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I don't know about anyone else, but I'm feeling pretty optimistic about this series of tubes these days. I've heard that "the medium is the message" and stepped back to admire the tale the internet tells of the anon/pseudonymous free sharing of ideas, but I'm just now starting to get passionate about what that can do.
Socrates, as you've probably heard, had a method of acquiring and disseminating knowledge through conversation. We're living in an era that will see this being practiced on the largest scale the world has ever known.
One of my greatest frustrations in life is the limitation of free speech in favour or political correctness and avoidance of taboos. I've got some major qualms with statements like "You can insult me but don't say anything about my religion." Hitchens got it right, as did others, stating that any and all ideas, religion included, should be looked at critically. Lucky us, look what we can do now. Of course at this point it can only go so far. We face threats against net neutrality, threats from "overzealous copyright bozos", and we know that others are festering. The lines of communication must be kept open. Freedom of "thought, opinion, belief and expression" is democracy's oxygen.
Then there's the issue of hate-speech and the like, which, frankly, I haven't thought about much but think should be allowed. Everyone should say whatever they like in this medium but realize that they are broadcasting and are thus open to criticism, mockery, or could flat-out be ignored. All ideas worth having should be shared, but not all ideas are equal.
I've been reading about online ethics and would like to write more about the issues that arise. I'm glad as all hell that I randomly decided to major in Communications.