When discussing the recent wave of globalisation, academics and students alike tend to focus on social, political and economic developments. Institutions ranging from the United Nations to the European Union have been viewed as mechanisms for entwining global and regional goals while multinational corporations have been seen as vehicles for further financial interconnectedness. Yet, this largely overshadows a dominant force that has considerably shaped our world – the internet. Be it known as the World Wide Web or cyberspace, the internet has built digital bridges to connect us and make information more accessible.
“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”
Bill Gates
Founder of Microsoft
In 1945, families tuned into their radios to hear the end of war. Many read their tabloid and broadsheet newspapers to get more detailed information, waiting days and weeks to receive crucial current affairs’ updates. Some critical events were not discussed outside of certain regions of the world. In conjunction with this, people in rural and poorer communities were somewhat isolated from society. With limited means of communication, many lived in ignorance as to what was happening around the world. Inflicted by war and with a lack of harmony, a wave of globalisation was afoot, not only with the formation of institutions but the advancement of technology.
“Thank God for our form of government. The media won’t let there be any cover-up.”
John McCain
Late Senator for Arizona
Whilst it took till the 1990s and the 2000s for internet services to become more common in our businesses and homes, growing dependency has made us more aware of the wider world, fostering a closer international community. Becoming more informed about global issues and more knowledgeable about different cultures has been a by-product of this Information Age. Even events such as the Arab Spring have highlighted the effectiveness of modern technology in organising collective activism, with social media pressuring governments and raising international awareness for various plights.
“I think the real question, as the internet becomes more important in people’s lives, is what is the right regulation, not whether there should be or not.”
Mark Zuckerberg
Founder of Facebook
Yet, our faith in the internet has been recently tested, with its integrity harmed by the advent of fake news and data hacking. The collection of Facebook personal data by Cambridge Analytica has highlighted the vulnerability of many social media users. Additionally, the false information spread online can jeopardise the democratic principles of the Western world. As avid internet users, we must learn to be able to discern what is true and what are blatant lies. Although threatened by misuse, the development of further regulations and measures by domestic governments and international institutions can keep technology giants in check.
“We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain.”
Stephen Hawking
Theoretical Physicist
The internet continues to support globalisation with humans living in a closer and more borderless world. For much of today’s youth, it is unfathomable to live without basic Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity. Cyberspace continues to make us more aware of the world we live in, the news stories affecting us, and what is happening beyond our back yard. Yes, threats towards the sanctity of the World Wide Web have persisted, but they will not outshine the benefits it has made to mankind.
ON THAT OPTIMISTIC NOTE – WELCOME TO THE NEW PIVOT WEBSITE.
