying internet speeds.
You Almost Used WaveLAN
Before WiFi got its name, it was almost called several different things. Wireless internet was the original term for the idea of WiFi, but several other terms were considered for the concept. The first term was IEEE 802.11b, although it wasn’t really in the running for what the public would call the wireless internet and was just a technical term. Others included:
- WaveLAN
- Trapeze
- Dragonfly
- Hornet
All of these names (with the exception of IEEE 802.11b) were in the running. However, WiFi was eventually chosen and a WiFi Alliance established to create wireless internet standards and rules.
The Name WiFi Doesn’t Represent Anything
One common misconception about the name “WiFi” is that it must be short for a longer term. Some believe that WiFi is short for Wireless Fidelity, while others think it’s a technical internet term that doesn’t translate well to common conversation.
However, WiFi doesn’t actually stand for anything at all. The term was coined to fit the idea of wireless internet. It’s just a fun name for a great invention!
You Can Connect Almost Anything…Literally!
The internet is amazing, and the invention of WiFi and Bluetooth in particular has created some really crazy ideas. In modern days, you can find all kinds of devices and everyday items that connect to the internet. Almost everything has been invented to connect to the internet and make your life easier.
Some of the craziest things that can connect to the internet include:
- Cutlery. There’s a wide range of smart cutlery products that can communicate to you different things, including if you’re cutting correctly or eating too fast.
- Mirrors. You’re bound to have seen an advertisement for a smart mirror. Smart mirrors offer many features, including digital workout routines, a way to measure weight loss or body weight, and even monitor skin health.
- Jeans. While it may seem like a completely false piece of internet trivia, internet-connected jeans have actually been invented. These pants can communicate to you which way you need to go when walking and even signify that you’re running behind schedule.
The Average Person Spends Close to Half Their Day Online
Do you find yourself always on your phone, laptop, or tablet? You’re not alone. The typical person across the globe will find themselves spending around ten hours a day connected to the internet.
Often, we don’t even realize the amount of time that we spend on the internet each day, as it happens through so many different devices, including smart watches, smartphones, and devices such as Amazon Echo.
Google Is the Most Popular Website
If you find yourself Googling everything, you’re not the only one. Google is the most popular website on the internet, and receives millions of searches every day. Each day, its database expands as more searches and information comes in, making the website’s popularity even higher.
The Internet Has a Weight
While it may seem completely impossible for something wireless to have a weight, the internet actually has been weighed. Scientists have estimated that the internet weighs about two ounces. This is due to the electrons that it takes to run the internet and hold storage.
With more storage and therefore more electrons, the weight of the internet may increase. Currently, however, the two-ounce estimate seems to be about correct: about the weight of a strawberry!
YouTube Videos Go Back to 2005
YouTube is the second-most-popular website in the world, next to Google. While it may feel like the site has been around forever, the first YouTube video was uploaded in 2005. It’s called “Me at the zoo” and was uploaded by YouTube cofounder Jawed Karim, who was at the San Diego Zoo.
The Internet Is Underwater
One of the main reasons why the internet works so well for you is the large masses of cables that span across the world, connecting databases together and helping signals run. Many of these cables are actually underwater.
Fun fact: because these cables are in the ocean, some scientists and researchers have actually recorded the internet being attacked by sharks!
Stay Connected Today
The internet is fascinating. It’s also the perfect way to stay connected with your friends and family. Never have your internet connection fail you. Sign up for an internet plan through Nomad Internet for a reliable, stable internet connection!