The New Media

New Media is a boon to liberty itself. It allows people to openly express themselves while enjoying the anonymity. No longer does people need to hide their views for fear of prosecution as long as they are not volatile in nature. For me, Volatile views include but not limited to, racist views, slander, views that threaten to tear the region or nation apart. Other then this, the accessibility of New Media itself( Easily accessed with a computer and internet access) can be viewed by many...which is really a point to New Media. Basically, most wants their views to be heard so they can influence or garner support for their ideas or plans.

New Media links up the whole world and information that would have otherwise takes days or weeks can be easily gotten in a few minutes. One of the most popular medium is blogging which have already attracted millions of bloggers around the world. The article highlighted the uses of blogs to air one views on an oppressive government,to expose the truth behind their tyrant behavior.Also, blogs often show first hand information, unedited by any which is helpful to the audience. Like for example, A blog showcasing a US soldier and his life in Baghdad became a extremely popular blog as they depict a true scene in Baghdad itself, unsanctioned by government censorship. It tells of the hardship there and the constant fear of not seeing a new dawn. Thus people no longer need to be silenced by the government and can speak out the truth.
On another note, blogging is the alternative to a diary. They can benefit as they vent their frustrations out and friends can provide consolation and advice. Humans after all are social creatures and need others' support and blogs just provide the platform for that.

However, New Media can be a threat to stability if used for nefarious purposes. As noted, the terrorists have used the websites, online videos and Television to propagate their hatred for the west. Rumors created for the sole purpose of incurring
anger in people such as the false allegations of the desecration of a Koran have sparked off deadly riots. Furthermore, this only lowered the trust in the West itself.

Even though the terrorists look like they are winning, the West are working hard to use the New Media to their advantage.

Ultimately, truth will prevail.