Larry Page

Definition

Larry Page is an American computer scientist and internet entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Google, which he started with Sergey Brin in 1998 while they were PhD students at Stanford University. His innovative work in search engine technology and algorithms significantly transformed how information is accessed on the internet, impacting various media sectors and leading to the establishment of Google as a dominant force in digital communication and media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Larry Page was born on March 26, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, and showed an early interest in technology and computers.
2. Under Page's leadership, Google introduced various groundbreaking products such as Gmail and Google Maps, which have since become integral parts of daily internet use.
3. Page has been influential in promoting innovations like self-driving cars through Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., showcasing his commitment to advancing technology.
4. In 2001, Larry Page became the CEO of Google and later stepped down to take a more significant role in product development as the company grew.
5. Page's vision for Google has always included a focus on making information universally accessible and useful, which has shaped the direction of numerous media sectors.

Review Questions

• How did Larry Page's background influence his approach to developing Google?
  • Larry Page's upbringing in a family of educators fostered a love for learning and innovation from an early age. His experience at Stanford University exposed him to cutting-edge research in computer science, particularly in algorithms. This combination of personal passion and academic excellence led him to co-develop PageRank with Sergey Brin, which fundamentally changed how information was retrieved on the web, making Google a leader in search technology.
• Discuss the impact of Larry Page's contributions to media sectors through the development of Google.
  • Larry Page's innovations have revolutionized the way media is consumed and shared. The introduction of Google's search algorithms not only optimized information retrieval but also influenced content creation strategies across various media platforms. This has led to a shift in advertising models and user engagement practices, allowing advertisers to target audiences more effectively based on search behavior and interests.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Larry Page's work on global communication trends today.
  • Larry Page's development of Google has had far-reaching implications on global communication trends. His vision has facilitated the democratization of information access worldwide, contributing to the rise of digital literacy and engagement across diverse populations. Furthermore, Google's influence on social media dynamics and online marketing has reshaped how individuals and businesses connect. As a result, communication has become more instantaneous and interactive, reflecting a significant evolution in how we share knowledge and engage with one another globally.

Related terms

Google: A multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, including online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.

PageRank: An algorithm developed by Larry Page and Sergey Brin that ranks web pages in search engine results based on the quantity and quality of links to them.

Alphabet Inc.: The parent company of Google and several other businesses, formed during a corporate restructuring of Google on October 2, 2015.