The Internet is a unique and wise creation of our times for it has emerged as the most diffuse means of mass media available, and enriched our lives by creating various novel opportunities and experiences. Given the powerful reach of this virtual network, one reckons that it may penetrate even deeper into human society and become truly pervasive some day.

The development of the Internet is just as phenomenal in China as it is globally. A report compiled by the China Internet Network Information Center (CINIC) indicates that there were some 123 million Internet users in the country as of last June, almost one tenth of its total population, and representing a 19.4 percent increase from the previous year. There are more than 49.5 million computers with Internet access currently in use and some 788,400 websites in operation. It also found that local Internet surfers spend an average of 16.5 hours online each week, up 17.9 percent year on year. This upward trend is mainly attributed to the practical or functional use of the Internet: 15 million local netizens are engaged in online education, 25 million frequent websites to look for employment, 28 million either have a blog of their own or are in the habit of browsing those of others, and 30 million click online on a shopping spree.

Many more people are logging on for communication, entertainment, in search of news and information or simply to chat with their colleagues and friends, and, according to the report, this number is rising fast. Hence, in China, as in the West, the Internet has become a major source of information and an effective alternative channel for business transactions, and has bright prospects.

Behind the rosy landscape, however, lie problems that pose obstacles to the Internet’s development in China, as in some other countries, ranging from inappropriate online content and network fraud to infringements of copyrights and the proliferation of junk mail. Statistics from the CINIC suggest that tens of thousands of complaints have been lodged by local Internet users in recent years with regard to online content, such as illicit and falsified information, superstitious beliefs, violence and pornography, all of which are inflicting tremendous harm on the Internet audience and society. To deal with these and other negative aspects, the Chinese Government has adopted a number of laws and regulations over the past years, laying the legal framework to ensure a robust yet healthy development of the Internet for the country.

As the latest means of mass media, the Internet differs fundamentally from all its predecessors in that it gives the greatest liberty to individuals who wish to release online information or make self-representations. This has left readily exploitable loopholes for irresponsible behavior and has created tremendous difficulties for administrative supervision.

The government, however, has not given up its efforts to steer the Internet onto a healthy track of development. Internet companies and individual users, the other two players in the game, should also have a sense of social responsibility for their own deeds, as the robust and healthy development of the Internet is vital to all.