Hi Nick!

Sorry for the late reply ...

14 Aug 2017 04:38, from Nick Andre -> Richard Menedetter:

 NA> While that may be true, the information available is in most cases no
 NA> different than one can (and have) obtained from libraries.

There are major differences.
Access got much easier and faster.
(you do not need to wait for somebody to finance and write a book, but you have
 often access to the papers).

You have much easier access to geographically diverse information.

Etc.

 NA> Remember the early to mid 90's... The world did not suddenly morph
 NA> into some magical utopia when the Internet became popular, nor would
 NA> the "information superhighway" bring us together or improve our social
 NA> standings with eachother by removing those geographical limits.

It depends on how technology is used.
But the fact remains that it is now much quicker and easier to communicate with
 people from other continents, etc.

Sure ... you could always just give them a call.
But it cost you an arm and a leg, now you can make a SIP, Skype, Trigema,
whatever call with or without video.

 NA> In fact, I think the opposite happened. People by and large just stare
 NA> off into their smartphones, or are addicted to Facebook, or seem
 NA> compelled to share pictures of what theyre about to have for supper.
 NA> Cybercrime is more advanced and prevailent than ever nowadays.

There we are again, that it depends on how technology is used.
And it also requires more education on the user side.
Eg. checking the crowd sizes for inauguration and to fact check "fake news"

 NA> I realise its not all doom and gloom and there are a few good websites
 NA> out there, but IMO western society's social skillset and intelligence
 NA> level did not improve whatsoever by the Internet.

That is why education is important.
People need to LEARN to use the tools that are already widely available.

 RM>> The Internet is just a tool for communication.
 RM>> You need to select with WHOM you communicate.
 NA> I really wish I could share the same sentiments, truth is, the
 NA> Internet is by and large powered by companies who by and large earn
 NA> profits by tracking and manipulating individual's on-line activity.
 NA> Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.

-> education
Learn to use Privacy Badger, Adaware and other useful tools.

EFF is usually a good read on those topics.
One interesting part is browser fingerprinting.
https://panopticlick.eff.org/

CU, Ricsi

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