Computer science has revolutionized the world in more than I could ever state - from the internet to artificial intelligence - and thanks to its broad reach, there are a number of ways for kids and teens to get interested.
For instance, here is a fact for you:
Used by over 5 billion devices, Java is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages. From the basics of programming (used for the AP exam since 2004!) to building complex systems, Java is a great way to delve into coding and computer science.
Cool, right?
Computer Science Facts
Well if you want more facts and stats about computer science specifically, let's get into the many we've listed below.
1. 90% of the world's data was created in the last two years.
The exponential growth of social media, cloud computing, and the internet of things has led to an explosion of data creation. This fact emphasizes the significance of data science in analyzing and making sense of this vast amount of information.
Source: Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/05/21/how-much-data-do-we-create-every-day-the-mind-blowing-stats-everyone-should-read/
2. The global artificial intelligence (AI) market is expected to reach $126 billion by 2025.
The AI market is growing rapidly, with more and more businesses adopting AI technology to improve their operations. For example, the healthcare industry uses AI to improve diagnosis and treatment, while the financial sector uses AI to identify fraud and improve customer service.
Source: Statista - https://www.statista.com/statistics/607716/worldwide-artificial-intelligence-market-revenues/
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3. Cybercrime is expected to cost businesses $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Cybersecurity is a significant concern for businesses today as cyber-attacks become increasingly sophisticated and frequent. The cost of cybercrime is expected to continue to rise, with companies spending more and more to protect their networks and data.
Source: Cybersecurity Ventures - https://cybersecurityventures.com/hackerpocalypse-cybercrime-report-2016/
4. In 2020, there were over 2.7 billion gamers worldwide.
The gaming industry is a massive part of the entertainment industry, with millions of people worldwide playing video games. The rise of mobile gaming has made gaming even more accessible, with games available on smartphones and tablets.
Source: Finances Online - https://financesonline.com/number-of-gamers-worldwide
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5. The first computer virus was created in 1986.
The creation of the first computer virus highlights the risks associated with technology and the importance of cybersecurity. Since then, viruses and other malware have become much more sophisticated, making cybersecurity a critical concern for businesses and individuals.
Source: Norton - https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/when-were-computer-viruses-first-written-and-what-were-their-original-purposes
6. The first computer mouse was invented in 1964 by Douglas Engelbart.
The invention of the computer mouse was a significant milestone in the history of computer science, making it easier for users to interact with computers. Since then, input devices have continued to evolve, with touchscreens and voice recognition becoming more prevalent.
Source: Computer History Museum - https://history-computer.com/computer-mouse-complete-history/
7. Ada Lovelace, a woman, was the world's first computer programmer.
Ada Lovelace worked with Charles Babbage to develop the first mechanical computer in the 1800s, making her a pioneering figure in computer science. Her contributions to the field were groundbreaking and paved the way for many of the advancements we see today.
Source: Britannica - https://www.britannica.com/story/ada-lovelace-the-first-computer-programmer
8. The world's first electronic computer, the Colossus, was built in 1943.
The development of the Colossus was a significant milestone in the history of computer science, as it was the first machine capable of performing complex calculations using electronic components. This fact highlights the evolution of computer science and its impact on the world.
Source: Historic England - https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/what-is-designation/heritage-highlights/worlds-first-programmable-computer/
9. The first webcam was invented at the University of Cambridge to monitor the coffee pot in the computer science department.
The invention of the webcam has led to a revolution in communication and remote work. This fact shows how even mundane problems can lead to significant advancements in computer science.
Source: BBC - https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-20439301
10. The first email was sent in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson.
Email has become an essential part of communication in the digital age, and this fact highlights its origins and evolution. Email has transformed the way people communicate and conduct business worldwide.
Source: Phrasee - https://phrasee.co/blog/a-brief-history-of-email/
11. The first computer game, "Spacewar!", was invented in 1962.
Video games have become a massive industry and form of entertainment. This fact shows how it all began, and also highlights the role of computer science in the entertainment industry.
Source: ThoughtCo - https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-spacewar-1992412
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12. The first computer, known as the ENIAC, weighed 30 tons and took up an entire room.
The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was built in the 1940s and was a massive breakthrough in computer science. Its size and weight starkly contrast with the small and powerful computers we have today, and it shows just how far technology has advanced in a relatively short amount of time.
Source: PennToday - https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/worlds-first-general-purpose-computer-turns-75
13. The first computer network was developed in the late 1960s and was called ARPANET.
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) was developed by the United States Department of Defense as a way for researchers to communicate and share resources. It eventually evolved into the internet we know today, highlighting the tremendous impact computer networks have had on society.
Source: History - https://www.history.com/news/who-invented-the-internet
14. In 2020, over 306 billion emails were sent and received each day.
An email is a ubiquitous form of communication, and this fact highlights the massive scale of email usage. It also shows the importance of email as a communication tool and its role in personal and professional settings.
Source: Statista - https://www.statista.com/statistics/255080/number-of-e-mail-users-worldwide/
15. In 2020, there were over 1.5 billion websites on the internet.
The internet has become a vast network of information and resources, highlighting the sheer scale of the web. It also shows the importance of web development and its role in creating and maintaining websites.
Source: Internet Live Stats - https://www.internetlivestats.com/total-number-of-websites/
16. The first video game, "Tennis for Two," was created in 1958.
"Tennis for Two" was a groundbreaking game that laid the foundation for modern video games. This fact highlights the evolution of gaming and technology's impact on entertainment.
Source: Brookhaven National Library - https://www.bnl.gov/about/history/firstvideo.php
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17. In 2019, the average person spent over 6 hours per day on digital media.
Digital media has become a significant part of our lives, with people spending a substantial amount of time on various devices and platforms. This fact highlights technology's impact on our daily lives and the importance of digital media in modern society.
Source: Digital Information World - https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2019/02/internet-users-spend-more-than-a-quarter-of-their-lives-online.html
18. The first website was created in 1991 by Tim Berners-Lee.
The creation of the first website was a pivotal moment on the internet and computer science history. This fact highlights the internet's rapid evolution and computer scientists' role in developing and advancing this technology.
Source: NPR - https://www.npr.org/2021/08/06/1025554426/a-look-back-at-the-very-first-website-ever-launched-30-years-later
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