Over the years the internet has significantly changed from what was initially a limited research network to a universally accessible platform accompanied by an increased speed and accessibility. From the first internet platform “Arpanet” or Advance Research Project Agency Network created in 1968 and connected academic and research institutions that had contracts with the Defense Department. Following that in 1974, computer scientists Bob Kahn and Vint Cerf invented TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol), which allowed computers to communicate with each other.
At that time these predominantly large computers harbor the internet, and to make use of information stored on the computer, one had to either travel to the cite of the computer or have magnetic computer tapes sent through the postal system. Today we don’t need to keep big computers as there are computers (Smart phones) in the hands of half the world’s population with internet connections from diversified internet companies around the world. These changes have impacted pop culture by making it more accessible allowing as many people at a time to create and share content where consumers can engage with content creators and influence the cultural platform
Both the Frankfurt and Birmingham Schools’ ideas can be formulated from the transformational influence of the internet on pop culture to the negative and positive experiences exerted on us by internet usage and its effects on everything around us. As a global network that connects computers, servers, phones and smart appliances to expedite communication and transmit information resources and services sending data around the world, it is almost equally use for good and evil.
Some use internet fraud, cyber bullying, child pornography, violent images and the dark web making it seemingly impossible for general filtering because of the first amendment rights and too much filtering would restrict some access to information, less global connectivity and social isolation except for child pornography where restriction is permissible. The Birmingham School’s prospective will possibly consider the internet as a critical device for modern education seizing on its potential to unravel greater access to information, enrich learning experience through digital resources and prepare students for a technology-driven world at the same time, recognizing the need for responsible and controllable use of online access to guard against unnecessary use of inappropriate contents, focusing also on impartiality by making sure all students have equal access to the internet. On the other hand, the Frankfurt School’s prospective would be critical, viewing the internet as a powerful tool for societal controlled and manipulated by capitalistic ideologies, amassing public information and data for the interest of the consumers having a wide range of influence over our lives. I am a victim of overwhelming emails from people I did not share my information with, and it’s increasing every day and it makes me reluctant to check my email because the volume in my inbox is accompanied by twenty prank calls a day: an example of the Frankfurt School ideas.
What is your view on the advantages and disadvantages of the internet in pop culture?
How does the Frankfurt theory fits into the narrative
of internet companies today?
Why does the governments not make restrictions for all
bad contents on internet permissible?
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