Internet Technology

We look to the Internet for news, socializing, shopping, research and more. From HTML code to instant messaging, we'll break down what's really going on whenever you log on, send an e-mail, visit a popular Web site or post to a blog.

Topics to Explore

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Our Online Personalities Change Across Different Social Media Platforms

Do we portray a consistent self across different social media platforms? A new study examines the faces we share.

By Chris Opfer May 24, 2017 Social Networking / Social Networks

Data Sent via Infrared Light Could Make WiFi Hundreds of Times Faster

New research out of the Netherlands suggests a way to rethink how we get the data we need from the internet and other networks to our devices — at super-fast speeds.

By Patrick J. Kiger Mar 27, 2017 Internet / WiFi & Mobile

Annoying Verification On Its Way Out as CAPTCHA Goes Invisible

Google's CAPTCHA will use browsing habits to predict your humanity, only relying on the irritating jumble of letters for suspicious, potential bots.

By Patrick J. Kiger Mar 22, 2017 Internet / Internet Basics

Can the President Legally Delete a Tweet?

President Trump is an avid tweeter, and not always the best speller (remember unpresidented?). Can he delete his tweets or are they now public property?

By John Perritano Feb 9, 2017 Social Networking / Social Networks

5 Things You Didn't Know About Wikipedia

Your college professors probably told you not to use Wikipedia for papers. But they might have been wrong.

By Kathryn Whitbourne Jan 13, 2017 Internet / Internet Basics

The Internet of Things Leaves Finland Cold

A recent cyberattack targeted the heating systems of two apartment buildings in Finland and left residents temporarily without heat. Thanks, internet of things.

By Jonathan Strickland Nov 9, 2016 Internet / Connectivity

Is Anyone Safe From Another Massive Internet Outage?

Friday's widespread Internet outages hit companies such as Twitter and Spotify hard. Are any systems safe from distributed denial-of-service attacks like these?

By Jonathan Strickland Oct 24, 2016 Internet / Connectivity

Got a Bad Case of FOMO? Get Off Social Media

Bummed out by the Internet and how much more fun everyone else seems to be having? Seeking out better times offline may ease your FOMO.

By Lauren Vogelbaum Oct 19, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

Will This Election Season Become Known as 'The Great Unfriending'?

The caustic tone of the 2016 presidential race is powerfully affecting ordinary social media users. Will that destroy a lot of social media relationships?

By Patrick J. Kiger Oct 13, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

NPR Says No Comments

News organizations have been dropping their commenting sections for years, and NPR has recently joined them. But not everyone thinks ditching comments is the way to go.

By Kate Kershner Oct 4, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

Google Has a Shrewd Plan to Fight ISIS Recruitment

Google AdWords aren't just for selling products.

By Dave Roos Oct 3, 2016 Internet / Internet Basics

Bragging Could Be Dragging Down Your Online Dating Profile

Looking for love online? Then stop tooting your own horn so much. Oh, and one other thing.

By Chris Opfer Sep 6, 2016 Internet / Social Networking

When Live-streaming Bumps Up Against Freedom of Speech and Privacy

There's a lot of live-streaming going on lately. As a result, courts may soon be busy defining when it's appropriate to record or broadcast video.

By Jonathan Strickland Aug 8, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

WiFi: Handy but Also Harmful?

With scores of WiFi networks in place, is wading through an invisible ocean of JPGs, MP3s and more making you sick? BrainStuff leads you through the issue.

By Laurie L. Dove Jul 4, 2016 Internet / WiFi & Mobile

Facebook Safety Check Feature Connects People During Disasters

The social media giant activated its Safety Check feature for the first time in the U.S. on Sunday after the Orlando attack. Here's the scoop on how it works.

By John Donovan Jun 14, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networking Information

Retweeting Isn't Doing You Any Comprehension Favors

In an odd twist, retweeting could be negatively affecting your memory of the content, and causing comprehension declines even after your Twitter session is over.

By Kate Kershner May 3, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

Can You Scrub Bad Press From the Internet?

After the pepper-spray incident, UC Davis paid a company to repair its online image. But can anyone make negative search results disappear?

By Dave Roos Apr 21, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

10 Places to Find WiFi (So You Don't Eat up Your Data Plan)

Data plans are precious ... and finite. So knowing where to get your WiFi fix matters. With that said, have you tried a city bus? Or space?

By Oisin Curran Internet / WiFi & Mobile

Twitch Serves Up Julia Child and Bob Ross — to Gamers

The hugely popular streaming platform wants you to know that it isn't just for gamers.

By Christian Sager Apr 13, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

Why Couples Share a Facebook Profile — And Why It Bugs The Rest of Us

Some couples have a shared Facebook account, even though Facebook frowns on the practice. What does it say about their relationship?

By Alia Hoyt Mar 23, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

The Controversy Over YouTube Takedowns

YouTube takedowns have been skyrocketing this year, and uploaders don't know why. What's the line between copyright infringement and content creation?

By Dave Roos Mar 8, 2016 Internet / Internet Basics

Dear Facebook, We Need These Emojis

Because sometimes sad, angry, haha, love and wow just don't properly describe your emotional state.

By Robert Lamb Feb 26, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks

Need a New Podcast to Binge? Here's What HowStuffWorks Podcast Hosts Listen To

HowStuffWorks loves podcasts, and our staff of podcast hosts offer up recommendations of their favorite ones to obsess over.

By Yves Jeffcoat Feb 12, 2016 Internet / Internet Basics

Facebook Takes Aim at Unlicensed Firearm Sales

You can do all sorts of things on Facebook, right? Find a high-school buddy. Post pictures of your cat. Buy a gun. Except that last one may have just gotten tougher.

By Julie Douglas Feb 3, 2016 Social Networking / Social Networks