The ’Net isn’t
necessarily negative

FOR those who have not yet discovered the meaning of "Internet," here are three definitions:

Barnhart Dictionary Companion defines "internet" as "any network for communications by computer."

Computer aficionados define "the Internet" as "the tool that began as an experiment by the U.S. Department of Defense 20 years ago, which now is being used by 50-plus million people."

And the tech-impaired define "Internet" as "a world of pornography, pedophiles, electronic affairs, doomsday cults and the like." In other words, it's trash.com.

Why the biased definition from the latter group? It's the media, Einstein.

For example:

Television news: All major network news channels, in covering Heaven's Gate cult members' suicides, intermittently flashed the cult's galactic-looking home page and made light of the fact that the Rancho, Santa Fe-based, cult was one that designed home pages. If memory serves me right, "cybercult" was how one reporter described the group.

Translated by the tech-impaired: The 'Net and doomsday cults go arm-in-arm.

Newsmagazines: These took a similar approach in covering Reno vs. ACLU - the case that will determine the fate of the 'Net's "indecent" material.

The newsmagazines' graphic artists displayed eye-catching artwork featuring women peering suggestively through computer monitors. And writers penned stories that suggested that when a tot punches in "Little Women" for a book report, he or she will receive photos of young girls in the nude.

Translated by the tech-impaired: The 'Net and pornography go arm-in-arm.

Big brother: U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, commenting on pedophiles on the 'Net, said, "Think your child's safe indoors? Think again. The stranger is in your house!"

Translated by the tech-impaired: The 'Net and pedophiles go arm-in-arm.

Ricki Lake-type gossip shows: One show featured a woman who blamed a computer for her hubby's split. "He met another woman on the 'Net and left me," she boo-hooed. (Note: This type of '90s affair has become so epidemic, a Time columnist recently dubbed it "affairs des modems.")

Translated by the tech-impaired: The net and affairs go arm-in-arm.

COME on folks, there's more to the 'Net than a dark side.

"There's a lot more good stuff than bad stuff on the 'Net," said Brian Daily, publisher and editor of Hawaii's Internet Gazette.

To prove it, he suggests getting on the Internet, and, "Just find a sound search engine that gives you a list of topics and either click on 'education' or type it in."

If that involves too much technical know-how, consider Star-Bulletin contributing editor A.A. Smyser's comments in a past column: "(The Internet) allows gifted students to break out of classroom routines that may not challenge them enough, and take advanced courses, even for college credits. Subjects include Shakespeare, U.S. history, computer science, geometry and global history."

So I stand corrected. Not all members of the media cover the 'Net in a biased way. That's refreshing. But let me add that I found it far more difficult to locate those who praised the 'Net than those who panned it.

This shouldn't be, for those who have yet to discover the 'Net's wonders must realize that trashy material represents only the tip of the iceberg.

It is my hope that with both the 'Net's good and bad exposed, the tech-impaired will be able to define the 'Net as a tool that, yes, harbors material of benefit to all.

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Warren Kaneshiro is 19 years old and says
one must hear both sides of an issue before passing judgment,
whether dealing with computers or humans.

Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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