University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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

Wheary, Jennifer M.

This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/20705

Description

Title
The electronic spiders' web: Food, fodder, problems, and possibilities of a Global Information Infrastructure
Author(s)
Wheary, Jennifer M.
Issue Date
1996
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Page, Ralph C.
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Mass Communications
  • Information Science
Language
eng
Abstract
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.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/20705
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1996 Wheary, Jennifer M.

Owning Collections

Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
Dissertations and Theses - Education
Dissertations and Theses from the College of Education