Informatia timeline

Introduction – Informatia timeline

The information revolution or Information Age (referred to here in all its manifestations as Informatia) has transformed the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. This revolution can be traced back to the development of the internet, which has allowed for the instant sharing of information across the globe. The rise of personal computers, mobile devices, and social media platforms has further accelerated this transformation, making it easier than ever for people to connect with one another and access a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.

One of the key drivers of the information revolution has been the rapid advancements in technology. Computers have become faster, more powerful, and more affordable, making it possible for individuals and organizations to process and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time. The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms has also played a critical role in automating tasks and making sense of complex data patterns.

The internet has also democratized access to information, leveling the playing field for individuals and organizations of all sizes. Small businesses can now reach customers around the world with the click of a button, while individuals can educate themselves on virtually any topic through online courses and tutorials. Social media platforms have enabled people to connect with others who share their interests and beliefs, creating new communities and opportunities for collaboration.

The information revolution has had far-reaching implications for society as a whole. It has transformed industries such as journalism, advertising, and entertainment, disrupting traditional business models and creating new opportunities for innovation. The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop, with online retailers offering a wide range of products and services that can be delivered to our doorsteps within days or even hours.

In addition to its economic impact, the information revolution has also had profound social and cultural implications. Social media platforms have changed the way we interact with one another, shaping our relationships and influencing our beliefs and behaviors. The rise of fake news and misinformation has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and its impact on democracy and public discourse.

Despite these challenges, the information revolution has also brought about many positive developments. It has enabled the rapid dissemination of important information during emergencies, such as natural disasters and public health crises. It has also empowered individuals to share their stories and advocate for social change, leading to movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo.

In the midst of this digital transformation, it is important to remember the crucial role that plants have played in the transition to an information-driven society. Plants have long been used for their medicinal and nutritional properties, providing essential nutrients and healing compounds that have helped to sustain human health and well-being. They have also been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and scientists, who have drawn upon the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom to create works of art and advance our understanding of the natural world.

Plants have also played a critical role in the development of modern technology. Many of the materials used in electronic devices, such as smartphones and computers, are derived from plants. For example, cellulose from wood pulp is used to make paper, while rubber from the rubber tree is used to make tires and other rubber products. Plants such as soybeans and corn are used to produce biofuels, which are an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

In conclusion, the information revolution has fundamentally transformed the way we live, work, and communicate in the digital age. It has empowered individuals and organizations to access information and connect with one another in ways that were once unimaginable. As we continue to navigate the complexities of this digital landscape, it is important to recognize the critical role that plants have played in this transition and to continue to value and protect the natural resources that sustain us (AI – GPT-4o).

Timeline

1945 – atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
1946 – C¹⁴ dating
1950 – TV
1950 – Korean War
1950 – birth control pill
1950-51 – commencement of the Golden Age of Capitalism (Long Boom)
1952 – elucidation of the DNA double helix by Watson, Crick, & Franklin
1954 – invention of solar cells
1956 – optical fibre
1957 – sputnik; satellites
1957-1962 – Great Leap Forward aims to modernize China; famine kills millions
1958 – silicon chip & laser
1960 – colour TV
1960s-1990s – rapid industrialization and growth of Asian tiger economies of Hong Kong, Singapore. S Korea, Taiwan
1965-1970 – Green Revolution – adoption of new technologies, high-yielding varieties of cereals (esp. dwarf wheat and rice), chemical fertilizers, agrochemicals, controlled irrigation, modernized techniques
1966-1976 – Cultural Revolution in China
1969 – man lands on moon
1971 – collapse of Bretton-Woods monetary system
1972 – Blue Marble image of Earth taken on 7 Dec. about 29,000 km (18,000 miles) away in space by the crew of the Apollo 17 spacecraft on its way to the Moon
1973 – oil crisis
1973-75 – stock market crash and recession
1973 – genetic engineering
1978 – Deng Xiaoping outlines Chinese economic reforms as the four modernizations
1980 – personal computers
1980s – special economic zones set up in five areas of China where private firms allowed
1980s – Earth System Science Committee formed at NASA and publication Earth System Science: A Closer View (1988) is a major landmark in the formal development of Earth system science.
1984 – 14 Chinese coastal cities opened up to foreign investment
1987 – UN sustainability programs initiated by Brundtland Commission Report on Sustainable Development
1988 – establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
1989 – Shanghai stock market reopens for first time in 40 years
1990 – internet
1997 – Asian Financial Crisis
2000 – Millennium Declaration and Development Goals for 2015 endorsed by 189 countries
2001 – Wikipedia
2001 – China joins World Trade Organization
2003 – completion of the Human Genome Project
2004 – social media
2005 – private firms contribute more to Chinese economy than state-run sector
2007 – smartphones
2007-08 – global financial crisis (GFC)
2011 – China becomes world’s second largest economy with GDP at $7.2tn
2012 – confirmation of the Higgs boson
2019 – coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic

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First published on the internet – 20 September 2020