The Internet is distinguished to be a truly global medium that is more difficult to control than any other media. It, therefore, provides a public space for debate that is outside the control of the state. In our societies the Internet isn't run by any organization, and it isn't owned by any entity. Instead, people grow the Internet on a daily basis; resulting in the creation of a global system of communication. It is true that at the present moment, the Chinese government executes strict control and censorship of the Internet through state ownership of the physical infrastructure of the medium. Ironically, the Internet, which is seen as a harbinger of democracy, in China has caused various problems. There have been instances where arrests have been placed because of citizens finding ways to break into that strict censorship. One may argue that this isn’t an ideal example of democracy. However this is the cost which democracy requires in order to release its roots into the minds of Chinese people. With the possibility of reading news from the outside world, being up to date with the political life of other countries, the opportunities will develop for the people to express their opinions in public forums and this could well result in building a global network of support for challenging political change in China and could present a test to the Chinese Government.
The number of Internet users in China is growing progressively with more students, intellectuals, professionals, the business community and average urban Chinese getting on to the information super-highway and participating in the international flow of information. Though the Internet is assisting the flow of information in and out of China to come to the conclusion that it can cause social change may be premature. Such changes require many years of nourishment within its nucleus, so it can come to appoint where it can produce its fruits. Democracy cannot be established overnight, and this will not be the case with the Internet in China. Looking at the case of the Falun Gong movement, the Internet has actually strengthened the hands of the Government in restraining social mobilization in China. These are the effects of the moment, but looking ahead the Internet can become a revolution in its true meaning, and cause the adaptation of a contemporary, democratic government in China. No matter what, the Internet will continue to grow, and it will continue to bring economic and social benefits to the Chinese people.
The Internet truly holds infinite possibilities for the future. It is truly a medium that encourages free expression and individuality, while simultaneously being a storehouse for a phenomenal amount of information. Though, in the short run the Internet might strengthen the party-state of China, it can, over time, aid the process of political transformation which will come from fundamental institutional changes from within China.
