Collection of essays evaluating the Internet's impact on key cultural issues of the day and providing a comprehensive overview of the technological and cultural shifts the Internet has created in contemporary society. Content is presented in two volumes with a focus on overarching themes that will remain relevant for the long term. The first volume emphasizes the positive impact of Internet culture--for example, 24-hour access to information, music, books, merchandise, employment opportunities, and even romance. The second discusses the Internet's darker consequences, such as a demand for instant news that often pushes journalists to prioritize being first over being right, online scams, and invasions of privacy that can affect anyone who banks, shops, pays bills, or posts online. --From publisher description.