Lately my friends and I have been talking about how the Internet has revolutionized so much. When I find myself in the middle of these conversations, I always think about the first computer I ever had. Back in 1998, my mom bought our first desktop, a Compaq Presario. I don’t remember many of the specifications of that first computer, but I have to laugh when I remember that my cellphone has more storage and capability than it ever did.
Fast forward to 2011, and who really could have predicted the current state of the Internet so accurately? Higher bandwith speeds allow us to stream music and videos in the blink of an eye. The cloud allows for easy storage and playability on multiple devices. And information is everywhere: on blogs, on Twitter, on Facebook, on Google. No, really, it is everywhere.
It’s never been easier to connect with people. If someone will take that first step of putting himself online and allowing others to keep in touch, the whole world can be waiting to make contact. As cool as that may seem, lately I find myself wondering about the consequences that may come with such power and availability.
For example…
Kelly Clarkson recently tweeted her endorsement of Ron Paul, a move which angered some of her followers. While Clarkson is certainly entitled to her opinion and the right to share her opinion, I just keep thinking that we’re talking about a pop singer who’s talking about politics. While it doesn’t matter what’s fair or unfair, should there be any kind of backlash or reaction to this? Is there a need for her to explain herself?
And then there’s GoDaddy and SOPA. In response to GoDaddy’s support of SOPA, many people moved their websites from GoDaddy to other webhosts’ servers. Of course, GoDaddy, in an attempt to save face, now opposes SOPA. But I wonder, is anyone buying it? It’s obvious that GoDaddy changed their stance only because of the consequences that followed when they stood for something. Those who care have not forgotten, and it’s obvious that GoDaddy’s gesture is not sincere.
It’s kind of like when someone apologizes for getting caught, not for the wrong of his actions.
How serious should we take these reactions?
Oh yeah, speaking of GoDaddy, my hosting is up next month. Does anyone have any recommendations on where I should move my blog? Thanks in advance!
