The internet has been a valuable tool since from the very
beginning but like all tools, it’s time to “sharpen” the internet. If done
correctly, we can enhance the positive aspects of the internet while removing
the negative aspects such as hacking, malware, identity theft, spam, copyright
infringements, and fraud (Barzilay, 2016). These negative aspects are costly for businesses, create social problems for users,
and detract from the positive aspects of the internet. Trying to reform the existing
internet would be impossible so the most reasonable option is to create a new
internet. Without reform, the internet will continue to grow, while remaining
virtually unregulated, and businesses will be forced to continue to invest large
sums for cybersecurity.
The idea for a new internet has been around for some time. Imagine
an internet that was designed to share information and communicate with others using
the most efficient and secure methods. Users would have a better sense of
security because all users, and their devices, would be positively identified
by their internet access providers. Users would have to adhere to a code of
conduct and access providers could quickly block any users that violate the
standards of conduct.
Technology is at a point where a new internet could be
developed using wireless technology. The current version of the internet would
remain and users could divide their time between both systems. The current version of
the internet could retain some commercial, entertainment, and social applications.
The reinvented internet would be used primarily for educational purposes but
it would also have commercial
applications to ensure that the new network continues to growth. If the right
companies and academic institutions join together, a second-generation internet
is possible.
Reference:
Barzilay, M., (2016) Building a brand-new Internet, Crunch
Network. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/13/building-a-brand-new-internet/
Hi Fred,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your realistic outlook on the development of the internet and its content. I believe my blog post was mostly sunshine and rainbows, and love that you can bring a different perspective to things. Although, I am a little afraid of the "regulation" piece you brought up. I definitely see the negative sides of "non-regulated" information and people and that businesses have to spend more money to make sure not to get hacked. However, I think it would be a very different world if our information was regulated. I guess a recent news story made me think of this perspective. Can you clarify what you meant by "virtually unregulated"?
I also found your "second generation of internet" idea very interesting. In my Search & Read activities this week, most of the literature described students not participating as much in professional or learning uses when it came to technology. "Jones and Binhui (2011) discovered that students’ use of technology for learning purposes is moderate..." (http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1054629.pdf) How do you plan to motivate users to use the second generation internet, when there is already research showing that students, e.g. the future clientele, have no interest in using a more professional and regulated internet?
Thanks for this brain stretch! I loved how your opinions made me think critically. - Colleen
Hi Colleen! I think we share the same concerns about regulating information and the value of everyone’s freedom of speech. My comments about a regulated internet were directed at users who access the internet for illegal activity. In many situations, individuals who have acted maliciously are rarely prevented from repeating the same activity. I would support measures that regulate their future access to the internet as a means of preventing them from repeating the same activity.
DeleteMotivating new users of any technology is always a challenge. If developers have the proper support from key stakeholders and they promote the positive aspects, a new and improved internet is possible. I reviewed the literature research in the Mirriahi and Alonzo (2015) study that you cited in your comment. I agree with Jones and Binhui’s (2011) assessment that students have demonstrated a moderate and conservative use of technology for learning purposes. However, one of Mirriahi and Alonzo’s conclusions from their study was that academic staffs need to focus on strategies to enhance technology adoption to meet the needs/preferences of students. Specifically, the study stated that “Students’ preferences from this and the earlier study suggest that they would like more use of technologies, especially mobile technologies for efficient and convenient access to content, communication and assessment…”. I see this finding as a positive factor that supports a second generation internet. Best regards, Fred
Hi, Fred!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate how you consider both the positive and negative aspects of the internet. It can a place to connect in so many ways, but also so damaging. The freedom that can be found on the internet is part of what makes it so appealing to many of us, but also what seems to cause the most damage with as you stated scams, fraud, and social issues.
I am dubious about the public's reaction to this new internet, though. I fear people will see it as an infringement, despite the obvious good it would do. I also fear that the internet has become two large of a monster to conquer, in some aspects. There will always be those who are willing to take advantage of others, and security issues such as hacking will probably be a continuous problem.
However, I am very interested in your idea of two separate internets. One for social platforms, and one for educational purposes. As Colleen commented above, most students use the internet for socializing more than education. I wonder what your thoughts are on how to encourage student usage of a potentially new, more-educational side of the internet?
Thanks for writing such a thought-provoking post! This one is a real head-scratcher, that's for sure.
-Emma Anderson
Hi Emma! I usually try to keep an objective perspective whenever I’m considering new ideas. Some people are always hesitant to change but eventually they adapt or become outdated. I offer Apple’s new ear buds as an example of a potential shift in technology. Will this be a limited innovation or will all device manufacturers adopt similar technology? In the near future, I think that vehicles with driverless technology will change how we connect to the internet. I see this as a great opportunity to create a new, more secure internet that doesn’t use the traditional Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack-based network. Motivating users to shift to newer technology has always a big challenge. It would take some time for educational resources to migrate to the new internet. Educators would have to encourage students to use those resources and develop new ways to incorporate technology whenever possible. I’m sure there was some hesitance to use the internet for research instead of using printed materials when the internet first became available. Best regards, Fred
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