Blog Posting Week 10

What is the dark side of the Web, and how does it play into your paper about style and technology?

Funny, if we all agreed on the dark side of the web...surely there would be limits on information access...but wait...just recently in an online news article:


"We are fundamentally guided by the belief that more information for our users is ultimately better," said Nicole Wong, Google's deputy general counsel.

Quoted from article: URL: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100401/D9EPUIV80.html



The Dark Side of the Web – Dennis Baron
In reading this chapter, one can see some of the authors points on how the advent of the web and or computers has allowed for the “dark side “of the web to expand. Certainly, there are hate-filled sites, on a variety of topics as well as sex-oriented sites on anything and everything. I do not see this as a bad thing, especially in the United States. As noted in the chapter, countries like China have taken and do take steps to censor or limit information via the Internet. In my opinion... so what! That is the policy of that country or of several others. As long as we maintain freedom in our country, I see no problem with the expansion of the web, including the so-called “dark side”. These groups, messages and ideas have developed and expanded over time using whatever the latest technology is, printing presses, telephones, cell phones, etc. It is all an offshoot of “freedom of speech”. Should we have rules, laws and regulations for various “dark sides of the We?” Well, it depends! There is no yes or no answer!
For example, in my house, I choose to implement a web filter program to limit access to these sites. I am deciding and as a proactive parent, controlling information , only into my house. Let all the information flow…..responsible folks should be able to determine if they want to limit or restrict sites in the home.

That is just one scenario, what about schools, libraries, and the workplace. Well, perhaps this is where my idea of "freedom for all..."ends. I do not see any issue with a library or school limiting information via the Internet that is coming into each location. These users are not “in the privacy of their own home”….so sorry…you must play by the rules. This same idea should apply to the workplace….you are allowed the privilege to access the Internet at work…..so again play by the rules.
So to the blog posted question: What is the dark side of the Web, and how does it play into your paper about style and technology?

The dark side of the web, I believe is subject to interpretation, just because I do not like your message, I have no right to censor it. Nevertheless, I have the right to not allow the message into my home, via filtering the Web as it enters my personal space or home network. How does it play into my paper? I really don’t think it does. I think Baron is anti-technology and just does not like any emerging technologies. The use of IM and email in the workplace, while some may argue is a waste of time, does not fit into any “dark side of the Web” in my opinion…..just over reaction as to the potential effects by some that may disagree.