In some ways, the internet actually is a series of tubes. Some cell phone and internet companies might like you to think that your mobile internet connection is truly wireless — but in reality, your data is largely still just shooting through wires that criss-cross the Earth.
When you send a photo to a relative, write an email to a friend, or upload a video to Snapchat, your data travels huge distances in just seconds, largely because of a giant network of internet infrastructure that helps the world share its information.
Want to know more about how your favorite app or website makes it to the cell phone in your pocket? TIME explains in the video above.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The Man Who Thinks He Can Live Forever
- How a Government Shutdown Could Affect You
- The Threat to Louisiana's Drinking Water
- Colleges Get Creative to Boost Mental Health
- How Russia Is Recruiting Cubans to Fight in Ukraine
- Paul Hollywood Answers All of Your Questions About The Great British Baking Show
- How Canada and India's Relationship Crumbled
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time