Connectivity and Convergence: A Whimsical History of Internet Culture

Abstract

The authors construct a timeline of critical events leading up to today’s highly networked and interconnected world with its ubiquitous social media technologies. The current state has been influenced by advances in media, technology, military defense, and commerce. One trend that stands out in this timeline is the increasing rate of change. There are more innovations today than at any time in human history. It also becomes apparent that the companies that will survive are the ones that are sensitive to changes in the competitive environment and can adapt. The companies that value creativity and diversity, including diversity of ideas, in their hires are the ones most likely to thrive.

Keywords: Computers, history of technology, Internet, ARPAnet, world wide web, expert predictions, social media, web 2.0, telephone, media, convergence, creativity

JEL Classification: M00, M10, M15, O32, O33, O35