Information Freeway or Modern Maoism?

Social Networking is the panacea of many. Especially for the BRIC nations, blogs, status updates, family photo albums, political tweets and virtual videos are a window to sharing with the rest of the world. The East West divide of progress of the 20th century is more or less reverse replicated in the extent of social network usage across the world. And this information sharing has brought about a revolution in the way of life and understanding of the same.

However, when I asked pointed questions over implications of powers with vested interests controlling sites that people take for granted as gateways to information - Google and Wikipedia - people grew uncomfortable, but ultimately scoffed.

Pessimistic as it sounds, it may not be too far from the truth. Who will pass up this monumental opportunity of propaganda if given the chance?

China has already started creating a great wall around the information highway. And the graph given here will demonstrate how different states are very, very concerned about controlling information and manipulating minds.

In this world view of unprecedented group think with scarce thinking and more forwarding social networked animals, mind control of the mass is easier than ever.