The Internet is a global system of inter-connect to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol Suite (commonly known as TCP or IP) to provide services to billions of people around the world. With the internet, people have easy access to information in the form of news, video, images, music, etc.. Especially in this era of globalization, the need for speed and effectiveness information is increasing. Broad reach of the internet is an advantage, because it allows users to access information from abroad though. In addition, the internet is also used for file sharing, or share data with upload and download features.
Along with the development of internet technology, the world now feels like a 'village' which was great. Therefore, Marshall McLuhan created a term 'Global Village', where communication technology has made the world a village that is very large and there is no time limit and a fixed and clear. In a short time, everyone will be using the internet. During McLuhan life, the idea is considered very radical and strange, because television access is still limited, yet extensive radio coverage, and no internet. But McLuhan's theory can be proven. In this era, all the information can be easily obtained. Dissemination of information is no longer done for two or three people, but there have been mass, or the public. This concept continues to grow, and was found negative impacts, among others, people can not tell where the real world and the virtual world (internet) so that they are addicted to, and can not be separated from the 'village' is virtual.
However, the internet also provides a variety of positive impact on society. The presence of the Internet has facilitate the mobility of people, made it that much to feel close. In addition, people are also more easily obtain information, the source is not limited to books alone. Internet is also considered to be more 'update' rather than having to read a book, newspaper, or watching television. People are starting to turn away from the media to the Internet, because almost everything can be found on the internet. Starting from downloading songs, or video streaming, and even now there are applications that allow us to read the newspaper from the internet. There are some people who still prefer traditional media, such as newspapers, radio, and television. However, over time, online media will surpass traditional media, as online media can provide what is in traditional media, plus the speed of getting information. Moreover, with the Internet, we can choose what information we need, unlike radio, newspaper, or television shows and news programs chosen by the producer, not our own choosing. Media who want to follow the development of the Internet and participate in it, will continue to survive. However, the media are still using the traditional way will not last long because it does not keep track of the time.
A very popular term that emerged in the 1990's, the information superhighway. The word refers to the speed superhighway someone or something to move from one place to another. In short, the term information superhighway is the speed of transfer of information from one place to another, with the help of the internet, in a different place and time though.
Author : F. Lie
