Net-Vision : A Suggestion to Internet Software Provider

The explosive growth of Internet has come to a stage whereby more and more people are "connected" in one way or the other in Cyberspace. Never before communication can be carried out with such speed and ease. Consciously or un-consciously we all hope that this will lead to a better, and quality society or a virtual yet real community where true human values can grow and flourish.

Many Internet software providers contribute their part to such an ideal, namely Microsoft Explorer, Netscape, Search Engines, GeoCities etc. etc. in their own creative ways. From a distant, I observe that their efforts are entirely on technology that turns out user-friendly tools for Internet users.

To a large extent the users are left on their own to figure out or be creative on how or what best way to use the tools to their own benefit or advantage. There are some specific cases of entities (e.g. Business, Institution or Government) who require extra technology-input for other stated requirements.

However to the large population of the Internet community, it is just a set of extra and powerful tools for them to make use of. We have known cases of mis-use and abuse that cause harm, destruction, death to the fellow community members and environment. At the same time there are many good examples of beneficial use of the tools too. If we take the whole world as a Global Village that has the powerful communication & connection system like Internet, we can conclude that the present operating principle as follow : a) a clever few creates the technology and b) a large majority can freely use the tools in their own ways : creatively, maliciously, constructively or destructively, c) some authorities exercise some sort of control mechanisms.

The above operating principles reflect a divided world paradigm. A scientist says "My job is to explore Science and create this Atomic bomb, how the mankind uses it, is out of my bound". A businessman says "I need whatever technology and tools to make as much money as possible. Any bad consequences are for the world to sort out." An arm manufacturer says "My mission is to manufacture weapons. I think it helps to maintain peace in this world also." "I am an Internet user, I am myself, I have my own right, how I use it is really none of the world concern." ...... There are reasons, justification, argument, or just "don't bother" behaviour on how we operate and live in this Global Village.

Certainly we need another new paradigm with new operating principles. A Global Village with so many warring. conflicting or divided tribes or fractions can't make an ideal society that we envision.

I am not implying another United Nation equivalent or another control mechanism which represent a small group of wise-men setting up some policies and implementation scheme. The present Information Technology has moved beyond a small minority wise-men and experts. It is the Global Village that is wired and connected, with each citizen having their own perceptions of life and wisdom or un-wisdom.

I would like to suggest that Future-Shaper of the world, the Internet software providers, take up a larger role as contributor to the Global Village community, not just on technology alone, but making use of the creative technology in the direction of Knowledge Business and Wisdom Generation.

The above strategy in moving from Technology to Knowledge to Wisdom should be based on a new paradigm with the approach principles as follow :

• 1) Whatever we do or don't do has cause and effect relationship with the world. It is a world of inter-relationship, interdependency and inter-connectivity.
• 2) Creators of new technology and powerful tools have greater responsibility or self-actualization potential to effect Good and not Evil.
• 3) Each and every member of this Global Village is also a creative entity, who should not just be given the tools, but also a Conducive Environment to grow and be more creative.