Defining the Internet

The internet, the engine that powers and governs modern society. Without it, the world would come to a standstill. But what exactly is the internet? Most people just think it's a place with YouTube, Netflix, and Social Media, but how it functions is a lot more technical than that.

First and foremost, let's define the internet. According to the online dictionary: Basically, what Mr. Overcomplicated Definitions is attempting to convey that the internet is a bunch of interconnected computers that transmit data with some protocols. Protocols are essentially standards/rules for something (such as how to exit a school in a single file line if it's on fire). Consider the effects if computers didn't have standardized methods for transmitting data, there could be major consequences (like a loss of data). Consider the following example of a hospital file:

Patient Name: Internet
Date of Birth: MM/DD/1957
Problem: Doesn't have a definition
Treatment: Give it a definition

If a hospital computer wanted to send it to Merriam Webster's servers without utilizing a protocol, it could be received as:

Patient Name: DD/MM/1957
Date of Birth: 
Problem: Does have a definition

As you can see some data was sent in the incorrect sequence (the DOB is the name and the problem has changed) and some parts weren't even received (the name and treatment were missing). This is why protocols are crucial and must be followed. So we could summarize the Internet as:

A method of data transfer between electronic devices that adheres to specific protocols.

Definitions:

Internet:

A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.

Our New Definition:

A method of data transfer between electronic devices that adheres to specific protocols.

Protocol:

The official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.

Our New Definition:

Standards/rules for something.