Chapter 2

In chapter two, they discuss the internet more thoroughly and the new technologies coming about. This chapter did not really appeal to me as others because of the similarity I have with the internet and the technology these days. But on page 45 there was something that interested me, the evolution of the internet. From its humble origins as an attack proof military communications network in the 1960's, the internet became increasingly interactive by the 1990's, allowing immediate two-way communication and one to many communications. By the 2000s, the internet was a multimedia source for both information and entertainment as it quickly became an integral part of our daily lives. For example, in 2000, about 50 percent of American adults were connected to the Internet; by 2008, 75 percent of American adults used the Internet.

On page 55 they discussed the ownership issues on the internet and that is something that kind of caught my interest. One of the unique things about the Internet is that no one owns it. But that hasn't stopped some corporation from trying to control it. Since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which overhauled the nation's communication regulations, most regional and long distance phone companies and cable operators have competed against each other on the Internet access business. However, there is more to controlling the Internet than being the service provider for it. In addition, companies have realized the potential of dominating the Internet business through search engines, software, and, perhaps most importantly, advertising.

Security, appropriateness, and access on page 59 jumped out for me as well too. In recent years, three Internet issues have commanded attention. For example, the security of personal and private information, the appropriateness of online materials, and the accessibility of the Internet. Important questions have been raised for example, should personal or sensitive government information be private, or should the Internet be an enormous public records? Should the Internet be a completely open forum, or should  certain types of communications be limited or prohibited? Should all people have equal access to the Internet, or should it be available only to those who can afford it? With each of these issues there have been heated debates, but no easy resolutions.