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Conclusion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2015

Raphael Cohen-Almagor
Affiliation:
University of Hull
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Summary

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

–Edmund Burke

It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.

–Roy Disney

One of my students told me that he does not go to the movies anymore. I wondered why, and the student explained that going to the movies requires coordination (he does not like to go alone), money, and time, dictated by the movie theatre. It is too resource consuming. When I want to watch a movie, elucidated the student, I download it from the Internet, watch it at my leisure, and it does not cost me a penny. Because I do not like to sit for a long time without moving, I can stop the movie anytime I wish, go about my business, and resume watching the movie at will. Cinema is passé.

The Internet is a success story thanks to its open architecture and globally interoperable standards. It has affected virtually every aspect of society. The Internet has changed the way people study, conduct research, shop, travel, and promote their business. The Internet has changed industries, from culture and entertainment (books, music, movies) to commerce and banking. It is a quotidian network of interconnected multilayered networks. Unlike most communication media, Internet technology is based on global and non proprietary principles. Its complex structure is the result of freedom and ability to engage in innovation.

The Internet encourages connectivity, communication, and creativity. Many people contribute to the Internet in various ways. We post ideas, blog, upload photos and video clips, write texts, organize petitions, and comment on others’ contributions. The community of Netusers is vast and growing. What we need is to transform Netusers into Netcitizens – that is, Netusers with a sense of responsibility. And we need to reconcile Internet innovation, continued growth, and speed with society's best interests and security.

Throughout history, each major innovation in communications technology has caused distress and confusion similar to what society is experiencing today with the Internet.

Type
Chapter
Information
Confronting the Internet's Dark Side
Moral and Social Responsibility on the Free Highway
, pp. 307 - 326
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2015

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  • Conclusion
  • Raphael Cohen-Almagor, University of Hull
  • Book: Confronting the Internet's Dark Side
  • Online publication: 05 July 2015
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316226391.011
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  • Conclusion
  • Raphael Cohen-Almagor, University of Hull
  • Book: Confronting the Internet's Dark Side
  • Online publication: 05 July 2015
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316226391.011
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Conclusion
  • Raphael Cohen-Almagor, University of Hull
  • Book: Confronting the Internet's Dark Side
  • Online publication: 05 July 2015
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316226391.011
Available formats
×