Technology is a double-edged sword. McLuhan’s optimistic perspective focuses on what electronic media could do, such as create a global village. Greater involvement with others affects the development of one’s personal identity, such as the creation of an identity online in a MUD. Preserving privacy in a technologically connected world means protecting both privacy of communication and of personal information.
Some expect new communication technologies to increase political involvement and participation. Others argue that those lacking the necessary technology and skills will be shut out of the democratic process. They also argue that the amount of information available on the Internet does not guarantee that the information will be accurate and understood by its recipients.
Normative theories—the authoritarian, libertarian, social responsibility, and developing models—can describe the ideal operation of media systems in various countries. The different systems reflect differences in countries’ cultures, and some see the increased global flow of communication as a form of cultural imperialism. As communication technologies become more complex, media literacy skills will increase in importance.
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