Internet and Society

Introduction

The use of the Internet has implications for all aspects of modern life. These can be characterized by a democratization of information and information sharing; a connection among all people of the world, often called globalization; a heightened speed or pace in modern life; and, finally, a long-term impact on institutions, such as education and government.

Discussion

The use of the Internet has developed and been applied socially through five waves of development and use that are in a state of flux and ongoing: (1) physical connection and ease of use; (2) socialization and new channels of communication; (3) information; (4) commerce; and (5) gaming/entertainment and interactive experience. All five waves have implications for education (Steward, 25). Through these waves of development, the Internet has been applied to the human experience and created a social phenomenon.

Physical Connection and Ease of Use. The first phase of development and technological advancements has passed from the 1960s and is ongoing, where physical connections are linked through advanced networking protocols (Netting, 85). The progression of technological advances, coupled with ease of access and widespread use of computers, gives the Internet the social impact that it enjoys. The expansion of physical connections continues and will expand and migrate in a more widespread way to portable devices, such as handheld personal digital assistants and cell phones (Irving, 13).

Socialization and New Channels of Communication. Phase two of the widespread use and socialization of the Internet includes e-mail, instant messaging, forums/blogs, chats, and so forth. Online chat refers to any kind of communication over the Internet but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chatr or chatroom, using tools such as instant messaging. A group of regular users becomes a virtual community that exists around this Web space or use (Harris, 74). Technology, computer games, and politics ...