The word "cybersurfers" refers to people who browse the internet, often in search of information or entertainment. It is spelled with "cyber" (sʌɪbə) referring to the online world and "surfers" (sɜːrfəz) referring to the act of moving through something fluid or dynamic, like waves. The use of "cyber-" as a prefix denotes something related to technology, while "surfers" is metaphorically used to describe the act of navigating through online content. Therefore, "cybersurfers" can be seen as a perfect portmanteau of these two concepts.
Cybersurfers are individuals who engage in the activity of exploring or navigating the Internet. The term "cyber" refers to the digital realm and the word "surfer" draws a parallel to the action of riding waves in the physical world. Consequently, cybersurfers can be considered as individuals who ride the waves of information on the Internet.
These individuals utilize various means, such as personal computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices, to access and explore the vast network of interconnected computers known as the Internet. Cybersurfers may engage in activities such as browsing websites, searching for information, communicating through email or messaging platforms, participating in social media networks, streaming media, online shopping, and much more.
The term "cybersurfer" is often employed to describe the internet users who actively seek out and explore different online content. They navigate through websites, hyperlinks, search engines, and other online tools to satisfy their information, communication, entertainment, or transactional needs. Cybersurfers may possess varying degrees of expertise and experience in using the Internet, ranging from beginners to advanced users.
In essence, cybersurfers are individuals who immerse themselves in the digital sea of information, riding the virtual waves of the Internet to discover, connect, learn, and engage with the plethora of online resources and services available.
The word "cybersurfers" is derived from combining two terms: "cyber" and "surfing".
The term "cyber" originated from the word "cyberspace", which was coined in 1982 by science fiction writer William Gibson in his book "Neuromancer". It refers to the virtual reality of computer systems and networks, specifically the interconnected digital world.
The term "surfing" here is borrowed from the water sport of surfing, which involves riding on the waves of the ocean. In the context of the internet, "surfing" was used to describe the act of navigating through different websites or webpages, just as someone rides the waves while surfing.
Combining "cyber" and "surfing", the term "cybersurfing" emerged in the 1990s to describe the activity of exploring the internet or browsing websites.