Nettsurfing

Nettsurfing, or net surfing, refers to the activity of navigating and exploring the World Wide Web by moving from one webpage to another through hyperlinks, search results, or bookmarks. It encompasses reading articles, watching media, researching topics, shopping, social interaction, and exploring new sites. The activity is facilitated by web browsers, which render web content and provide interfaces for navigation, bookmarking, history tracking, and tabbed browsing.

Historically, net surfing emerged with the early growth of the World Wide Web in the 1990s. The release of graphical browsers such as Mosaic and later Netscape Navigator popularized the practice, making it easier for users to click through links and discover information. As browsers evolved, features such as search engines, bookmarks, history lists, and later tabbed browsing enhanced the experience, enabling more efficient and expansive exploration of online content.

Common techniques and tools include using search engines to locate information, following hyperlinks from pages to related content, organizing sites with bookmarks, and saving pages for later reading. Users often tailor their experience with features like history tracking, reading lists, and extensions or add-ons that improve privacy, security, or accessibility.

Net surfing has had broad cultural and economic implications, shaping how people learn, communicate, and consume media. It also raises concerns about privacy, security, and information quality, prompting ongoing emphasis on digital literacy, safe browsing practices, and awareness of phishing, malware, and data tracking.