Chapter 6 - the web
While I felt this chapter to be full of information, I also found it to not explain how reliant everyone has become on the web. Our prof’s use it in school, our assignments are to be typed, our readings on Webct, etc.. When we need to look a word up, we no longer turn to websters dictionary, we go to dictionary.com or google. Research for papers can be done on the web, therefore, decreasing time spent looking for books. Also talking to friends can be done quicker, and easier with things like e-mail and msn. We no longer need to phone people individually, instead we can e-mail or go on msn. When we need information about medication doctors no longer give us pamphlets they instead give us websites to look at. We have become completely reliant on the internet, and I am unable to decide if this is a giant leap forward, or if this is going to create future problems in our society.
A unique thing that I did not realize about the web is that thre are no charges, or “toll fees”. I found it absolutly amazing that Tim Berners - Lee refused to charge for the web. I found it even more unique that he has not allowed for anyone to start charging people for using their site. The internet would be such an easy way for companies to make a huge profit, yet no one charges for individual sites yet.
I hope that day never comes, where sites charge a fee. The internet is a way for many to voice opinions, without going through editors, or not being involved with the paper. Many can voice their individual opinions, it is a way for people all around the world to communicate, and talk about an array of things. It is truly, I think, so far, a very unique and good thing.
qmass said,
January 30, 2007 at 6:29 am
Sorry to break the news: there are pay sites all over the web. For example, most newspapers charge for you to have “full access” to their online archives, as well as the most famous example, Salon.com, charges a subscription fee.
lilroxy said,
January 31, 2007 at 6:38 am
I totally agree that we have become very reliant on the internet. The internet allows for things to be done quickly, easily, and efficiently. Most of the time, it is easy to find exactly the information you are looking for within seconds. I completely take for granted how easy it is to stay in contact with friends while at the same time accessing information on just about any topic. I liked how you asked the question of whether this over-reliance on the internet could be problematic. I think that potentially it could be. Looking at online medical information, for example, thousands of people self-diagnose themselves through these sites instead of going to an actual doctor. While I think that it is awesome that people can access this kind of information, I think that sometimes it could have negative consequences. This doesn’t just go for medical information, but for other forms of information out there as well.