What is the Internet?

Technology & Communication

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by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

If you’re reading this answer, then most likely you’re already at least a little familiar with the Internet!

The Internet is a system of information and communication. It works by connecting together computers and networks all around the world! These connections are made by things like phone lines, satellites, cables, and wireless signals, which all allow information to be sent back and forth between computers and other Internet-capable devices very, very quickly!

One of the neatest things about the Internet is that it allows us to send, share, read, and see information in lots of different forms, including words, pictures, videos, and sound! (Before the Internet, sharing a picture with someone required taking the picture, having the photograph printed, and then sending it through the mail, which often took several days or more!) Among the most common uses for the Internet are sending emails (which are like letters) or using websites (which are like pages you can read and can include anything from news articles to games to videos and more!).

The Internet can be used by anyone who has the right kind of device and a connection, which sometimes requires paying a company for access. Once you’re connected, the Internet is full of cool information, fun games, and new things to learn!

Remember that it’s very important to always follow the computer and Internet safety rules of your home, school, library, or wherever else you happen to be when you’re online. Stay safe and have fun!

Pen-Pals!

Before the Internet and email were invented, people had to write letters on paper and mail them to each other. Plenty of people still send written letters to each other in the mail, but email has replaced a lot of them.

Just for fun, make a paper letter to a friend or a family member who lives far away from you, and send it to them in the mail! In your letter, draw some pictures that will tell your friend or family member about what you did today, what the weather is like where you live, and something fun you are looking forward to!

Make sure you decorate the envelope for your letter too, then ask a grown-up to help you put it in the mail -- it will be such a great surprise for the person you send it to!