Internet Access and Freedom Conclusion
In conclusion, out of the five countries researched, Germany is the freest with regards to the internet while China is the least free. The internet in the free countries allows for an increase in an individual's freedom. The availability of internet access creates a more advanced and cohesive society. The internet “has become an avenue to pursue both formal education, as people take online courses to earn college degrees, and informal learning such as accessing “how-to” videos “. ₁ With globalization, individuals can see what is happening in different parts of the world, whether the events are concerned with politics, economics, human rights, or the environment. People can then use this information to react or prepare their own societies in order to protect against similar events. With access to the internet, issues and movements can spread very quickly through the internet and social media. Access to the internet has "impacted our work life as well by facilitating greater ability to work from home and collaborate across physical and geographical boundaries by utilizing teleconferences. Access to broadband Internet, in particular, is credited with having effects on individual empowerment, economic growth, and community development.”₁
While the internet has allowed for such monumental gains in knowledge and freedom, privacy rights are becoming a global discussion with regard to internet usage. Between corporations selling an individual's internet data and government entities that censor what citizens see and do, does the breach of privacy and governmental control limit the citizens’ freedom in these regions? As shown in the webpage, this does have a tremendous impact on China. According to Erik Huizer, a “major threat to the Internet is the fact that commercial players encroach on our freedom. Our surfing habits, our viewing preferences, and our social media opinions are monitored by all kinds of companies that use the information for their own commercial gain”. ₂ Another idea regarding the debate of whether internet access allows for more freedom is the notion of whether people are controlled by their tech devices to the point that they are not truly free anymore. However, the conclusion is that internet, just like everything else, is great in moderation. It has truly led to advancements that have shaped society today, as shown by the social media movements and ecommerce it has created. |
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