Extending Marshall McLuhan (Chapters 34-51)

The internet has without a doubt changed the way we communicate and exchange information. In a significant way, the internet has, in a sense; reduce the Earth to the size of a marble. The internet has become a fundamental block in most first world countries and has become a permanent part of human civilization. When discussing the significance of the internet we often bring up the pros and cons of its relevance to our society. Most would describe the internet as double edge sword. On one side the internet is extremely convenient, since its conception, we have been able to do things we could only imagine: virtual reality, CGI, instant messaging, various types of remote control, etc. But with all of these technological advancements with the internet, we are introduced to new armies, new government functions, and crimes.

The biggest concern I would say most people have is the lack of privacy that comes with the internet. I believe this aspect of the internet is generational; the younger generations are exposed to the ways of the internet, namely social media, at an early age, and therefore are less conscious of the dangers older generation are concerned with. I find the internet’s growth to be exciting and terrifying at the same time. I enjoy how all of my Apple devices are completely connected. What I do one device can be reviewed or continued on another. However, I am also uncomfortable with how Facebook takes the initiative of recode my activity on the web onto my Facebook profile and thus onto people’s newsfeeds.