The information revolution has a counterpart that is potentially democratic. A new field of social activity is open, one which, like any social field, can be appropriated either to serve or to thwart democracy. Clearly, the problem one of universal access. However, universal access is not merely a matter of wiring every neighborhood. It requires a deep involvement by the users.
Democratic involvement is a two-way street.
On the one hand, it takes invesment of assets and incorporation of technology. On the other, it requires a commitment by the users, who must feel that they are linked in a community that respects them, needs their expression, and keeps open the possibility of dialogue. The Internet is an exceptionally good place for multiethnic and multicultural dialogue. It can be the basis for a global consciousness and for global action. We face a deep ethical challenge when considering the Net as a living library and a community as well.