Cyber-Democracy or Cyber-Hegemony? Exploring the Political and Economic Structures of the Internet as an Alternative Source of Information

Abstract

Although government regulation of the Internet has been decried as undercutting
\nfree speech, the control of Internet content through capitalist
\ngateways???namely, profit-driven software companies???has gone largely
\nuncriticized. The author argues that this discursive trend manufactures
\nconsent through a hegemonic force neglecting to confront the invasion of
\nonline advertising or marketing strategies directed at children. This study
\nsuggests that ???inappropriate content??? (that is, nudity, pornography, obscenities)
\nconstitutes a cultural currency through which concerns and responses
\nto the Internet have been articulated within the mainstream. By examining
\nthe rhetorical and financial investments of the telecommunications
\nbusiness sector, the author contends that the rhetorical elements creating
\n???cyber-safety??? concerns within the mainstream attempt to reach the consent
\nof parents and educators by asking them to see some Internet content as
\nvalue laden (sexuality, trigger words, or adult content), while disguising
\nthe interests and authority of profitable computer software and hardware
\nindustries (advertising and marketing). Although most online ???safety measures???
\nneglect to confront the emerging invasion of advertising/marketing
\ndirected at children and youth, the author argues that media literacy in
\ncyberspace demands such scrutiny. Unlike measures to block or filter online
\ninformation, students need an empowerment approach that will enable
\nthem to analyze, evaluate, and judge the information they receive.