This is a re-visitation of the topic that I have began to discuss earlier, the problematic blossoming “internet news.” Just to elaborate, I am referring to the situation where through internet, publication of information does not require nearly the among of resources as it requires before. Back in the days of the “fluorescent tube,” or radio, publications required not only organization of labor but also devotion of resources. This give rise to a few news corporations that more or less became responsible to what they say because they have the interest of protecting their self image.

However today it is very different. Pretty much anyone with a computer and internet access could become published. This could be done even for free at a library or $10 at an internet café. The very act of writing this blog is such an example. In addition, websites such as Digg, Youtube became free promotional agencies that broadcast this information to a great audience. It is not uncommon for a video to reach millions of views on Youtube. While this is makes news free, it also eliminates the watch dog function of the new organizations. Sure, the greater public is self-correcting; however certain things could become so wildly popular that the validity of the information itself becomes irrelevant.

Of course the viewer has the responsibility to examine what they read, however some things could be so popularly accepted that the truth is overshadowed by popular enthusiasm. No, it is not as direct as “a tree octopus” (refer to previous post) but is could be a certain view about a certain person, group of people, or even country. It is not to say that news companies does not distort their news in order to gain audience, however with independent bloggers it is potentially done to a greater extend. Because for many, more visitors means a greater possibility of Ad. sponsorship from companies such as Google Inc. etc.

The debate is always endless as to whether there should be regulation, at the main time we can only help ourselves to guard against the flaws of this new technology.