internet – big, fast and cheap

holiday – time to sit back and follow some basic thoughts. for example: what would happen if the internet was disabled for good, right now. or a more realistic one: how are the internet and the emerging internet media going to change society in the coming years?

at least the first world countries are experiencing a fast diffusion of the internet and internet based media and tools. while the internet started as a military sponsored non-commercial network for academics and scientists, it has become a highly dominant media in almost all areas of life: professionals start and end their day with and ever-repeating routine of scanning their mailbox, reading mails, answering mails, storing mails or engaging in instant messaging sessions. where there is enough bandwidth for reasonable rates, people meet up in internet based video conferences. games do not have to be bought in shops anymore but can be downloaded and played online in massive gamer communities. cooking recipes, jokes, science, medical and legal advice, almost everything can be found in the internet. all reputable magazines, papers, radios and TV stations provide a substantial amount of their content online. and if they don’t do, you can be sure that there is a gaggle of citizen journalists that will cover the latest news and views in their blogs. politicians promote themselves and engage with the people via internet. people check their accounts and do their payments via internet. one of my cousins met his wonderful wife over the internet... why is the internet winning?

• because it is the biggest, fastest and cheapest information transmitter and therewith builds the base for a global army of information and internet service providers dedicated to storing, sorting and efficiently bringing the right information to you. any information, contact or tool is at your fingertips.
• because it is built on a sustainable base. the internet is not owned by anybody; it is run by a system of self-regulating governance rather than a government. it is carried by a global base and liberal and democratic soul. it is an efficient and effective catalyst for a more transparent world and builds a base for global approaches to global problems.