Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Infrastructure

Infrastructure encompasses various components such as roads, railways, bridges, and energy systems. These elements collectively form a broader understanding of what infrastructure truly means. But what constitutes infrastructure? What is its significance? Why is it crucial? With advancements in technology and the growing influence of the internet, the definition of infrastructure has expanded to include IT infrastructure. In our contemporary world, many individuals utilize IT infrastructure daily, often without realizing its profound impact on society.

Imagine starting your day by checking your smartphone, a common routine for many. Suddenly, the weather app you rely on, powered by Google's database, fails to load. A notification pops up, stating, "Google services are unavailable!" How would this disruption affect your day-to-day activities? Could you adapt easily? The disruption could be as frustrating as losing power. In their insightful article "How to Infrastructure," Susan Leigh Star and Geoffrey C. Bowker (2006) highlight that infrastructure often remains hidden until it fails (p. 11). This analogy extends beyond traditional infrastructures, such as electricity, illustrating how we often overlook the significance of our digital tools until they're no longer accessible.

Notably, Google ranks as the most visited website globally, according to Alexa's 2019 statistics, reflecting its widespread use across diverse demographics. Google's mission, as stated on its website, is to "organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful" ("How Google Search Works | Our Mission," 2019, pp. 1–3). The company originated in the 1990s when Larry Page and Sergey Brin initiated their search engine project at Stanford University. Initially hosted on university servers, the domain name 'Google.com' was registered in 1997, leading to the official launch of the company in 1998. Though "Google" itself doesn't hold a specific meaning, it derives from "googol," a term denoting the number one followed by a hundred zeros.

Google is predominantly known for its efficient search engine, which navigates an overwhelming amount of online data. The company employs advanced technologies like machine learning to enhance user experience. This approach allows the search engine to remember past queries, providing tailored suggestions based on user behavior. For instance, if you previously searched for "bank" and later type "b," the algorithm may prompt you with your earlier search term. While this is a simplified example, Google's use of such technologies extends across various applications, aiding users in finding images, texts, products, and more.

Viewing the Google search engine as a form of infrastructure reveals several characteristics. Star and Bowker (2006) emphasize the concept of embeddedness, stating, "Infrastructure is sunk into, inside of, other structures, social arrangements, and technologies" (p. 11). Google’s data underpins countless websites and platforms, illustrating how integral it is to the functioning of modern technology. Another essential aspect is transparency; infrastructure often operates seamlessly, supporting tasks without requiring conscious thought from users (Star and Bowker, 2006, p. 11). As infrastructure becomes more prevalent, it tends to fade into the background of everyday life.

As infrastructure solidifies its presence, it can profoundly influence our lives. Eric Goldman (2008) argues that "search engines have significant power to shape searchers' behavior and perceptions" (p. 189). With the vast array of information available online, not all content is equally credible. Many individuals lack the expertise to discern fact from fiction, often accepting the first information they encounter. This phenomenon highlights the power of search engines in shaping public opinion and, by extension, society.

Goldman's critique of search engines as media companies suggests that they make editorial choices that favor certain content types, leading to "search engine bias" (Goldman, 2008, p. 189). Like any corporation, Google prioritizes revenue, meaning those who can afford to pay more often gain higher visibility. This financial disparity can skew the information landscape, allowing wealthier entities to dominate search results and influence societal narratives.

In addition to Goldman's insights, Mirco Speretta (2005) examines how search engines personalize data based on user histories, stating, "All queries submitted can be viewed, organized, and reused in future searches" (p. 4). Users create profiles based on their activities, and companies like Google maintain extensive databases of this information, which can serve various purposes beyond mere search assistance.

Defining infrastructure can be challenging, as it often lacks a tangible form. The term "foundation" may serve as a fitting analogy, representing the underlying support system for various structures, including technology. Just as a building's foundation is unseen yet essential, infrastructure operates quietly, providing the necessary support for functionality.

In conclusion, understanding infrastructure illuminates its vital role in our lives. As infrastructure strengthens connections, it becomes increasingly integrated into our routines, rendering it invisible. However, we must remember that invisibility does not equate to a lack of influence. The evolution of infrastructure in recent years, particularly in the realm of technology, underscores its foundational position in contemporary society.

The first video titled "What is infrastructure?" offers insights into the fundamental components of infrastructure and its significance in society.

The second video, "Infrastructure Explained," delves deeper into the various types of infrastructure and their roles in our daily lives.