The electronic spiders' web: Food, fodder, problems, and possibilities of a Global Information Infrastructure

This dissertation analyzes a fundamental tension in the development of a Global Information Infrastructure (GII) by examining one of the signficant historical trends of 20th century mass media from which this tension stems. The main historical trend examined is the increased control of media by corporate conglomerates. This control is facilitated by public policy which respects business interests over public interests. A fundamental tension created by this trend, and analyzed in this dissertation, is one between both pursuing social betterment and seeking economic gain through a GII. Analysis of the above mentioned trend shows that the potential economic structure of a GII calls for treating information as a marketable commodity, a commodity to which some will be denied access, and for establishing labor categories which have the potential to increase economic disparity. It also shows that the organization of information in a GII, our ability to use that information effectively, and the potential use of marketing in this electronic forum raise important issues about a GII's role in a democratic society.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Wheary, Jennifer M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Page, Ralph C.

• Mass Communications
• Information Science

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1996 Wheary, Jennifer M.

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

9780591199628
AAI9712480
(UMI)AAI9712480

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/20705