Internet Viewed Positively Despite Dotcom Failures
The economic downturn and the well-publicised failure of dotcoms have dented the share of those who see the internet as ‘an engine of, economic growth’, down slightly from 82% in October 2000 to 75% in June 2001. However, there has been no significant change in the share of the US public that has a positive view of the internet, or in the public’s views about accountability online, according to research by Markle Foundation.
A vast majority of people (83%) view the internet positively. It is identified primarily as a source of information with 45% seeing the web as a ‘library’; only 17% view it is a ‘shopping mall’ or ‘banking or investment office’.
Nevertheless, the US public has a range of concerns over the internet, ranging from online pornography and violence to privacy issue to unresponsive providers and a lack of credibility of online information. In looking for solutions, they want to go beyond such black and white choices as ‘government regulation’ or ‘industry self-regulation’ to create an approach that involves government, industry, technical experts, non-profit organisations and the public itself.
The public feels industry has a key role to play but 58% believe that industry should not regulate the internet alone; 70% feel that non-profit-making organisations should have a significant role in creating the rules.
Media Jobs
Hello. We have downloaded cookies on your device. Some of these cookies are essential for the website to function. Others are non-essential and are used for analytics and advertising.
We need your consent for these types of cookies.
To withdraw your consent or change your cookie choices, please do this through your browser settings.
Otherwise, click OK to accept and continue.
