The Internet Is Still Early: Understanding the Evolution of Society

The Internet Is Still Early: Understanding the Evolution of Society

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, but it is still underrated and underutilized. With less than 70% global usage, there is still a vast untapped potential that remains to be explored. What many fail to realize is that the internet is far weirder and more bizarre than we could have ever predicted.

When the internet first emerged, there were concerns that certain industries, like books and bookstores, would wither away. However, the reality is quite the opposite. These industries have not only survived but thrived in the digital age. The internet has opened up new opportunities for businesses to reach a wider audience and connect with customers in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is another significant milestone in the evolution of the internet. AI is the culmination of thirty years of the commercial internet, and it has the potential to revolutionize various sectors. With AI, we can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making processes. It is a game-changer that will shape the future of society.

Despite the progress we have made, there is still a long way to go in terms of global internet access. In 2022, only 64.4% of the world population had internet access. That means there are still billions of people who are not connected. However, in countries like the United States, where internet usage has plateaued at 93%, we have reached a point where we can begin to understand the true implications of the internet.

The internet has changed the materiality of everything it touches. By digitizing information, we have altered its nature and capabilities. Whether it is a simple blog post or an entire organization, once it is online, it can do and be so much more. This transformation is driven by the fundamental force at the heart of the internet: reduced distribution costs.

Reduced distribution costs have been a driving force behind societal changes throughout history. Just as the extensive rail network dramatically reduced the distribution costs of physical goods in the 19th century, the internet has done the same for information. By making the distribution of information free and infinite, the internet has changed what is possible.

The primary cost being reduced by the internet is not physical but cognitive. Organizations can now decrease coordination costs and increase their capabilities. Take Amazon, for example. By using real-time inventory updates, they were able to create an "everything store" that transformed shopping into a digital and physical experience. They also monetized this capability through targeted advertisements, building a multi-billion dollar revenue stream.

The internet has reshaped the concept of a company. It is no longer just a team of people building something, but a brand that exists online. The technology infrastructure that the internet has enabled, such as cloud servers, data analytics, and custom software, has made it possible to build organizations that were previously unimaginable.

The impact of the internet is not limited to businesses. It has also changed the way we consume content. Literature departments may be closing in universities, but books are thriving. The internet has changed the reasons why we read, making literature education more accessible and relevant.

Understanding the internet is not a linear process. It is counterintuitive and weird, but that is precisely the point. The internet has made all digital information, entertainment, education, and responsibilities competitive. It has created a level playing field where everything is vying for our attention and engagement.

We are now at a golden spike moment of the internet, where the infrastructure has been laid, and AI is connecting the tracks. AI requires vast amounts of data that were only possible in cyberspace. It will take the cost of digital creation to near zero, reshaping society once again.

In conclusion, the internet is still in its early stages, and there is so much more to explore and discover. As we continue to harness its power, there are three actionable pieces of advice to keep in mind:

1. Embrace the weirdness: The internet is a strange and unpredictable place. Embrace the counterintuitive and be open to new possibilities.

2. Adapt and evolve: The internet has changed the way we do business and consume content. Be willing to adapt and evolve your strategies to stay relevant in the digital age.

3. Utilize AI: AI is the next frontier of the internet. Explore how it can enhance your organization's capabilities and improve decision-making processes.

The internet has transformed society, and we are just scratching the surface of its potential. By understanding its fundamental forces and embracing its quirks, we can navigate this evolving landscape and shape a future that is truly connected.