Blog Two

"Discuss one important event in Internet history since 2000."

As internet usage continues to permeate throughout society, internet history is becoming inextricable from the course of human history. Events generated within the “cyberverse” produce ripples throughout the physical universe, and many “real life” historical events are influenced y happenings and developments within the virtual sphere.

The recent riots and revolution in Egypt evidence how the internet can influence the trajectory of historical events.  Much of the organization and execution of the revolution in Egypt (where the people of the country took to the streets to demand social change) was dependent upon the internet.  Revolutionaries used the internet to disseminate information, inspire followers, and share their struggle with the world.  It could be argued that without the internet, the riots and gatherings which attracted thousands may have been largely unattended due to lack of publicity and knowledge.

The recent history of Egypt is thus directly connected to the recent developments of the internet, namely social media and the specific sites through which revolutionaries were able to connect with one another and with the general public.