Internet versus globalization

Michał Gajlewicz

The issue of Internet development in the context of globalization has been raised many times. Internet is of a global character due to its range, offer and the way of being used. Dynamic development of the network brings about questions with regard to what is the structure of Internet, what - from both theoretical and practical points of view - its features are and whether it is possible to work out more effective ways of using this system. The result of research work concerning density of web sites and www pages shows that the structure of Internet is based on the principle of enormous concentration. Also, the development of Internet falls into line with this principle, which does not favour egalitarianism. In the field of culture and mass communication, the problems resulting from concentration have been previously known and regarded as the consequence of popularization of new technologies. It seems that in respect of reception of contents by recipients/consumers, media will more and more become similar to Internet.

KEYWORDS

globalization, Internet, networks, concentration