The hidden cost of the Web

The web is liberating and relatively free! Or is it?

Previously mute Individuals can express themselves and be heard. But, is it also isolating? Is it addictive? Could it be used to incite?

The answer to the last question seems to be yes from evidence at home and abroad. Think how quickly information and disinformation spread today. In times of economic distress, organizing “resistance” to policy is one thing, but what when there is no change from the ‘ruling classes’ or institutions? What when the ‘facts’ are plain wrong? How to keep the discourse productive?

In a well-educated society this is easier than one where it is easier to incite with hatred and jealousy. There is a perception that there is more to lose than gain for the majority if socially acceptable behaviour is discarded.

The key word is education. it has long been accepted that economic growth and stability requires an educated society. The web has made this even more an imperative. There is a race on in less developed countries with unstable, oppressive governments to educate, lest the odd opposite twins born of the web – isolationism and organization – conspire to produce danger and revolution rather than growth and evolution.

The hidden cost of the web may be found in a greater need for education in its broadest sense – and globally.