The prediction, in brief:

As the Internet begins to attract more interest, more commercial participation, and more users, its culture will undoubtedly begin to change. The Internet tomorrow will probably be different from the Internet of today. To some, this is a good thing, and to others, this is a very negative evolution. Regardless of what the change means, the Internet will begin to change.

Predictor: Broadhead, Rick

Prediction, in context:

In their 1994 book “Canadian Internet Handbook,” Rick Broadhead and Jim Carroll write:”The Internet has been built as the result of a cooperative effort that really has no equal in human history. There is a definite spirit online, and a culture that thrives upon grassroots participation. Yet, as the Internet begins to attract more interest, more commercial participation, and more users, its culture will undoubtedly begin to change. The Internet tomorrow will probably be different from the Internet of today. To some, this is a good thing, and to others, this is a very negative evolution. Regardless of what the change means, the Internet will begin to change.”

Biography:

Rick Broadhead was an author of more than 29 books, including “Selling Online,” “Lightbulbs to Yottabits” and “The Canadian Internet Handbook.” He was billed as one of North America’s leading speakers on the Internet and electronic commerce. (Entrepreneur/Business Leader.)

Date of prediction: January 1, 1994

Topic of prediction: Community/Culture

Subtopic: General

Name of publication: Canadian Internet Hanbook

Title, headline, chapter name: Putting the Internet into Perspective

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 185

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Burnham, Jay