Chapter Two

2. What possibilities of the Internet’s future are you most excited about? Why? What possibilities are most troubling? Why?

Well, I would have to say that there are plenty of things that we can be looking forward to whether it’s the internet, or any other sort of media. With everything that has been created now, I’m excited to see what else they can come up with. I would have to say that I’m most excited about the opportunities the Internet will provide with shopping, music, movies, etc. I can’t wait to see if they are going to provide a site where movies can be broadcasted all of the time, or if they will provide a certain discount to those who only shop online. I guess only time will tell. The most troubling possibility that I can think of would be if stores decided to close and only provide their shopping online. Yes, shopping online can be an advantage. But another advantage is being able to go to their store, see the product, and try it on. I’m not sure I like the idea of “virtual” shopping.

4. Do you think virtual communities are genuine communities? Why or why not?

I’m a firm believer that virtual communities are nothing like genuine communities. Virtual communities keep you from the things that really matter such as the one-on-one contact. Virtual communities are the main cause as to why teenagers are unsure as to how to keep a conversation running with a fellow classmate, professor, etc. Students are getting to the point that sending a text, or email is much easier than trying to arrange an appointment to talk to your professor. Virtual communities are typically just online. Talking to somebody through Facebook chat, texting, or chat rooms isn’t really talking to that person, it’s just typing. You can’t see the other person’s reaction to anything that is being said. Genuine communities are the idea of having one-on-one contact with another human because you want to, not because you have to. You would rather see them in person than send something to them virtually.