Abstract

The net that binds
Shapiro, Andrew L. | June 21, 1999 issue

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The Internet is allowing individuals to make decisions that once were made by governments, corporations and the media. Contrary to the claims of cyber-romantics, democratic empowerment via technology is not inevitable. Institutional forces are resisting, and will continue to resist, giving up control to individuals. And some people may wield their new power carelessly, denying themselves its benefits and imperiling democratic values. The Internet's impact on community has everything to do with a digital phenomenon known as personalization, which is simply the ability to shape one's experience more precisely whether it's social encounters, news-work or learning.

See Also:

INTERNET; TECHNOLOGICAL innovations; INTERPERSONAL relations; SELF-efficacy; SOCIAL ethics; LEARNING
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