The Internet Is Alive: What Nature’s Communication Networks Teach Us About Our Digital World

Often, the internet is pictured as a cold, electronic machine, but it is better understood as a living network—a natural extension of communication systems that have existed across life on Earth for millions of years. From the subterranean fungal networks that connect trees to the seismic vibrations elephants use to communicate, nature offers profound examples of interconnectedness.

The so-called 'wood wide web' is a vast underground network of mycorrhizal fungi linking trees and plants, enabling them to exchange nutrients and information vital for forest health. Similarly, elephants send messages through ground vibrations detectable kilometers away, while plants communicate chemically over distances through airborne bacteria.

These systems reveal that connectivity and signaling are fundamental features of life itself. The internet is thus not an alien imposition but a continuation of this ancient impulse to connect, share, and coordinate across space and time.

Viewing the internet through this ecological lens enriches our understanding of its potential and challenges. It invites us to see technology as part of a continuum, where human ingenuity builds upon natural principles. This perspective encourages ethical reflection on how we design and use digital networks.

Next, we will trace the philosophical journey of machines that mimic human thought and the implications for artificial intelligence.