We have always had some gaps in access to information. What one hopes is that Internet access will be widely available, and that much of its information will be provided at no additional cost. There will always be premium services, but I don’t think it is a foregone conclusion that we will end up with the apocalyptic haves/have-nots gap.
Predictor: Cerf, Vinton G.
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 article in Information Week, Vinton Cerf addresses the issue of accessibility of the Internet as far as haves and have-nots in society, and if it will be a problem in the future: ”While this is something we must be vigilant to avoid, I feel compelled to say that we have always had some gaps in access to information. What one hopes is that Internet access will be widely available, and that much of its information will be provided at no additional cost. Library access is already becoming a reality. In Maryland, for example, ‘freenets’ are emerging that are locally subsidized and linked to the Internet, and local bulletin board systems are connecting. There will always be premium services, but I don’t think it is a foregone conclusion that we will end up with the apocalyptic haves/have-nots gap.”
Date of prediction: July 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Digital Divide
Name of publication: Information Week
Title, headline, chapter name: The Internet – Where’s It All Going?”
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=b83c10508e19ffbee2b32765ce099c64&_docnum=13&wchp=dGLbVlz-lSlAl&_md5=c019c9e4607b692c5d94a18a96d58bde
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Bruno, Marian Theresa