There is therecognition that women need to become powerful forces and voices on-line, to actively become part of the construction of culture, language and decisions for the Internet before it's form and shape are set in stone. But conflict arises with the understanding that much of the attention and excitement surrounding the Internet as a dominant social force is manufactured in the interests of capitalism. The Internet needs to be sold to the public in order for it to be profitable. Bringing women on board as consumers simply brings in a previously avoided market. As the readings indicate, what women want from the Internet is an Internet that is democratic, that validates the voices of the disenfranchised, where communication and information are freely circulated and the exchange of ideas is valued as a cultural activity.
Women ARE technological and take pleasure in the uses and possibilities for the Internet.
The barriers that may discourage or turn women off the Internet are culturally created and are thus open to resistance, subversion and reformation. The Net is for women to do what they want with it. Mentors can also encourage other women to take an active role once they are using the Internet. Change our cultural metaphors to include positive images and metaphors for women. Have available positive role models of women on-line who already have an active role in the production and creation of the Internet.