1) Response to “How To Break Open The Web”

This article brings forward two possibilities for the internet:

1. A more centralised web, controlled and dominated by governments and corporations (the direction the internet currently appears to be heading)
2. A more decentralised web, similar to the original conception of the internet, built upon peer-to-peer networks.

Each of these possibilities has their advantages and disadvantages. For example, a centralised approach is less open but more secure; a decentralised approach is more vulnerable to data breaches, but isn’t controlled by large groups with their own agendas. The question of which direction internet should head hinges on deciding which is more important: convenience and security, or privacy and openness.

I’m of the opinion that we should embrace the ideas brought forth in the article. A decentralised peer-to-peer internet might seem impractical, but it isn’t like such a thing doesn’t already exist. Large portions of the dark net are based on peer-to-peer connections, as they offer a degree of privacy that doesn’t exist in our currently centralised internet. Of course, the first people to take advantage of this are people who do have something to hide. On the other hand, users of the normal internet will often say they “have nothing to hide”. However, the centralisation of the internet makes surveillance and mining of personal information possible. A study from earlier this year showed that just the possibility of surveillance makes internet users less likely to post dissenting opinions or thoughts. Because of this, I find the idea of a decentralised internet proposed in this article to be very appealing, even with the occasional security problem.

2) What do the Internet and the web mean to you?

The internet is, at its core, a means to connect with other people and ideas. Whether it be talking to someone on the other side of the world, or reading an article on Wikipedia, or looking up a recipe so you can make something besides microwave popcorn for dinner, the internet allows people to communicate or access information from anywhere in the world. It’s the knowledge of the entire world accessible after only a quick search. Thanks to the internet, I’ve been able to meet and make friends with people who have the same hobbies and interests as myself. I’ve been able to teach myself about topics I otherwise wouldn’t even know existed. I’ve been able to explore my own interests and share my creations with others. All in all, the internet is pretty cool.

3) Open-Ended Questions

1. As more and more personal data can be found on the internet, how will this affect social interaction (personal and professional) off the web?
2. Will groups with extremist views and positions become more prominent due to how easy the internet makes it for like-minded people to find each other?