How the Internet Changed the World

Lexile: 850 | Grade: 5

Passage

Today, it’s hard to imagine life without the internet. We use it to watch videos, send messages, play games, and even learn new things. But the internet wasn’t always around. In fact, it’s a fairly recent invention that has changed the world in big ways.

The story of the internet began in the 1960s. Back then, computers were very large and expensive. Only universities and government labs had them. Scientists wanted to find a way to connect computers, so they could share information quickly and safely.

One of the first computer networks was called ARPANET. It was created by the U.S. government in 1969 to help researchers send data between computers. This idea of linking machines together was the first step toward what we now call the internet.

In the 1980s and 1990s, more and more people began using computers. New technology like email and websites made it easier to communicate and find information. Soon, the internet was spreading across the world.

Today, the internet connects billions of people. It helps doctors learn about new medicine, students research projects, and families stay in touch—even across oceans.

But with all its benefits, the internet also comes with challenges. People must learn how to stay safe online, check facts, and treat others with kindness, just like they would in real life.

The internet is one of the most important inventions of modern times. It changed how we live, learn, and connect—and it continues to grow every day.