Just as a "citizen" is a member of a
country, a "netizen" is a member of the internet. However, this term is overhyped and inaccurate Web 2.0 self-
love for the following reasons:
- Citizens have legal rights regarding
free expression and protection against illegal harassment and discrimination. Netizens do not.
- Citizens have
legal responsibilities to their country including refraining from illegal harassment and discrimination. Netizens do not.
- Citizens are defined by their country, thus tied to a geographical location and forced to face the consequences of their opinions, choices and actions in that country. Netizens are not.
- Citizens are personally identifiable. Netizens are not.
This week, the blogosphere has been buzzing, with netizens giving their opinions on today's hot and pressing topic: Does Justin
Bieber Have Syphilis? Netizen 'bieberfever4evaa11' said: 'JUSTIN BEIBER(sic) IS CLERLY(sic) NOT WELL, LEAVE JUSTIN BEABER(sic)
ALONE!!' He - or she - later added: 'THESE ARE REAL
TEARS I'M CRYING'