Web 2.0; not only does it offer new Internet functions, but it is completely changing the direction all together of how the Web is operated by users. According to Michael Wesch, there are going to be many ways Web 2.0 changes the path of the Internet. Coinciding with this change, many aspects will have to be re-thought.
One of these aspects is ethics; the science of morality…right vs. wrong. In Wikipedia, anyone has the right to edit and re-write. If Web 2.0 allows users to eventually do this with every site, what will be able to be considered legitimate and reliable information? Just imagine what would happen if everyone had the right to change information on any website. Users will not only be given powerful voices, but they will have the ability to take over the voices of others.
Another aspect that will need to be re-thought is governance. How can a governing body exist and tell people what is appropriate to post, when anyone will have the ability to alter information? It would be an endless dog chase trying to catch people who are abusing this power. How would “Web Police” be assigned in a situation like this? What could they actually govern without stepping over the ethical line of freedom of speech?
Life online as we know could change forever.
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