Free speech and robust debate seem incompatible with maintaining the profitability and wholesome public image of consumer-oriented information networks.
Predictor: Gandy, Oscar H.
Prediction, in context:In this 1994 article in the Phi Kappa Phi journal National Forum, Professor Oscar Gandy writes: ”In the view of many who sing the praises of the information superhighway, the Information Age will usher in a long-awaited and much-needed form of teledemocracy. They suggest that more people will participate in the political process if we only make it easier for them to attend political debates and express their opinions by touching a keypad or a remote control, or by literally talking back to their television set. The information superhighway is expected to enable the re-creation of the classic public sphere wherein we will realize the benefits of authentic public opinion. Of course, this network may have to be organized as a public forum rather than a private, commercial communication service if we are to avoid the experience of activists on the Prodigy network whose messages were modified and whose access rights were denied because they sought to organize the Prodigy membership through its initially free and unlimited messaging system. Free speech and robust debate seem incompatible with maintaining the profitability and wholesome public image of consumer-oriented information networks.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Global Relationships/Politics
Subtopic: Government
Name of publication: National Forum
Title, headline, chapter name: The Information Superhighway as the Yellow Brick Road
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?Did=000000005878683&Fmt=3&Deli=1&Mtd=1&Idx=5&Sid=6&RQT=309
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Edwards, Elizabeth