The Psychological Impact of the Internet Revolution
A significant news story in today headlines is focused on the protest taking place on Wall Street, New York, now in its 23rd day with seemingly no end in sight. The crowds are steadily growing with a cross spectrum of young and old who want their voices to be heard. The movement is now moving from State to State. The protesters’ messages are focused on a classic social theme of the rich getting richer, i.e. big Wall Street banks and other financial institutions, while the poor and now the middle class are suffering especially during these tough economic times. People’s patience is very short, compelling protesters to want immediate meaningful changes now. History would seem to dictate any meaningful governmental or societal change take place over time.
The question becomes, what is the psychology fueling this growing protest movement across the USA? The struggle between the rich and poor, those in powerful positions and those without power is not a new theme. However, with introduction of internet revolution the playing field for entry into the private world of the elite has fallen.
Information and content is widely accessible. You can buy and sell stocks on your own computer at home like a real Wall Street pro. You can make a movie utilizing film editing software and publish your clip or movie on YouTube and instantly let your views be heard or seen. Doors that were once closed to 97% of people are now wide open. However, freedom has not come without a cost.
Big record companies once ruled their domain and have now been forced to adapt or become extinct as free music flooded the internet. Gone where days you had to lineup at your favorite record store to buy music. Up until fairly recently anyone having access to a computer and internet connection could download music free.
Of course this spelled disaster for record companies and music artists who depend on their music royalties – most well deserved. Fortunately, the innovation and introduction ITunes Store was the music industries’ savior. It is difficult to compete against a product which is deemed free.
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