For our first homework, we have to talk about what the Web means to us, but a few days ago my professor explicitly stated that the internet and the web are two completely different concepts. Which is why I’ll start by defining those terms:

The internet is defined by webopeida.com as:

“The internet is a massive network of networks, a networking infrastructure. It connects millions of computers together globally, forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer as long as they are both connected to the internet. Information that travels over the internet does so via a variety of languages known as protocols. “


Beal, V. (2018, 7 julio). The Differences Between the Internet and the Web – Webopedia. Recuperado 1 febrero, 2019, de https://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/Web_vs_Internet.asp

The World Wide Web, or Web, is defined by webopeida.com as:

” The World Wide Web, or simply web, is a way of accessing information over the medium of the internet. It is an information-sharing model that is built on top of the internet. The web uses the HTTP protocol, only one of the languages spoken over the internet, to transmit data. Web services, which use HTTP to allow applications to communicate in order to exchange business logic, use the the web to share information. The web also utilizes browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, to access Web documents called webpages that are linked to each other via hyperlinks. Web documents also contain graphics, sounds, text and video. “

Beal, V. (2018, 7 julio). The Differences Between the Internet and the Web – Webopedia. Recuperado 1 febrero, 2019, de https://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/Web_vs_Internet.asp

This video also explains the difference between the Internet and the Web pretty well and with great visuals too!

Now that we’ve defined these concepts let’s get to the assignment.

I recognize that I am very dependent on the Web and it’s services. That’s because I find it easier to manage all my tasks on my phone rather than carrying around all my notebooks and agendas. Aside from that, I also use it to entertain myself and to educate myself by using services like Youtube, Netflix and different interactive language websites. That’s one of the things I like about the web: the accessibility of it all. You could virtually learn anything you’d like on the Web, it’s just a matter of dedicating time and interest into what you’re investigating.

Instagram Photo

As much as I like the Web, I also recognize that there are some aspects of it I don’t like whatsoever. Like for example how invasive it is in terms of privacy, online and in real life. For example, in order to use a service on the Web, you need to accept the Terms and Services. Hidden deep within that lengthy contract is a cleverly written text that states that all your actions will be tracked once you start utilizing the service and that data will be “safely” stored in their servers. If you really want to use the service you don’t have a choice but to accept it and move on. This tracked data is a risk for you to get DOXXED, but that’s a story for another time.

My life without the Web would be very dry. I also think I’d be very ignorant. The Web is a great platform for learning about worldly issues, even those that affect me at a more personal level. All the barriers that are broken on the Web, like languages and countries borders, enables people to learn about other cultures aside from their own. It expands a person’s knowledge and their awareness about what’s going on in the world. Aside from that, I think I could survive without the Web. I’d certainly have more time to write and pursue other hobbies that don’t require staring at a screen for more than 2 hours.

Sunday writing.

[Imagen: Sunday writing. by Thord Daniel Hedengren , License CC]