Thursday, February 5, 2004

The Democratic Shortcomings of Internet Privacy

In this section, I want us to begin addressing the potentially negative aspects of life on the Net. Enthusiasts of Internet surfing like to portray the experience as a new form of enlightenment. One is exposed to new sources of information and opinion and, as a result, one is challenged to rethink one's own beliefs and perspectives. But is this proposition accurate? Once again, we return to our choice of metaphors to capture the Net experience. But in addition, we also want to ask whether the assertion of Net privacy does not become a sorry excuse for maintaining old prejudices and avoid change.

For two perspectives on the Internet's limitations, read:

1. Paulina Borsook, "Cyberselfish," in your Reader.

2. Cass Sunstein, Republic.com (which you own) , pp. 3-88.

Sunstein's book has been the subject of enormous controversy. Like all of his books, it is provocative.

Read each of these accounts with a critical mind. Which aspects of each argument make sense to you? Where could their arguments have used more substantiation? When you look closely, in which respects do they seem totally wrong? Note: each writer has a political axe to grind. What is the axe for each of them and how does it show up in the two arguments?

For a useful critique of the foundations of Sunstein's argument, read " Mathematics of Growth ," by Simson Garfinkel.

Group Assignments (2): Contact Borsook ( loris@well.com ) and Sunstein ( csunstei@midway.uchicago.edu ), and ask them questions they'll have difficulty answering.

Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Solving the Problem of Internet Privacy?

Can we solve the problems associated with internet privacy. Assuming Sunstein is correct about the nature of this problem, we need to determine whether the solutions he offers will work. We also need to determine whether we can bear the costs of the solutions. What exactly does he propose? What are the social and political costs of his recommendations?

Complete your reading of Cass Sunstein, Republic.com , pp. 89-202.

But is Sunstein right, both in his description of the Internet's effect on political activity and in his prescriptions about the state's role in addressing this isssue? For a concrete example of the disadvantages and advantages of the Net in a democracy, consider the case of Howard Dean's cyberspace campaign for the Presidency. Is the Dean campaign a good example of the shortcomings of the Net? Or does it call into question some of Sunstein's presuppositions. Look at the evidence closely before coming to any conclusions.

Read "How the Internet Invented Howard Dean" in your Reader. Also, for strategic information about Dean's Net Advisory team, go to the NAN page on the Dean for America site.

David Weinberger, a regular commentator for National Public Radio, is a senior internet advisor for the Dean campaign. Read the chapter from his Small Pieces Loosely Joined (in your Reader) to get a different perspective of the Net's potential. Then, write to him at self@evident.com and pose a specific question about the Dean campaign's use of the Internet.

Thursday, February 12, 2004

Democracy, Education, and the Digital Divide

Can technology alone be counted upon to solve the problems associated with democracy and the Internet? Even if the technology works, a frequent criticism of democratic politics in the Internet age is that all citizens, both in the US and internationally, do not have equal access to the Net. If this technology is as revolutionary and as important as most people argue, what are the real-world consequences for those people who do not own computers or modems, let alone enjoy the advantage of a T-I connection?

There is no dispute about the existence of a digital divide in the US . But how large is this divide and to what extent is it decreasing?

For two analyses and tables of statistics, look at 1) The Pew Internet Project: Summary (Sept. 2000); and the Department of Commerce's study, " A Nation Online " (Census Bureau, Sept. 2001). In which cases has computer- and Internet-access improved? How would you define 'sufficient' access, as opposed to merely quantitative indices of access? To what extent do significant disparaties exist across different socio-economic and racial groups?

Once you have reflected upon these findings, compare them with Mick Brady's argument, " The Digital Divide Myth ." Whether you agree or not, think critically.

Then, apply the findings and Brady's argument to the stories in Chapter 7 (pp. 59-70) of Alex Kotlowitz's book about poverty in Chicago, There Are No Children Here . This short chapter is in your Reader. How would Brady's argument correspond to Pharoah's needs? Would Pharoah be reassured after reading Brady's account? What effect, if any, could access to the Internet have on Pharoah's life?

Additional subject for reflection: The digital divide is much more profound on an international scale. For example, large sections of the African continent are not wired at all. Should this matter to us? What effect would greater connectivity have on these sections of the world? Is there anything we can do about the challenge?