Life in the Network

I think that having “access” to the net simply means being able to navigate through the net to some extent. I don’t think that participating in online discussion forums or shopping on the net, classifies one as not being able to access the net. An individual may solely “access” the net for research and school purposes and doesn’t feel a need to use it for much else. I think the question of “experience” comes into play. According to Susannah Fox in the article Pew/Internet, “Internet users in their twenties are more likely than those in their fifties and sixties to have traveled far and wide online, trying new things and possibly learning hard lessons about the dangers that lurk in the network.” (2). Hence, the younger generation may have more “experience” in accessing the Internet’s newest and innovated capabilities, whereas the older generation may simply have more “experience” in accessing the general use of the beginning of the internet, which was primarily used as a research search mechanism.

I don’t think it’s necessary for all adults to be online; however, I think everyone should have the opportunity to access the Internet if they would like to. According to the article The Ever Shifting Internet Population,”38% of Americans with disabilities go online, compared to 58% of all Americans. Of the disabled who do go online, a fifth say their disability makes using the Internet difficult.” This is one group of people who I believe are cheated out of the experience of exploring the web. Something needs to be done to help lower the cost of technology and software that will help individuals with disabilities have equal chance to exploring the worldwide web. The web has some great resources out there for everyone to obtain and use. Children I think should be able to use the Internet, however, under certain supervised circumstances. For example, filters should be used and setup to allow parents to choose which websites their children are able to access. Much like the chip you place into the TV to control which channels children are able to view.

I think that a class in elementary school on Internet usage is definitely a good idea. Teach children at a young age about the safety of using the Internet and how the Internet can be used as a great research tool that can help in their academic studies. In elementary school children learn about sex ed, thus, maybe they should learn about the dangers of the Internet as well.

I guess I am pretty torn on the One Laptop per Child policy. I think that technology is a great innovation and that people should have the opportunity to accessing and using it. However, I believe the 3-essential/basic necessities of life: Food, Shelter, and Water should be a far great concern before technology. However, if technology is going to help improve conditions than I would say it definitely is a great idea.