The Net a channel for public opinion

Whether we like it or not, the era of information network has reached an irreversible stage. Its pervasiveness on people's life reminds me of the words of a schoolmate, who 10 years ago said a Chinese had to learn three things as soon as possible: operating a computer, driving and the knowledge of at least one foreign language. This is important if a Chinese does not want to be left by the wayside by today's fast changing world.

Though 10 years have passed, his words still reflect reality to a large extent. Mastering computer skills means gaining accessibility to the sea of information out in the world today. Knowledge of driving means enlarging the circle of life. And being able to speak and read one or more foreign languages means bettering the chances of communication with the outside world. In the 1980s, many Chinese developed an intense liking for American Alvin Toffler's 1980 book, The Third Wave, which describes vividly the era of information network.

A few years ago, many Chinese, from the top leadership to the grassroots, tried to promote The World Is Flat, a book by US journalist Thomas L. Friedman. The book analyzes the progress of globalization with an emphasis on the early years of this century. The book says the world has already developed into a platform for communication and exchange between peoples of different regions in the information network era.