Alternative Media: What Does It Mean To Be Literate?

My Thoughts on Effects of Electronic Media on Democratic Attitudes by Diane Owen

Owen touched very lightly on many of the criticisms of the electronic or "New" media.

The first, and what I believe to the the most important as well as interesting aspect of new media, is the fact that this new age of the internet opens up a whole new realm of dialogue between citizens and media personnel.

Owen got it right when she explained how, prior to the internet media was simply given to us and there was very little response when we agreed or disagreed. With the internet, e-mails, respones, and what have you can all be expressed freely in response to something on the news or something that was presented to the public.

One would think that because the internet allows this new potential to be more engaged, it would draw in many more people who were not likely to be interested in politics. However, this is not the case. I sure thought this at first.

Even though it may seem like almost everyone has access to the internet, Owen explains that it is still only readily available for daily use within a small percentage of our society. In some ways it may actually deter certain individuals from politics.

Owen concludes by explaining that the, "new media environment does little to reach those whos political voice is muffled." Also, in certain studies the internet actually undermines citizens' faith in government and politics.

Unlike the previously read articles, it seems that Owen praises the internet for it's basic uses but at the same time is concerning because of its potential to warp the views of those who use it.

Sure, he makes a great point but I still believe that the internet is far more useful than it is harmful.


My Thoughts on Mind the Gap: The Digital Divide as the Civil Rights Issue of the New Millenium by Andy Carvin

First I would like to post a few facts that Carvin included within his article to gain a proper point of reference.

-Only 15.5% of people without a high school education have internet access.
-While more than 65% of white households have internet access, only 45.6% of African American households and 37% of Latino households are online.
-People with college degrees are twice more likely to have Internet access at home than people with only a high school diploma.

This is what is known as the, "digital divide." This digital divide depends on many factors on which Carvin brings up within the reading.

Before reading this article, I thought that almost everyone had access to the internet. Soon after reading what Carvin wrote, I immediately realized that I was very much wrong.

Carvin was very concerned over the literacy.

The internet allows access to many learning tools, but how would they be helpful if people could not even use them? Many people are illiterate within society today, and have a hard time reading menus or filling out certain forms. As Carvin explained, one out of four Americans are functionally illiterate.

If these people struggle in day to day life, how would they make any real use of the internet?

There is no doubt that the internet has great potential to be a learning tool, but it would be useless if not everyone could access it.

I believe that it is impossible for everyone to become literate and engage themselves with productive learning through the internet, but as Carvin said, we as individuals need to help this process.