China and the US in the New Internet World: A Comparative Perspective

The technology of the Internet has been a focus of discussion over innovation. In contrast, the social dynamics of the Internet are often portrayed as more stable, slowed by the habits and attitudes of users. This chapter shows that the Internet has experienced dramatic changes in who uses information and communication technologies, for what purposes, and with what implications for everyday life and work. Globally, trends in the diffusion and use of the Internet may indicate the emergence of a “New Internet World.” Looking at the pattern of values, attitudes, and behavior of Internet users across this new world, the chapter argues that users within emerging nations are often as focused on basic Internet values, such as privacy and, in some respects, more innovative in their patterns of use than users within the Old Internet World.