Final answer:
The statement is true; the internet is a global network that connects millions of smaller, interlinked networks. Its development, influenced by Department of Defense research and evolving technology, has been crucial for globalization and the modern digital era, with social media platforms linking billions of users worldwide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the internet is a global network of independently operating but interconnected computers, linking hundreds of thousands of smaller networks around the world, is True. The Internet indeed is a vast network that connects multiple smaller networks, enabling them to communicate with each other. This connectivity has been key to the spread of globalization and has made possible the proliferation of social media platforms. These platforms, which began emerging in force during the 1980s with regional bulletin board systems (BBSs), have evolved into today's sophisticated websites and services that allow for rich media sharing like videos, music, and images across the globe.
The development of networking technology significantly advanced through efforts by the Department of Defense and academia in the 1960s and '70s. The standardized communication protocols established in 1982 allowed for the growth of the Internet, which became further enhanced with the creation of the World Wide Web by the end of the 1980s. By the time we reached 2005, the Internet had soared in user numbers, surpassing one billion, signaling the creation of a digitally global community that we continue to expand upon today. The growth of online services, such as America Online (AOL), and advancements in network infrastructure, including the adoption of broadband connections and the laying of fiber optic cables, have continuously shaped the Internet's evolution and its role in modern society.