Final answer:
People are able to do so much on the Internet and Web due to technological advancements that have made global connectivity and user participation possible, transforming communication, commerce, and media. Advances in infrastructure and mobile networks have facilitated this change, although challenges like unequal access and threats to net neutrality pose future risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
People are able to do so much on the Internet and Web due to the advancements in technology that have increased connectivity and participation globally. From the early days of localized bulletin board systems (BBSs) to the current age of social media, streaming services, and e-commerce, technology has transformed how we share information, conduct business, and engage in social activities online. The globalization of the internet, along with the development of Web 2.0, has created a participatory culture wherein users not only consume content but also generate it, whether through social media, uploading videos, or participating in crowdsourcing efforts. This evolution has made the internet a critical platform for commerce, communication, creativity, and exchange of ideas.
Improvements in infrastructure, such as the laying of fiber optic network backbones, and advancements in mobile technology with 4G and 5G networks have facilitated this transition. Accessibility to global media has bolstered industries, expanded the reach of artists, and facilitated new forms of expression and commerce. However, challenges such as unequal access to technology, censorship, and the potential end of net neutrality pose risks to the open and democratic nature of the internet.