2007-03-31
THE THIRD “WORLD”
After the material world and spiritual world, the Internet world has become the third “world” that is the exclusive domain of humans. Since its creation, this new realm, a product of advanced science and technology, has spurred a whirlwind of revolutionary change in the field of telecommunications, completely overturning traditional concepts of time and space.
Any individual, regardless of looks, ability, financial status, health, or geographic location, can enter this virtual world with the help of a PC, to become equal participants from whichever dark or confined corner of our globe they are in.
As a result, this has become a world where the shackles on human expression are broken, where the capacity of the subconscious is set free, and where thoughts can run loose. In this world, one is unfettered by rules and regulations and free from the bounds of authority and social status. Every individual is equal, ideas and thoughts can be freely expressed, and talent and creativity can be fully exercised.
However, just like night co-exists with day, soft with hard, good with bad and truth with falsehood, there are two sides to every coin. The space for freedom on the Internet naturally possesses both positive and negative aspects.
The source of the problem lies in the “innate nature” of humans. I agree with the viewpoints of both Meng Zi (Mencius) and Xun Zi (Hsun Tzu). I believe that humans have the capacity to be either good or bad. Like the cells of the human body, certain cells have an innate immunity to diseases, while other cells may become cancer cells when affected by external factors.
Therefore, in this third world of the Internet, both angels and demons are freed even as restraints on human expression are lifted. For certain individuals who are usually reserved but who have hidden talents in real life, the Internet allows them the opportunity to display their gifts. Others who have bad intentions in their hearts but who are usually restrained by morality and laws may run riot once they enter the Internet world, becoming like newly woken-up demons, baring their teeth and claws everywhere.
In recent years, there have been a growing number of Internet crimes of different types, involving an increasing number of victims. The forces of good and evil are continually at war. Once there is a surfeit of freedom, then calamities could ensue. We have seen more and more announcements of new rules and regulations aimed at controlling some of the forces that have been unleashed. This needs to done to ensure an orderly society.
Weighing the pros and cons, we cannot deny that the creation of the Internet has been extremely positive on the whole. The speed and convenience that the Internet brings to the flow and sharing of information are epochal in their significance. The contributions of the Internet in this area cannot be disputed.
Yet we must also confront the many negative aspects of the Internet head on. What is most important is that we cannot give up on the Internet just because we are worried about the possible risks that it may bring. The Internet itself is innocent of any crime. The problem lies with the actions of its users.
第三“世界” 李永乐 13-03-2007
网络世界是继现实与精神世界之外，人类所独有的第三个“世界”，这个凭借先进科技力量创造出来的新领域，从诞生那一刻开始，就掀起通讯技术的革命旋风，并且彻底颠覆了传统的时空观念。
任何一个人，不论长相美丑、才智杰出或平庸、富有或者贫穷、体格健壮还是体弱多病，不管身处地球哪个地方，躲在哪个阴暗狭窄的角落，只要借助一台电脑，进入这方虚拟的空间，大家都是平等的个体。
因此，这是一个打破人性枷锁、释放潜意识能量，放任思维驰骋的世界，这里没有规则与条例的羁绊，没有权势和地位的干预，每个人平起平坐，理念与想法得以自由地发挥，才华与创意获得充分的展现。
世间事物往往有其两面性，就好像白天与黑夜、阳刚和阴柔，好坏是非总是交相伴随。网络世界的自由空间，自然也有其正面与负面的双重“性格”。
问题的根源，在于人类的所谓本性。孟子与荀子的观点我都赞同。我相信人的本性，同时具备“善与恶”的两个面相，就好比人体内的细胞，有的天生拥有免疫力，但有的细胞，在外来因素的引导和干扰下，就会发生质的变化，恶化成为癌细胞。
所以在网络这个第三世界里头，压抑的人性获得了释放，天使与恶魔同时破蛹而出，有的人拘谨的性格、现实当中被埋没的才华，在这里得到充分的展示。另外的一些人，潜藏内心的邪恶，平日被道德与法律所约束，进入网络世界后，就肆无忌惮地，像苏醒的恶魔，到处张牙舞爪。
近年来，网络犯罪的次数与花样，可说是层出不穷，受害者也越来越多，当然，正邪两方也在不断斗智斗力。因为自由一旦泛滥就要成灾，我们已经看到，许多条律与规则一一出台，目的就是要给网络这只猴子，套上一个“紧箍咒”，让它不能过分调皮捣蛋。
若以利弊论网络，我们必须承认，网络世界的诞生，有着非常积极的贡献，单是信息的交流与分享，其快捷便利的功能，就具有划时代的意义，这点倒是毋庸质疑。
至于它的众多负面因素，当然也得正视。关键在于我们不可因噎废食，网络本身无罪，出问题的只是使用者的行为。
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