The Impact of Computers , The Internet and the World-Wide Web on Human Communication
Graduation Date
Spring 1999
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
First Reader
Philp Novak, PhD
Second Reader
James Boitano, PhD
Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of computers, the Internet and the World Wide Web on human communications. The phenomenon of communication is established as being the exchange of information via linguistic, auditory and visual means. The histories of the computer, Internet and World Wide Web are introduced to examine how these technologies address and facilitate information exchange, and what their resultant interaction is with traditional communication mediums and technologies. It is established that the interactive abilities of computers, the Internet and the World Wide Web are changing the ways in which we are able to package and broadcast our messages. It is also demonstrated that these new technologies are having a quantitative impact on the realm of human communications, in that they allow us to send more information over greater distances in shorter periods of time. The resultant increase in our ability to access and exchange information across international borders and beyond traditional linguistic and cultural boundaries is redefining contemporary culture, and is the most recent outgrowth of society's continuing evolution.