Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Technologies
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November 20, 2023Email: Its Evolution, Mechanics, and Enduring Significance
Summary
1. Definition of Email
Email, a method of communication that has been consistently used since its inception, is a protocol for sending and receiving messages primarily over the internet. It is known to have been invented in the early 1970s, with the term “email” gaining traction in the 1980s. The phrase “electronic mail” was widely used to describe all document exchanges via electronic devices, such as fax, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact invention date of email as we know it today.
The first email using the “@” symbol was sent in 1971, credited to Ray Tomlinson. Efforts to standardize email protocols began around 1973. During the era of PC communication, there was a similar concept called “electronic mail.” However, a significant difference was that emails could only be exchanged between subscribers of the same service due to a lack of cooperation between service providers.
2. User@Domain
3. Email Delivery Process
4. Role and Significance of Email
Email serves as the cornerstone of communication for both businesses and individuals. While instant messaging and social media platforms have become dominant for personal communication, email remains an indispensable tool for professional exchanges. This is partly due to the transient nature of instant messages, which can be challenging to archive, and the potential security vulnerabilities in social media platforms.
In Japan, email has a distinct history. Until 2011, there was no standardized protocol for mobile text messages, leading to the widespread use of email as a substitute. Some platforms, like mixi, relied solely on mobile email for user authentication, a practice that drew criticism for its inconvenience. This approach even drew comparisons to South Korea’s mobile phone authentication system. Email has transformed the communication landscape by reducing the deluge of physical mail, thereby conserving resources like paper and delivery costs. As various business communications transition from traditional mail to email and text messages, the importance of email is undeniable.
