Here are some notable events and cultural highlights of 1982:

• War in Lebanon: Israel invades Lebanon in an attempt to drive out the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
• John Belushi, American comedian and actor, dies of a drug overdose
• The Falklands War between Britain and Argentina takes place
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, becomes a huge box office success
• Michael Jackson releases the album "Thriller", which becomes one of the best-selling albums of all time
• The first compact discs (CDs) are introduced and become popular for music listening
• The first issue of USA Today is published.
• The launch of the compact disc (CD) format.
• The birth of the internet as we know it today.
• The first World Computer Chess Championship was held.