While the internet may seem like a relatively new technology, its beginnings can be traced back to the 1970s when email was first invented. Although it would be quite some time before the internet becomes widespread. There were many variations of online programs that attempted to connect the world through wires, but it did not become very popular until the world wide web codes were done being written. The World Wide Web was written by Tim Berners-Lee. At first these websites were very basic with mainly text and a few links that would allow users to easily navigate between pages of a website. Social media and social interaction websites have become one of the main uses of the internet for people. In its beginning there was not much for regular people to use the internet for, whereas businesses could use it to sell or buy goods (Chapman 2009).

Social media became popular around 2003-2004 when social media sites like digg.com, MySpace, and Facebook were introduced; although Facebook was originally only available to college students at launch. There have been numerous articles that suggest the need to balance face-to-face communication with virtual communication, such as online or cellular phone. Even physicians are worried about the dramatic increase in virtual communication. They believe it leads to “anxiety, distraction in school, failing grades, repetitive stress injury and sleep depravation, (Smialowski 2009).

The internet has been one of the most effective mobilizing agents of the 21st century. It allows people from all over the world to communicate and to learn about other cultures, peoples, places, etc. It has become a crucial tool for younger generations to voice political concern or opposition. Lucy MacDonald strongly believes that people benefit greatly from these technologies that allow for communication from a distance. Communication is an important aspect of life so she does the best she can at helping others who would benefit from online resources and communication tools. While she may have not necessarily “made” something like a physical entity, she has helped many with her guidance and availability to the public.