Americans Flunk Internet History - InformationWeek

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Comments
Americans Flunk Internet History
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zerox203
100%
0%
zerox203,
 User Rank: Ninja
12/1/2014 | 7:43:24 AM
Re: Americans Flunk Internet History
I don't think this is all that bad, and there are two reasons why. First of all, as plenty of others have pointed out already, a misunderstanding of internet technologies (or, anything) is often seen as par for the course for the average american. I suppose it's worth noting that this is basically a survery of Americans who use the internet and would bother to take a survey about the internet (like Michelle), which would seem to skew toward a certain demographic rather than just the general public. Still, many people probably couldn't even name all 50 states on the spot, or more than the first couple of presidents. It's not really that big an indication of anything in and of itself.

That leads into my next point - I don't really think these results are even all that negative. Am I the only one that was actually surprised at the number of correct responses on some of these? That many people really know what URL stands for (remember, these are ostensibly the same people who don't know what a browser is)? It's hard to tell for sure, but the wording of the questions leads me to think the survey was something along the lines of multiple choice, which may explain some results (net neutrality), but others remain mystifying (privacy policy). The questions seem a little all over the place, but overrall these results are no worse than I would have expected. They might actually be a little better.
Michelle
100%
0%
Michelle,
 User Rank: Ninja
11/29/2014 | 6:24:11 PM
Oops
I took the Pew Internet quiz. I was one of those who woks online and still chose the answer of Internet and web being the same thing. I selected the wrong answer and immediately regretted it, thinking back to the olden days...
asksqn
100%
0%
asksqn,
 User Rank: Ninja
11/27/2014 | 10:35:52 PM
The interwebs
In other news, most Congressional representatives as well as the nine slugs on the Supreme Court don't even know how to use email, but this doesn't stop them from passing/interpreting digital communication laws cough CFAA cough. 
Gary_EL
100%
0%
Gary_EL,
 User Rank: Ninja
11/27/2014 | 4:35:18 PM
Re: Deeper problem
The answer to your querry has been the basis of some really great SciFi, such as the "1632" series. If I had a magnet, copper wire, and help from a clockmaker and a blacksmith, I think it would be possible to reconstruct a lot of the progess made up to vacuum tubes. The problem would be how to not get burned at the stake as a witch!
Whoopty
100%
0%
Whoopty,
 User Rank: Ninja
11/27/2014 | 10:15:12 AM
How you word it
I think some of the responses from people would have been a litle different if the questions were worded differently. A lot of people would use "the internet" and "web" interchangeably, so perhaps the definition, while technically incorrect is changing? 

It is a bit embarassing that nobody knew what a browser is. Then again, I've had a lot of relatives ask me about the "internet button," on their desktop.
Stratustician
100%
0%
Stratustician,
 User Rank: Ninja
11/26/2014 | 2:11:55 PM
Re: Deeper problem
I Agree.  While many users use these services day to day, they aren't necessarily concerned with how it all works.  This can be a good or bad thing when it comes to things like data privacy or understanding the effects of how information being posted on the Internet can be accessed by multiple sources.  The reality is that many users are happy to not know these details, as long as they can use the Internet and applications they are content.
Lorna Garey
100%
0%
Lorna Garey,
 User Rank: Author
11/26/2014 | 10:56:21 AM
Deeper problem
"large numbers of people appear to lack understanding about important concepts like privacy policies and net neutrality, such gaps exist throughout civic and political life, all the way up to regulators who see the Internet as a series of tubes."

This isn't a problem unique to the internet. Say you fell down a black hole and emerged in 1780 or so. Could you explain to the engineers of the day how to generate electricity, how an internal combustion engine works, or how to set up a telephone link? How about plumbing or radio waves?

 


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