Following on from my previous blog, are people given too much freedom on the net? I think that the ‘dangerous materials’ that are online agree with the statement that there is too much freedom given, and creates a negative portrayal of the internet. I wouldn’t say that these materials are too prominent on the internet, because they aren’t plastered all over the internet, but they can be accidently found which is why there should be precautions taken i.e. blocks on websites to protect children from finding these sites. Although internet users are aware of these dangers, it is still scary for online users and people interacting. Is a new public sphere online creating more dangers online?
I think anyone online can produce different online cultures, but how much are they actually influenced by other factors that are already existent online? There are so many websites, forums, groups online that it’s easy for people to influence and manipulate others. The internet as a medium allows for everyone and anyone to put their views and opinions online, it’s not like other Medias where there is only one source of information being circulated. However in terms of ‘ordinary’ net users, I wouldn’t say they are necessarily taken as seriously in what they are saying even though they have the ability to voice it.
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I think it's a double edged sword really. People wanted greater amounts of freedom to say exactly what they thought and not feel scared to do so, but along with this new found sense of freedom came things which weren't safe to children to see. I personally would prefer people to feel that they can say what they like without feeling ashamed of their views, although I might fiercely disagree to it, I think that I'm able to filter through these things and judge for myself what a reasonable opinion is.
ReplyDeleteOf course when it comes to people younger than me who aren't able to filter through this type of thing and may become influenced by what they read on the internet it has the potential to be extremely dangerous, and although filters do exist, there is still a very real possibility that they may stumble on unsuitable material.
However, maybe this is the price we pay for freedom of speach on the Internet?
Yes, I think the fact the internet enabled people to say what they want has produced the majority of dangerous materials on the internet. You mention young people, and they are at high risk at being influenced by bad sites on the internet. It can be said that a disadvantage of the internet is that anyone can say what they want, however bad it is and anyone can read it, even when they aren't looking for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think about educating small children to be aware of some of these issues online? Would you have felt it was helpful? Or would it have wasted time for more important things?
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