The Defining Technology Of A Generation
             The Internet represents the most important technological development of our generation. It's effects may surpass those of television and could, over the decades, equal the influence of the printing press. I believe the Internet will have broad implications for government policy-making, corporate planning, and social and cultural study. The ideas and uses of the Internet are endless at this point in time, therefore, it is a necessity that the government and corporate world gather as much insight as possible to assess all the abilities of it.
             The rapid evolution of any technology naturally raises questions about both its potential benefits and possible negative consequences. This is especially true of the Internet, it's enormous growth and powerful interactive capabilities have inspired a national response by the media, legislators, and among public interest groups. Issues in this broad discussion of the Internet include questions about children and access to online material, potential online threats to personal privacy, the effects of the Internet on family involvement and social organizations, gender differences in use and access, credit card security, and the effects of the online sales on traditional retailing.
             In 1969, it would have been nearly impossible to imagine that a fledgling experiment that began at UCLA and other research institutions could one day become the defining technology of a generation (Lebo p.4). Yet in the 31 years since the events that led to the creation of the Internet, this technology has become the fastest growing electronic communication tool as we begin a new millennium. "The Internet today is at the Apollo 11 stage..." (Ebert 2000). The Internet has the potential to provide more communications power, purchasing capability, and knowledge gathering outreach than print and electronic media combined.
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