Like failed urban planning and architecture schemes, technology developed to transform society often falls flat when given over to people to use. The Web, a technological invention that has spread through voluntary use, perhaps has an advantage over such inventions.
Predictor: December, John
Prediction, in context:In a 1994 article for Computer-Mediated Communication magazine, John December writes: ”Like failed urban planning and architecture schemes, technology developed to transform society often falls flat when given over to people to use. The Web, a technological invention that has spread through voluntary use, perhaps has an advantage over such inventions. Despite the rapid growth of Web traffic and activity, however, the significance of the impact of the Web on our society remains unknown. There are several characteristics of the Web that may indicate its power to change our lives … As a means of communication, the Web transcends time and space constraints, alters power and control, makes possible new expressive styles, and creates new relationships among people and information. Our society is just beginning to face issues that may have more serious impacts if Web use becomes more widespread. Individual and societal responsibilities for Web use, access, and training have not been defined, and the way Web-based communication alters human relationships has not yet been examined in detail. In the long term, human interaction online can’t be planned or predicated any more than the growth of vibrant, exciting cities. Our society is only beginning to identify the changes the Web may have already brought to communication.”
Biography:John December’s publications include articles and books about the World Wide Web, Internet and Java. From 1985 to 1989, he developed software and graphical user interfaces to analyze aircraft requirements for military missions at Boeing. He later became president of December Communications, an online Web-publishing, presentations, and consulting company based in Milwaukee, Wis. (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: General, Overarching Remarks
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine
Title, headline, chapter name: Challenges for a Webbed Society
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.december.com/cmc/mag/1994/nov/websoc.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Walsh, Meghan