Chapter 1: The internet, ethical values, and conceptual frameworks

“Is the Global Information Infrastructure a Democratic Technology?” (Deborah G. Johnson)

Learning Expectations:

            To determine whether Global Information Infrastructure is a democratic technology or not.

Quote:

            “The idea that the GII is democratic because it connects every individual to every other individual and allows individuals to engage in political discussion puts the emphasis on the users of technology. It focuses attention to on what the technology facilitates.”

Book Review:

            The Global Information Infrastructure refers to the dome in which the whole cyber world is in. Gigantic amounts of information are transferred every second. Every person has the option to be connected to the world wide network.

            “Information is power”. This paper mentioned two kinds of interpretations. The first one says that information goes to the receivers, meaning “to know is to be empowered”. For example, I read on an article about preserving the useful life of hard disks, I can then use this information to apply it to my own, thus empowering me. The second says that the senders of information are the ones who are empowered. For example, a TV anchorman reports on the headlines for the day. He conveys the news to the television viewers. This shows that he has the power to narrate to the people the current events in the society. He is empowered through giving out information to the masses.

            In my opinion, I think that the GII really is partly a democratic technology in the sense that there are a lot of ways to express one’s self through interchanging information with others. But certain laws and regulations from rightful authorities are implemented to control these liberties.  

Integrative Questions:

1.      Aside from power, what else does information symbolize?

2.      What will make a GII a pure democratic technology?