So much info. on the net, but, is that a good thing?

Great Debates
1

We all know that the internet is a place where we can read anything, see anything, hear anything, or learn anything that you can truly think of. This is good in a way, as it opens up the door for individuals to learn and study things that they never would have done so otherwise, however…

…is it too much of a good thing?

On the internet, you can learn how to make just about any bomb, kill people in many different ways, and just flat out do horrible things. There are actually how to guides, step by step that teaches people to carry out terrorist activity. It seems that if one wanted to know how to make a bomb to blow up whatever building, that all anyone has to do is get on the net, and just learn how.

Do you guys think that stuff like this should be moderated, or do you feel that the net should be kept as a total free speach venue? Should whoever the hell controlls the internet allow such horrible information which could end up hurting many people to remain availiable, or should we somehow censor such content? I was just thinking about this earlier, and was currious as to how you guys would respond, so come on!

Sincerely,
…Downhome…

2

  1. No one “controls” the internet.

  2. Just because a web site says they have plans for a nuclear bomb doesn’t mean they do. For all you know, it could be erroneous, incomplete, or a gag. Supposedly the “dirty bomber” the FBI arrested thought the fake bomb plans he downloaded were real.

  3. Who draws the line at determining what information is “dangerous” and should not be available? Will I be unable to access criticism of the Bush administration because “criticizing this administration is tantamount to helping the terrorists”? Will Timmy be unable to visit a Nuclear Sciences 101 web site because they describe how fission works, and he flunks his midterm science project as a result? Will other groups start lobbying for the banning of information they deem “inappropriate” (abortion, gun control, socialized medical care systems)?

Stuff to think about.

3

Information is neutral. It is only personal intentions and actions that can be ‘good’ or ‘bad’, within one moral framework or another.