The Impact of Societal Collapse on the Internet

When considering the scenario of societal collapse, one inevitable consequence is the disruption of the key infrastructure upon which the Internet depends. This article explores how such a collapse might affect the Internet, from immediate power outages to long-term system degradation.

Initial Power Outages and Internet Instability

The Internet's reliance on consistent power supplies is well-documented. In a scenario where society collapses, initial power outages would be swift, leading to partial shutdowns and eventual inaccessibility of many Internet services. This could lead to a situation where internet access is available to a limited, privilege-rich segment of the population, while the majority would be left without access.

Long-Term Implications

The post-apocalyptic scenario of human extinction, as portrayed in the TV series Life After People, provides a useful analogy. In this scenario, various technological and infrastructural elements created by humanity would persist for a while. However, over the long term, these systems too would break down due to the lack of maintenance and human oversight.

For example, large data centers and communication networks require constant maintenance and a highly skilled workforce to keep them operational. Without a stable society to support these systems, much of the digital infrastructure would become compromised. The ongoing generation of power, even from renewable sources like dams and nuclear plants, would eventually cease due to the absence of human operators to manage and maintain the systems.

Partial and Temporary Usability

Some aspects of the Internet might remain partially usable for a period, especially in regions where power is sporadically available. However, critical systems such as data centers and telecommunications infrastructure that rely on constant power would face a rapid decline in functionality. Backup systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) at data centers and telecommunications facilities, typically designed for short-term outages, would run out of power within a few hours, rendering these facilities useless.

Furthermore, the fundamental reliance of the Internet on interconnected systems, such as time servers and Domain Name System (DNS) servers, would further exacerbate the collapse. Even the robustness of protocols like TCP/IP, designed to withstand failures, is limited. Without proper maintenance and continuous human intervention, these systems would falter over time.

The Resilience of Critical Systems

Only a few highly specialized computerized systems are built to withstand long-term operation without maintenance. Nuclear launch control systems, pacemakers, and satellites are examples of such systems designed for high reliability and durability. However, the Internet itself is far from being built to such stringent standards. The decentralized nature of the Internet means that a failure at any point could lead to a broader collapse of the network.

Conclusion

In summary, the collapse of society would have devastating effects on the Internet. From immediate power outages to the gradual degradation of critical infrastructure, the Internet as we know it would disintegrate over time. The long-term sustainability of the Internet relies on the stability and resilience of the societies that support its infrastructure. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for developing strategies and solutions to ensure the longevity of this vital communication network.