In the mean time, the small amount of empirical research leaves space for both utopian as dystopian views. First, let us examine both views. The keywords for the utopists are liberation, freedom and flexibility. This view stresses the recognition of the variety, the pluralism and diversity in the virtual communities, where age, gender and race do not matter. They also stress the empowering and liberating importance of the use of the Internet.
Some authors even go further.
Opposite to the utopists, the dystopian view stresses the disorienting and alienating effects of the globalization. According to the dystopists, the new media will cause a growing social polarization. They see the commercialization of the new media as a proof of the abuse of this technology. Finally, these critiques also stress that the wealth of information does not necessarily mean that people have more knowledge. Postman argues that today's media are obsessed with providing more information.