Date: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 17:08:20 +0100
From: Martin Spaul <mspaul-AT-vaxe.anglia.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: HAB: INTERNET and the public sphere


I found Brian Connery's thesis that there are strong similarities between
the Internet and the 18th century public sphere interesting - but I have a
further question. It is suggested, through a series of parallels, that
the Internet reproduces the material and cultural conditions of the public
sphere; but there is one criterion which is rather problematic: that of the
political influence of the public sphere. It is difficult to see Internet
discussion having the same potential for influence as the literate, urban
bourgeoisie of the 18th century. Although one might argue that the Internet
is the meeting-place of a technological elite, it is also easy to shrug
off the opinions formed on the Net as those of a nerdish subculture. Also,
I wonder whether modern political elites are so open to discursive influence.
Does anyone have any further opinions - or, even better, hard evidence - on
this?

Many thanks for the reference, however, I shall certainly chase it up.

Martin Spaul
Anglia Polytechnic University, UK.