All of this may lead to a perception by the public and policymakers that the Internet is a favored set of commercial interests. In that case, regulation may flourish, particularly if present expectations go unmet. Many of the experimental new communication technologies and services are wonderful, and it seems that it would be terrific if they came to pass. But we know that most will not. The issue is not how terrific they are, but how much they cost, and whether there is enough demand to make it profitable for someone to accept the risk of providing them.
Habits seem to grow out of other habits far more directly than they do out of gadgets.
Television itself caused fundamental changes in our lives and seems to be an exception to Daniels s proposition. But few innovations can make such a claim. It is clear that digital technology has had and will have important effects on society and on television. Further changes are inevitable. But despite the hype, it is by no means clear that the Internet, as distinct from digital technology, will revolutionize television, much less the American household.