Is Internet Our Real Freedom?

[BucephalusBB]

I am pretty good with internet, but definatelly not a specialist or so..
On the internet I can find about all the opinions in the world. I can download all the music I want to listen to, I can see all the movies I want to see.
I can see racists talking about their belief, I can see everything that ever hit the news and I can see useless violence.
I really don't want to, but if I did I could find torture and animalsex on the internet.. And even worse..

Loads of things forbidden or hidden in real life are totally in the open on the internet.
Do we use internet in some way to express our feelings towards freedom?
We call the west the free land, but we all know it's not 100% free...at all..
Do we use the internet as substitute for that?

And bonusquestion:
If we do, eventually, is this what we call freedom? illigal music and porn? :sarcastic
Bonus 2: Is this what countries like China are tring to prevent?

 

[Caladan]

I think the internet is a virtual dimension of free information (with certain exceptions), but the information is not 'clean', when cruising the net, we run to much extra garbage on line, but to the 'professional' navigator, its easier finding what they seek, or extract more information on a point of interest. although the internet offers an access to 'unlimited' entertainment (music, films, etc.), it can also be a great tool for gaining information and (partly biased) insight.
I believe the real freedom arrives when you realize the internet is much more than a source of entertainment, but it is an amazing tool for the autodidact and enthusiast of free information, the internet is a case of global anthropology study side by side with advanced media.

Bonus 2: Is this what countries like China are tring to prevent?

No, I don't believe that is what they are really concerned about, although it may be a minor excuse in countries like Iran. I believe they are paranoid about the very meaning of 'free information', since these regimes base their control on misinformation.