By: Molly McGarvey

The internet originated in the United States during the Cold War as a government tool. Its development was propelled by the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik in 1957, which led the U.S. to invest in science and technology. The fear of potential attacks on the nation’s telephone systems prompted the proposal of a computer network known as the “galactic network” by J.C.R. Licklider. This network, aimed to ensure communication through the government network called ARPAnet even if traditional telephone lines were destroyed.

In 1965, the introduction of “pocket switching” allowed data to be broken down into blocks before transmission, making ARPAnet less vulnerable. The first successful transmission of data between computers occurred in 1969, connecting a computer at UCLA to a computer at Stanford. These early computers were large in size, resembling small houses.

Vinton Cerf, a computer scientist, invented the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which served as a virtual handshake to connect various mini-networks. This development transformed the internet into a global network, enabling effective file and data exchange for researchers and government officials throughout the 1980s. In 1992, a browser was developed, enabling users to view text, images, and clickable links on web pages, revolutionizing the internet experience. The same year, Congress made the web accessible for commercial use, paving the way for the emergence of e-commerce.

The advent of social media followed suit. In 1997, SixDegrees.com became the first true social networking site, offering features such as user profiles, friend lists, and private messaging. This was followed by the rise of platforms like MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn in the 21st century.

The rapid adoption of social media has brought significant changes to social behavior, raising concerns about potential negative effects. Surveys indicate a correlation between frequent social media use and mental health problems, with depression and social media often intertwined. On May 13, 2021, the Social Media Act was introduced in the Senate, requiring the Federal Trade Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to report on social media use among individuals under 18. The report would cover usage frequency, mental health impacts, and policy recommendations. The bill aims to protect vulnerable children from bullies, predators, and addictive content fueled by personalized algorithms. Although the bill may face challenges, both parties recognize the technology industry’s role in keeping children glued to screens. Social media platforms employ powerful algorithms to engage users and increase advertising revenue. The rise of social media has also coincided with a mental health crisis, particularly among young girls. Rates of depression have doubled from 2009 to 2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At the same time, most people would agree that social media has made our lives easier in many ways from opening doors to new information, to connecting us with people and family members across the world. While social media has its benefits and drawbacks, it is crucial to conduct individual research on its impact on well-being, as answers to its effects remain uncertain.