Internet Roadtrip: A Technology for Mass Virtual Travel

Internet Roadtrip is an innovative online platform that combines the capabilities of Google Street View with real-time collective control mechanics. Developed by Neal Agarwal, the system functions as a road trip simulator where hundreds of users collaboratively control the direction of a virtual car.

Every 10 seconds, participants vote on the next move — whether to turn, honk the horn, or change the radio station. The system automatically follows the majority decision, creating a unique, community-driven route. Thanks to Google Street View integration, users explore real-world roads together at a relaxed pace.

Unlike more chaotic collective experiences (such as Twitch Plays Pokémon), Internet Roadtrip offers a calmer, more meditative journey, supported by an organized Discord community. Moderators guide newcomers and explain technical limitations — for example, the lack of continuous imagery on roads to Alaska, which makes reaching certain destinations impossible.

Key Features of the Technology

• Real-Time Collective Control Through Voting
  
• Integration With Google Street View for Authentic Visual Content
  
• Audio Layering, Including Live Radio Stations and Road Sounds
  
• Community Support Via Discord, With FAQs, Voice Channels, and Route Planning
  
• Flexible Navigation With No Fixed Destination — the Joy Lies in the Journey Itself
  

Internet Roadtrip represents a form of interactive digital culture, where the platform becomes a shared space for exploration, relaxation, and spontaneous discovery.