Does the internet need a backup system?

[DigitalBuddha]

Does the internet need a backup system?

The internet controls many aspects of our lives in this connected world. But it is a fragile thing? And, there is the very real possibility that at least a part of it could break.



The chaos that would erupt if the internet went down, says technologist and inventor Danny Hillis, means we have to come up with an alternative. But the problem is we don't know the consequences because we are using the internet in ways we did not initially envisage.



Hopefully, not during league play - http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130829-cutting-the-internet-down-to-size

Nothing is fucked, here, dudes, nothing is fucked? - http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2013/03/18/what-if-the-internet-broke/

[Masked Dude]

I understand the importance of information exchange and all that, but there are some days I wish the internet would go down. There isn't enough one-on-one interaction anymore. That's good in the sense that I don't know any of you personally and met you here, but there's this odd disconnect with many people, too.

There are many who still do socialize (the real socialize, not the text type), and those are the ones I talk to more. But when I see a group of people glued to their devices I wonder if they know where they even are.

[DudeAbides 1983]

I don't foresee this happening short of a massive EMP, and if that happens we have way bigger worries than the internet. Yes I would hope some aspects of the internet would remain. It is a vital tool and our modern society relies upon it. I do hate the "look at me" culture it breeds though.

I would, however love to see many aspects be gone. I hate going out with friends and having them be constantly attached to the damn cell phone. We ignore people in the same room as us so that we may give people in our digital circles our distracted attention. I got rid of my smart phone, don't own a tablet and feel great to not be so connected. Now if you will excuse me I should sign off before I contradict myself!

[meekon5]

I thought that inherent in the internet's creation (DARPA Net etc) it was essentially unbreakable.

You can cut bits off but it grows another tentacle (yes tentacle not testicle quiet at the back there).

Basically as part of it's design as an information conduit during the cold war if you block one line of communication it re-routes round the blockage.

[wuliheron]

With emerging quantum technologies, we'll be able to channel the force Luke!