The Internet and state control in authoritarian regimes: China, Cuba and the counterrevolution (originally published in August 2001)

First Monday ◽  
2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanthi Kalathil ◽  
Taylor C. Boas
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Authoritarian Regimes ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Authoritarian Rule ◽  
Political Impact ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Internet Development ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Strong Control

It is widely believed that the Internet poses an insurmountable threat to authoritarian rule. But political science scholarship has provided little support for this conventional wisdom, and a number of case studies from around the world show that authoritarian regimes are finding ways to control and counter the political impact of Internet use. While the long-term political impact of the Internet remains an open question, we argue that these strategies for control may continue to be viable in the short to medium term. Many authoritarian regimes translate a long and successful history of control over other information and communication technologies into strong control of Internet development within their borders. Potential challenges to the state may arise from Internet use in several areas: the mass public, civil society, the economy, and the international community. Authoritarian states will likely respond to these challenges with a variety of reactive measures: restricting Internet access, filtering content, monitoring online behavior, or even prohibiting Internet use entirely. In addition, such states seek to extend central control through proactive strategies, guiding the development of the medium to promote their own interests and priorities. Through a combination of reactive and proactive strategies, an authoritarian regime can counter the challenge posed by Internet use and even utilize the Internet to extend its reach and authority. In this paper we illustrate how two authoritarian regimes, China and Cuba, are maintainng control over the Internet's political impact through different combinations of reactive and proactive strategies. These cases illustrate that, contrary to assumptions, different types of authoritarian regimes may be able to control and profit from the Internet. Examining the experiences of these two countries may help to shed light on other authoritarian regimes' strategies for Internet development, as well as help to develop generalizable conclusions about the impact of the Internet on authoritarian rule.

scholarly journals Impact of Internet on Academic Performance of University Students in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (38) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nimra Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Impact

It is impossible to ignore the fact that the internet is the basic need of today’s technological world. Different research shows that individuals across the globe are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to get the most up-to-date information from the internet. Similarly, university students also spend a lot of time on the internet researching and collecting material relevant to their research topics. Although different research has been conducted on the usage of the internet in different countries, research about Pakistani students is still limited. The major goal of this research was to see how internet usage affects students' academic performance particularly when it comes to increasing their grades. The objective of this research was to determine the type of internet use and the impact of the internet on students' academic achievement. Arts faculty from the University of Punjab Pakistan was selected as the universe of the study and 5 departments of arts were selected by simple random sampling and a sample of 100 students was taken through systematic sampling. The study adopted a survey research design. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers as a tool for data collection. The data was analyzed statistically, which led to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. Statistical results are also presented and discussed, and implications for future research are also provided. According to the findings, internet use has a positive impact on student's academic achievement.

Upotreba interneta u obrazovanju odraslih: istorijsko-organizaciona perspektiva

2017 ◽  
pp. 35-52
Author(s):  
Bojan Ljuijić
Keyword(s):  
Adult Education ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Computer Network ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Educational Computer ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Internet In Education ◽  
Historical Periods

Beside the fact that the Internet was not primarily educational network (it didn’t emerge from the intention to be systematically used in the field of education), shortly after it emerged, possibilities of its application in education were recognised. This paper is dedicated to analysis of the most important chronological moments (technological and social in the first place) that were crucial in sense of comprehensive application of the Internet in service of education in general, but also in service of adult education. Having all mentioned in focus, in more details, we analysed emergence and development of the Internet observed as educational computer network in frame of general development of information and communication technologies. While realising mentioned analysis, our focus was on four historical periods of educational computer technologies. We also intended to emphasize the activities of international institutions that followed, encouraged and supported the development of the Internet use and the use of other information and communication technologies in the field of education. According to that, we distinguished the main moments referring activities of these organisations which describe in the best manner their contributions to growing application of the Internet in education in general, but also in adult education.

scholarly journals The Influence of the Development of Digital Economy on the Upgrading of China’s Industrial Structure

2021 ◽  
Vol 235 ◽  
pp. 03062
Author(s):  
Yaling Li
Keyword(s):  
National Economy ◽  
Economic Model ◽  
Industrial Structure ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Profound Impact ◽  
Internet Development ◽  
The Impact

Nowadays, with the rapid development of the Internet, all walks of life are closely connected with the development of the Internet. Differences in the degree of integration between different industries and the Internet make the leading industries of the national economy constantly change, thus promoting the transformation and upgrading of the industrial structure. The impact of Internet development on the upgrading of industrial structure is not only that the interconnected technologies and platforms change the traditional economic model, but also that the integration of Internet and industry has a profound impact on the industrial structure.

The Role of Internet Utilization Among SMEs on Household Welfare in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Ariska N. Rini ◽  
Lienggar Rahadiantino
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Household Welfare ◽  
Capita Expenditure ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
Using Data ◽  
One Year ◽  
Small Medium Enterprises ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

The Internet has a significant influence on poverty alleviation and economic growth. Internet involvement in small-medium enterprises (SMEs) has the opportunity to create a better level of welfare. Using data from the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), this study aims to analyze the impact of internet utilization on household welfare among two groups, household enterprises with internet use for business and without internet use for business. The results of the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method mention that household enterprises with internet for business purposes have higher household per capita expenditure, food consumption, and non-food expenditure than household enterprises without internet use. Another interesting result finds that household enterprises are likely to use the internet only if household heads at a young age and business establish less than one year.

Impact of Internet Use on Civic Engagement in Chinese Rural Areas

2012 ◽  
pp. 296-313
Author(s):  
Jian-Chuan Zhang ◽  
Ying Qin
Keyword(s):  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Network Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Political Impact ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Few prior studies have addressed the political impact of the Internet on civic engagement in rural areas. This preliminary study aims to explore the connection between Internet use and civic engagement of rural Internet users. Based on the surveys implemented by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), the authors find that using the Internet does enhance the level of civic engagement among rural Internet users in China. However, better use of the Internet faces some obstacles, too. They are the young age of rural users and the limited Net bandwidth. Implications of these obstacles are discussed. The chapter concludes that, under certain circumstances, there is great potential for Chinese rural Internet users to become more actively engaged in public affairs in the future.

The Perception of Managers on the Impacts of the Internet in Brazilian Hotels

2003 ◽  
pp. 244-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz A.M.M. Filho ◽  
Anatália S.M. Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Tukey Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

The present study has an exploratory nature and aims to analyze the perception of managers on the efficiency, access importance, use as a communication tool, benefits and difficulties of Internet use in Brazilian hotels and also its effects according to the facilities rank and property size plus managers’ age and experience time. It has been used as a questionnaire to collect data from the managers of 35 hotels in the city of Natal, RN, Brazil. By using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test, results showed that there is almost no significant difference on the perception of managers on the impact of Internet use in hotels. However, those variables that were different show that for younger and less experienced managers and luxurious hotels with more than 50 rooms, there is a more favorable perception on the impacts of the Internet.

Citizens and Spokesmen

2001 ◽  
pp. 152-165
Author(s):  
Jennifer Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Electoral Politics ◽  
Political Life ◽  
Political Agency ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Public Discussion ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Communications Technologies ◽  
Political Impact

In this chapter, I suggest that rather than focusing the discussion of the socio-political impact of new communications technologies solely within the realm of electoral politics, the scope of analysis should be broadened to take into consideration how individuals are using the Internet and how those practices relate to social and political life. I argue against the equation of technology with increases in individual political agency and suggest an approach that is based in Internet use patterns. Research that does focus on individual web use suggests patterns and strategies of use that do not fall under the purview of these discussions but are nevertheless germane to U.S. democratic politics and public discussion.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: The Role of Locus on Control and Internet Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 6985
Author(s):  
Rannveig Sigurvinsdottir ◽  
Ingibjorg E. Thorisdottir ◽  
Haukur Freyr Gylfason
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
The Impact

The true extent of the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are unclear, but early evidence suggests poorer mental health among those exposed to the pandemic. The Internet may have differential effects, by both connecting people with resources, or reinforce the constant checking of negative information. Moreover, locus of control becomes important in an uncontrollable pandemic. The current study aimed to examine whether exposure to COVID-19 would relate to greater symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and to examine the role of internet use and locus of control. Adults in the United States and five European countries (N = 1723) answered an online survey through the website Mturk. Results show elevated psychological symptoms among those who have become infected with COVID-19 or perceive themselves to be at high risk if infected. Experience using the Internet relates to fewer symptoms, but information seeking is associated with more symptoms. Internet social capital relates to fewer symptoms of depression. Having an external locus of control relates to greater symptoms. These findings suggest that public health officials need to focus on the mental health effects of the pandemic, and that internet use and locus of control could be targets to improve mental health in the population.

The association between Internet use and health outcomes in the population of older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Szulc ◽  
M Duplaga
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Internet has become one of the primary sources of health-related information. Less is known about the impact of Internet access and use on health-related outcomes in the older population, which frequently suffer from a digital divide. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the associations between Internet use and variables reflecting health status, the use of health services and health behaviours in the population at least 50 years old. Methods The analysis was carried out on the data set from the telephone-based survey in a sample of 1000 respondents representative for targeted age strata of Polish society. The effects of Internet use were assessed with logistic regression models after adjusting for key socioeconomic variables. Results Mean age (standard deviation) of respondents was 64.2 (9.6). In the study group, 51.1% respondents were Internet users, 19.4% - persons with disabilities, 21.2% were hospitalised at least once, and 51.0% visited health care facilities at least six times in preceding 12 months. The respondents being Internet users less frequently reported chronic diseases (OR, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.16-0.30), disability status (0.52, 0.37-0.72) and higher self-assessed health status (1.64, 1.24-2.16). They also less often used health services in the preceding 12 months (0.77, 0.60-0.99. Internet use was not associated with hospital admission in the preceding year (1.04, 0.76-1.41) and most of the health behaviours (smoking: 1.06, 0.77-1.45, physical activity: 0.85, 0.63-1.15, the consumption of fruits and vegetables: 0.73, 0.50-1.07). Interestingly, Internet users drunk more alcohol (1.52, 1.14-2.02). Conclusions In the population of older adults, the use of the Internet is associated with variables reflecting health status and the utilisation of health services. Higher health status and lower prevalence of chronic conditions among Internet users were found after adjusting for age and other socioeconomic factors. Key messages It was shown that Internet use may be related with more favourable health outcomes. The reported association should trigger further research on the impact of Internet in elderly persons.

scholarly journals Influence of previous work experience and education on Internet use of people in their 60s and 70s

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muzawir Arief ◽  
Sari Rissanen ◽  
Kaija Saranto
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
White Collar ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Internet ◽  
White Collar Worker ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundInternet use among the elderly is influenced by various demographic backgrounds, social life and health factors.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the impact of several demographic features on 60- to 79-year-old individuals’ intention to use the Internet.MethodFinland population data (N = 2508) from the 2012 IKIPOSA project was used with two cohorts: 60s group (n = 1515) and 70s group (n = 990). Descriptive statistic and two binomial logistic regressions have been used with the unadjusted effect and Forward LR method to measure each predictor’s contribution to the model. In addition, a preliminary analysis to measure the multicollinearity was performed.ResultOf the 18 independent variables, only nine predictors, namely, age, education, financial situation, having children, entrepreneurship, a leadership position, a higher level white-collar worker and a lower level white-collar worker, were significant factors in predicting the Internet use. Meanwhile, gender, having grandchildren, living alone, marital status, house location and type, stay-at-home mother or father, blue-collar worker, agricultural entrepreneur and social relations satisfaction were not significant predictors. The most significant predictors were education and age, which contributed 19% and 10%, respectively, to the model. Other significant predictors, lower level white-collar worker, higher level white-collar worker and financial situation, had less impact with only around 6%.ConclusionEducation and age were influential factors among elderly to use the Internet in their later life. Certain work experiences affect elderly people’s engagement with the Internet after retirement.

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