From analog to digital

In the digital age that we're currently experiencing, where a tap on a screen bridges continents and a swipe unveils worlds (or jobs), the foundation of our online existence is deeply rooted in the fundamental laws of physics. From the Internet to the invention of the smartphone that has become an extension of ourselves, and platforms like TikTok that redefine storytelling, let's start a 3 to 4-minute journey to uncover the physics that powers our digital environment.

The Internet

What is the Internet? Servers? Computers? It's interesting to learn that at the core of the Internet's ability to connect us lies a complex interaction of electromagnetic waves and optical physics. Fiber optic cables are the Internet's backbone, they transmit data over enormous distances at the speed of light, thanks to the principle of total internal reflection*. These pulses of light, encoding bits of information, cross continents and oceans, enabling the instantaneous exchange of information that we often take for granted. The very essence of our global connectivity is a testament to the ingenuity of applying physical laws to create a world more connected than ever before.

To clarify, I asked chatgpt to explain "total internal reflection", here's what I got:

Total internal reflection is like when you shine a flashlight at a mirror at a really steep angle, and instead of going through, the light bounces right back at you. This is how some special wires, like the ones used for the internet, keep light inside them and send it over long distances without losing it.

Smartphones

The smartphone, your constant companion, is a marvel of modern quantum physics and quantum mechanics. I recently learned that at its heart lies the integrated circuit, a descendant of the transistor, which marked the quantum leap into the semiconductor era. These microelectronic devices harness the principles of quantum mechanics to perform billions of operations per second, making our smartphones incredibly powerful tools. Moreover, the touchscreens that grace these devices rely on the capacitive properties of conductive materials, responding to the slightest electrical changes induced by our touch, which kinda mindblowing. Another interesting microelectronic wonder are the memory cells that store all of your selfies and baby photos. But I'll leave that fun fact for a different article.

TikTok

Like it or not, platforms like TikTok have revolutionized how we create, share, and consume content, and at their core, they are made possible by the intricate dance of algorithms and data transmission technologies. A good example are video compression algorithms - they rely on the physics of data encoding and signal processing, and enable high-quality videos to be streamed smoothly over limited bandwidth. The predictive algorithms that curate personalized content feeds are powered by the massive computational capabilities of modern processors, themselves products of materials science and quantum physics advances. This overlap of physics and technology here might have shortened the attention span of some it has created a new way to exercise our imagination.

As we navigate through new social media channels devices and platforms that have become integral to our identities and interactions, it's humbling to remember the foundational role of physics in making it all possible. In this dance of electrons, waves, and algorithms, we find not just the means to communicate, but a reflection of our collective ingenuity and a reminder of the boundless potential that lies at the intersection of science and imagination.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, let's not forget the silent yet profound role physics plays in shaping our digital world. It's a reminder that at the heart of every swipe, tap, and click is a story of human curiosity, exploration, and a deep-seated desire to connect with the cosmos and each other.