From Gutenberg to the Internet : free speech, advancing technology, and the implications for democracy /
Russell L. Weaver.
- Second edition.
- xi, 367 pages ; 23 cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Early communication -- The Gutenberg Revolution -- The emergence of "Gatekeepers": Public and private -- The development of electricity: An explosion of new technologies -- Electronic (non-Internet) gatekeepers -- The development of the Internet -- The implications of the Internet for democracy -- Governmental repression and the emergence of new gatekeepers -- The dark side of the web -- The Internet's impact on traditional media -- Information overload.
"The history of free expression is inextricably interwined with advances in speech technology. However, until recently, most forms of communication were limited and controlled by so-called "gatekeepers" who had the power to limit or control the ability of ordinary individuals to communicate with each other. With the advent of the Internet, and new forms of technology (e.g., personal computers, iPhones, etc.), people have much greater capacity to communicate with each other. Although both goverments and private entities have attemted to control discourse over the Internet, new technologies have enabled ordinary individuals to more easily communicate with each other and to participate in the political process. As a result, the Internet is reshaping political debate and political action all over the world."
9781531015091
2019006342
Communication in politics--Technological innovations. Internet--Political aspects. Freedom of speech. Communication--Technological innovations--History.