Internet As A New Medium

Created in the US, the Internet is a global information network linking computer networks of countries all over the world. Therefore, it is called the 4th greatest invention of mass media in the history of human civilization, following broadcast, newspaper and TV.In this paper, I intend to state the reason for its explosion from the aspect of technology and its positive effect on the process of democratization, as well as its applications in Politics, situation of tension and disaster recovery. Also, I list some negative effects of the Internet.Its technological advantages include digitization of information, multimedia and hypertext technologies as well as the global accessibility and rapid availability of the Internet. The digitization provides an efficient way for information store, duplication and transfer. The technologies of multimedia and hypertext make it more flexible and attractive. The global accessibility and rapid availability give us up-to-date information from all over the world.By enhancing interactivity, promoting the freedom of speech, breaking the monopoly of the traditional mass media and giving control of information back to the public, The Internet accelerates the process of democratization. It's powerful interactive function enables readers to actively participate in the production and communication of information. What's more, it can promote the creativity of readers and form a collective contribution of individuals to the society. While encouraging more participation in the public discussion, the Internet greatly promotes the freedom of speech and makes social and political process more transparent to the public. Compared with the traditional mass media, there isn't any so-called center of storage or communication on the Internet. So there isn't any organization or individual who can effectively manipulate and control it. The readers (users) have access to alternative viewpoints and can decide where and when to get what information of his/her own choice. What's more, the Internet provides readers with layered and customized information service.The Internet also brings about some problems: it is difficult to effectively control its content, the quality and credibility of the information on the Internet are decreasing, illegal cyber groups have come into being through the Internet, and the increasing dependence on the internet has resulted in many other social issues that affect our daily live.