Economist

Despite the claims of many “cybergurus,” the Information Revolution cannot solve all of the world’s problems, the Economist maintains in the following viewpoint. The magazine asserts that while the Internet has dramatically changed business practices and may help reduce inequality, it cannot end war and intolerance. In addition, the magazine argues that although some people believe that the Internet will reduce pollution, the increasing popularity of the Internet, and particularly online shopping, has in fact increased energy consumption. Economist is a weekly financial magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What did Nicholas Negroponte claim, as stated by the magazine?
2. In the magazine's opinion, when is it more energy-efficient to do certain activities online?
3. According to Economist, why do poor people shun the Internet?

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