What is the Internet? [Re-visited, Again!]

​Welcome back to our super-windy Monday! Last Friday I asked the question: What is the internet? Many of you responded with answers that provided some insight into what YOU use the internet for.  I found your answers extremely interesting.  Here are some excerpts:

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"I think the internet is a way for the people in society, or all around the world to do several things, meaning they have a lot of options. The internet is where you can browse through web pages and also, it is an open opportunity for other people to look up what they need and what they want."
-Miguel​

"I think the internet is a place is a tool used by many people all around the world to look up research, play games, conatct someone, read, do homework, check your mail,or watch videos (etc.). It amazes me how multi-talented the internet is. It is a search engine where you type anything, and in a matter of seconds,(depending on your wi-fi connection) you get links to websites made by people to help you research, give you games to play, or links to videos that interest you."
​-Ralph

"The Internet is a place where there are many things.  It's a place where people search for anything they need (like in Google and Yahoo). People need it to do many things like homework, professional work and projects. It is useful to find information for other things. You can watch videos, play games and type. One of the most important things about the internet is that you can do anything you want, and sometimes the internet even helps you with the things you need."
​- Katherine

There were obviously many more posts, however, I noticed a common theme among all of them.  The primary emphasis everyone in this class placed on the internet, was that it was for finding information, and for entertainment (videos, games, social networking). 

So, this leads me to my question for today.  If the internet is all about you looking for information, sending emails, playing games, using facebook, looking up recipes, checking the news, and weather, then what part do you play in shaping and creating what is on the internet?  

Before you answer this question, look at this graphic breakdown I found online of what people are generally doing on the internet (you will need to click to zoom on it).  You will see lots of percentages.  Think about how often are people really spending their time creating content for the internet?

Click Here to see Graphic Breakdown of online use.

Now that you have looked into it, return to my question above (use the comments section below to post your answer).  What is your role in shaping and creating the internet? Are you just a mindless reader, who sits in front of a screen blindly shoving others opinions and information into your brain?  Or, are you an active participant in what people see when they begin looking for information online?  Do you have a voice on the internet? (40 points) Remember, First Name ONLY.

Please keep in mind that the above assignment is VERY IMPORTANT and a one sentence response will be a waste of my time, and the time of your classmates to read.  This is a discussion board, not a twitter feed. Also, since this is a discussion board and a blog, responding to what your classmates have written is key to your participation grade.  So, make sure you reply to other's posts once you have had a chance to post your own (10 points for particpation). First name ONLY