What does the Internet refer to?

The Internet refers to a worldwide network of connected computers. This global system utilizes a standardized protocol known as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) to facilitate communication and data exchange among millions of devices across the globe.

This definition highlights the fundamental nature of the Internet as an expansive and interconnected network that allows for the sharing of information, resources, and services. Unlike a local network, which might connect devices within a limited geographic area, the Internet spans the entire planet, linking computers and devices in countless locations.

While social media platforms, local networks, and software all play important roles in the digital landscape, they do not encapsulate the broader concept of the Internet as a whole. Social media platforms are specific applications that utilize the Internet for content sharing, local networks are constrained environments used for private connectivity, and computer software does not inherently describe the interconnected hardware that constitutes the Internet.