C: The Power of the Internet

One of the most dangerous and enabling things about the internet is how it can be used by anyone who has access to a computer. Curran brought up this point when talking about the different hate groups that have websites. The freedom of the internet means that not only can it be used by charities, but also white supremacist groups, and hackers. In today's world, being able to hack into important files is a very powerful tool for terrorism. Companies and governments have so much information and money invested in the internet, and the smallest glitch in their system can tear apart an entire framework. This made me think of the hacktivist group Anonymous. Anonymous is a group of hackers that works as a team to take control of the websites of companies and governments that they believe are unjust. During their 2010 attack on several government corporations called "Operation: Payback is a Bitch", they released the statement : 

"Anonymous is tired of corporate interests controlling the internet and silencing the people’s rights to spread information, but more importantly, the right to SHARE with one another. The RIAA and the MPAA feign to aid the artists and their cause; yet they do no such thing. In their eyes is not hope, only dollar signs. Anonymous will not stand this any longer."

This brings up the contrary idea that hackers can be good for society. I agree that hacktivist groups can be beneficial in that they work as a form of checks and balances for the internet. Because there are people who understand the internet as well, if not better than computer scientists that work for the government is actually comforting to me. With the powers of hackers, secrets such as the NSA files will no longer go unnoticed. 

Another aspect of the internet worth noting is its addictive qualities. I grew up with the internet, and for me, it has grown from primarily a source of information, into a source of entertainment. There are endless videos, and games to entertain the casual web-surfer for hours on end. There are now actual social groups that meet on the internet and consider themselves tight groups of friends. For some of these people, internet social groups are just harmless entertainment, but many others are more comfortable with their online friends than their real life ones. Excessive internet use often interferes with relationships, work and school.