2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 13, Social and Political Issues Outline 13.1Introduction 13.2Health, Social Interaction and the

2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.

1

Chapter 13, Social and Political Issues

Outline13.1 Introduction13.2 Health, Social Interaction and the Internet

13.2.1 Social Health13.2.2 Children and the Internet

13.3 Socio-Economic Segregation13.4 New Economic Workforce13.5 Online Communities

13.5.1 Online Communities: Defining the Difference13.5.2 Communication Tools13.5.3 Online Activism

13.6 Online Charities and Non-Profit Organizations on the Web


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13.1 Introduction

• Internet as a valuable social tool– Learning, business and communications

– Influence on our commercial, political and social lives

– Provides forum for addressing important issues, supporting causes and meeting new individuals

• Digital divide – Socio-economic segregation based on those who can afford

electronic equipment, access and education and those who cannot


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13.2 Health, Social Interaction and the Internet

• Opponents and Proponents– Life becoming too dependent on the Internet

– Studies show users spending more time on the Internet• less time devoted to interpersonal communication

– Internet provides alternatives to traditional forms of communication

• E-mailing, video-conferencing, chat rooms, electronic forums, message boards


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13.2.1 Social Health

• Stanford University Study– Internet users socially isolated

– Study was later called into question

• Availability of material– Pornography, gambling, Internet scams and violence

• Tolerance varies in different regions of world

• Pornography is protected by U.S. Constitution

• Ability for individuals of all age groups to access material considered harmful


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13.2.2 Children and the Internet

• Development of children – Proponents: access gives them a head-start in their education

– Opponents: not suitable• Interrupts communication skills

• Distracts children from outdoor activity

• Explicit speech and adult conversations found in chat rooms

– Filtering software and other methods for restricting access

• Home schooling and Internet use– Advocates: efficient learning environment

• Lessons tailored to the aptitude of the student

• Online text chatting and message boards

• Online tutors, classes and supplementary information

– Opponents: limited social interaction


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13.3 Socio-Economic Segregation

• Digital divide– Cost of access, support, instructions – Not all users own credit cards– Food stamps are not accepted by most online merchants

• Consequences– Lack of access and skills

• Limited applicants for technical positions • Possible affect on economy as growth is hindered by limited

resources

• Efforts to bridge the gap• AOL@School • PeoplePC • Computers For Youth


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13.4 New Economic Workplace

• Starting an e-business– New job requirements and more flexibility

– Growth and use of digital transmission• Streaming media

– Remote office• Personal computers and handheld devices

• Outside contractors


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13.5 Online Communities

• Structure– Not by geographic boundaries but shared interests

– Developing communities and facilitating discussion


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13.5.1 Online Communities: Defining the Difference

• Text communication• Gender, race, creed, age and sexual orientation

play a limited role in the user’s experience• Issues and action

– Present an idea or opinion in the political sphere


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Web sites

www.blackvoices.com

www.migente.com

www.asianavenue.com

www.blackplanet.com

www.celt.net

Examples of ethnic Web sites:


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Community URL Purpose

Agri-Ville: Online Farming Community

www.agri-ville.com To connect farmers online and provide relevant current events. Online seminars and discussion are also available.

The Learning Space www.learningspace.org To connect educators and provide discussion and information on educational issues.

Green Communities Association

www.gca.ca To provide a forum for individuals interested in protecting the environment.

Online communities based on shared interests:


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Gender-Specific Sites URL Purpose

The Men’s Issues Page www.vix.com/pub/men/index.html

Offers information on men’s issues, such as fatherhood and physical health.

Victorian AIDS Council/ Gay Men’s Health Centre

www.vicaids.asn.au

Provides health and treatment information for men with AIDS.

Men’s Health www.menshealth.com

Presents health information, current events and interactive chat opportunities.

Gender-specific communities:


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Women.com www.women.com Provides women’s health information, current events and interactive opportunities.

Advancing Woman www.advancingwomen.com An online career advancement center for women in technology.

Ms. Foundation for Women www.ms.foundation.org The Web site for the National Women’s Fund. Presents women’s issues, events and contribution opportunities.

African American Women’s Network

members.tripod.com/~AAWN1 Provides access to cultural, personal and professional development. News articles, classes and directories are available on the site.

Gender-specific communities:


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13.5.2 Communication Tools

• Chatting enables social interaction on the Web

• EGroups.com allows users to join interest-based e-mail groups– Distributed to the whole group

– Start their own groups and select members

• Crowdburst – Allows groups to tour the Web together

• Participate.com – Helps e-businesses build online communities

• AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger Service


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Person-to-person and conference calls through Firetalk. (Courtesy of Firetalk Communications, Inc.)


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Firetalk’s Instant Messaging interface. (Courtesyof Firetalk Communications, Inc.)


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Firetalk Web-based tour. (Courtesy of Firetalk Communications, Inc.)


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13.5.3 Online Activism

• Activism, social awareness and the ability to build online communities around these issues of concern

• Political and social action– Youthactivism.com

• Information on picking a cause, team organization and decision-making

– Igc.org • Human rights, racism, sexism

• WomenNet, EcoNet, PeaceNet, Anti-RacismNet

• National Organization for Women and the Hunger Project

– Resourcelink.org • Surplus food supplies


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• Voting online– Learn more about the candidates

– People could regularly log on and vote directly on the issues that interest them

– Obstacles • Crashes, computer hackers

• SETI@home – Collaborative-computing network

• Support a number of causes by donating unused computer time


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Youth Activism home page. (Courtesy of Activism Project 2000.)


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13.6 Online Charities and Non Profit Organizations on the Web

• Relative ease of designing and maintaining a content-based Web site

• Web of Hope – Fundraising

– Grant Applications

• Stopitnow.com – Helpline for sexual offenders

– Information and contacts


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13.6 Online Charities and Non Profit Organizations on the Web

Organization URL Cause

The Hunger Site www.thehungersite.com Internet surfers can initiate corporate donations by clicking on their advertisements.

Big Brother Association www.bigbroboston.org Provides information and applications for becoming a big brother in the Boston area.

American Rivers Online www.amrivers.org Learn more about endangered rivers in the United States.

Favors Unlimited www.favorsunlimited.com Web surfers can visit this site and look through postings of people in need.

Drug-Free America www.drugfreeamerica.org Provides parents and their children with information.

Elton John AIDS Foundation

www.ejaf.org Lists fundraisers and facilitates auctions.

Online organizations and charities:

Documents

2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 13, Social and Political Issues Outline 13.1Introduction 13.2Health, Social Interaction and the