How To Make The Internet Great
The Internet sucks.
That’s according to Steve Maich over at Maclean’s magazine. Maclean’s is one of Canada’s top news magazines; I always enjoy reading it, with a combination of news, investigative journalism and humor. So where does Steve’s article fit in? Is it news, investigative journalism or humor?
Steve cites things like porn, gambling and crime as reasons why the Internet sucks. He’s not wrong. There’s tons of porn, gambling and a fair share of crime (although I feel like this last one is grossly exaggerated.) The Internet is chock full of crap.
And the spinmeisters of the online world did exaggerate their vision of the Internet.
So, the Internet sucks, right?
Steve’s piece is well worth reading. It’s clearly one sided but it makes me think:
“How can we make the Internet great?”
There’s lots of ways. What sticks out for me is this:
Helping the less technologically-savvy get more involved.
Call them “newbies” or whatever you want, but there are tons of people on the outskirts of what’s going on who have valuable things to say and need to better understand the ways they can do it. Some aren’t newbies to the Internet, but may be unfamiliar with newer ways of communicating: blogging, podcasting, video, etc.
Those “in the know” need to help those that aren’t. By doing so we’re bringing in fresh voices and ideas. Almost every time I’ve helped someone get onboard in a more active manner it’s been rewarding, for me and the person I’ve helped. They’re typically eager, friendly and interested in building a likeminded, open community. What could possibly be wrong with that?
The Internet has improved the way we communicate. It doesn’t replace face-to-face, but it smashes open the door on having meaningful conversations with lots of people at once. The more we help the less tech-savvy folks get onboard, the better those conversations are going to become. And that helps make the Internet great.
Photo by Allen H. Lin.
Ben,
I wholeheartedly agree. World Wide Web literacy should be an educational priority in the 21st century.
Too many people out there simply dismiss the internet as hopeless, beyond repair, or (to borrow your apt term) crap.
Well… let’s get out there and make it our own. Can we eliminate porn sites? Can we eliminate crooks and criminals? Probably not.
But we can create more great content. We can educate the world on how to actually use Google. So on and so forth.
Thanks for shedding light on a critical topic!
-Jason Clegg
Mindful Entrepreneur
Jason - thanks for the positive comment.
After I read the Maclean’s article I thought - how has the Internet profoundly changed my life? Sure I’ve generated money from it, etc. but what has it really done that’s different.
It has to be about connecting with people. You just can’t ignore that. I’ve connected with people all over the world; and not just meaningless relationships either, valid/important relationships. Relationships that don’t diminish the ones I have with people I meet face-to-face either.
If I didn’t know different Ben I would say you were speaking to me with this post (surname - maclean, business - demystifying technology for small biz women).
It smacked me between the eyes this morning and has made me think … even thought I am working with women to help them feel more comfortable running their business in an online world, what am I REALLY doing to help them connect with other people in an online environment. What can I do to bring these fresh voices to the conversation? Do I have the patience and determination to get these women to a place where they stack up in the pile called “good for the internet”?
Questions that are probably better answered when I haven’t been sitting in front of a computer since 4.30am :o\
Leah - I’m glad the post smacked you between the eyes. As long as there’s no permanent damage.
I’d guess you’re doing a lot!
Think any of those women would make great podcasters or video bloggers? If so, then maybe I can help…
The internet does suck. Steve’s own sister has been activly stalked on line for the last 2years. Because of the international angle nothing can be done to put a stop to it. Her life and business have been effected by the stalker. She knows who it is, she has the IP#. Canadian Police can’t help her because the person is an American, The American police won’t help her because she is a Canadian. I have spent the last 18 months watching a wonderful person die a little bit each day. So yes the internet does suck to me
If we didn’t have the internet the person responsable would have no access to her or her business.