Internet & Society:

When trying to interpret Fuch’s theory, I believe that the changing 'overall competitive character of society (Fuchs, p. 107) is based on the user’s experiences on the web. For example, I think that if a person develops a belief that the Internet can be used for their own purposes, they’ll eventually realize that other users are trying to accomplish similar goals. This makes the web much more competitive between users. Which can occur between businesses, organizations or individuals, wanting to establish themselves as an attraction and trying to build demand and relevance.

            As for Feenberg’s theory that new ideas of democracy promotes the organization and expression of 'participant interests' (Feenberg p. 15) to develop, I believe it is also correct. In my opinion, the web allows users freedom to express themselves, which can lead to creative projects that enables them to display their beliefs/ ideas. However, these expressions can have unintended consequences by causing offense for other users. This is problematic because it may clash with the distinct beliefs of other groups. Such conflict can happen over an array of topics and can cause many people to worry about the internet's capacity and its code of ethics related to its use.  People will then become concerned about what type of data and information gets posted, because unfortunately the data that’s online doesn’t need to be factual. Some ideas can be posted based on lies and it can spread feeding misinformation. So as great as it is to have creative control of content over the web, some people can cause problems that puts people at risk. With that in mind, I am both optimistic and pessimistic of the democratic uses of the Internet because ultimately it falls in the hands of the user(s). The Internet may be maturing, but I believe that people are becoming aware of how the web should be used appropriately, lessening the spread of false information. This makes me optimistic because I believe more in the power of positivism.