From Research Tool to Commercial Platform

This chapter traces the internet's evolution from its inception as a research tool in 1969 to a commercial and social platform by the mid-1990s. Key milestones are highlighted, including the introduction of the first computer virus and the first broad-based spam email, reflecting the challenges of commercialization. The discussion further explores the dual nature of the internet's impact, balancing its democratizing potential with the emergence of misinformation and other negative consequences.