How the internet works
Based on my understanding, the internet works by transmitting information between servers and devices through a complex network of cables, wires, and signals. When you interact with a webpage or send a request for digital content, your device sends a signal to a server, asking for the desired information. The server responds by sending the data back to your device. However, since the information is often too large to be sent all at once, it is broken down into smaller data packets. These packets travel through various routes across the network, and are reassembled to display the required content on your device.
This reminds me of poor image and the exploitation on resources/ environmental pollution.
For poor image, I remember clearly that my professor shared with us how several decades ago, when he was a student, because the network system wasn’t as advanced as today, when he watched pirated movies online, the video quality was always terrible. However, despite the quality of the media productions, this is how these productions got circulated in early days.
(The reading for poor image is this one: In Defense of the Poor Image by Hito Steyerl)
As for the environmental pollution/ exploitation of the natural resources, it goes without saying that in order to maintain the operation of the servers, huge amount of energy is consumed every single day across the world. It reminds me of a piece of work titled Anatomy of an AI System: The Amazon Echo as an anatomical map of human labor, data and planetary resources By Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler in 2018. This piece is not so related to how the internet operates, but the diagram in the piece looks super complex and I think how the internet operates resembles the diagram. The complex process takes place in a way that cannot be perceived by human beings. 🙂
Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality refers to “the idea that internet service providers […] should treat all content flowing through their cables and cell towers equally”. In other words, the service providers shouldn’t slow down the transmission of certain packages for the sake of their benefits.
Pros:
- It foster an environment for innovation, as there will be less limitation on the transmission of information
- It encourages free expression, and prevents large telecommunications companies to monopolize the market
- Ensures equal access for everyone
Cons:
- There might be chances to pay for priority treatment, however, it is not affordable for every company
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