A 'Netizen' (a
portmanteau of
Internet and
citizen) [also known as a ''cybercitizen''] is a person actively involved in
online communities. Netizens use the Internet to engage in activities of the extended
social groups of the internetworks (i.e., giving and receiving
viewpoints, furnishing
information, fostering the Internet as an intellectual and a social resource, and making choices for the self-assembled communities). Generally, a netizen can be any user of the worldwide, unstructured forums of the Internet. The word netizen itself was created by Michael Hauben (see first two external links below).
Netizens are Internet users who utilize the networks from their
home,
workplace, or
school (among other places). Netizens try to be conducive to the Internet's use and growth. Netizens, who use and know about the network of networks, usually have a self-imposed responsibility to make certain that it is improved in its development while encouraging
free speech and
open access.
The term has been used most frequently recently in Korea and China where there are vigorous netizens movements. The election of President
Roh Moo-hyun of
South Korea in 2002 is widely attributed to the support for him among South Korean netizens, especially
OhmyNews.
See also
★
External links
★
Netizens: On the History and Impact of Usenet and the Internet -
★
★
Table of Contents - Michael Hauben