Internet - another panacea to solve world's problems?

Short review of telecommunications issues and examples of interventions

The use of Internet in Third World has its benefits, but usually only the elite of the countries will profit from it. Although the various use of Internet by engaged groups is something good, the implications for improvement of the vast majority is limited. Medical networks may help in emergency situations and contribute to a limited success, but most diseases in Third World are typical diseases caused by poverty, which cannot be eradicated by consulting specialized databases. Promoting human rights are not only useful but are also necessary. But the fact that violations against human rights are getting known more rapidly by use of Internet can't prevent the violation in most cases, as was demonstrated painfully by the murder of the Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa. Internet used by NGOs and by education and research institutes on high level as well as in government influenced areas will only help, if the elite is conscious of its responsibility for the well being of the whole society and if we, the people of the wealthy North, don't continue to monopolize the new communication media at the cost of the others. [author]