webcentrism

Webcentrism is a speculative concept that posits the internet, or the World Wide Web, as a foundational or central element in understanding and shaping human society, knowledge, and future development. It suggests that the digital infrastructure and the interconnectedness it enables are becoming increasingly significant, potentially rivaling or even surpassing traditional centers of power, culture, or information like nation-states, religious institutions, or established academic fields.

Proponents might argue that the web facilitates unprecedented global communication, access to information, and the formation of new communities and identities that transcend geographical boundaries. This can lead to shifts in political discourse, economic models, and social interactions. The concept often touches upon themes of decentralization, information democratization, and the emergence of a global consciousness or collective intelligence facilitated by digital networks.

Critics, however, might view webcentrism as an oversimplification or a form of technological determinism. They may point to persistent inequalities in internet access, the concentration of power within large tech corporations, and the potential for misinformation and manipulation online as reasons why the web is not necessarily a purely liberating or central force. Concerns are also raised about the potential erosion of local cultures and offline communities in favor of a homogenized, digitally mediated experience. The term itself is not widely established in academic discourse and is more often found in informal discussions or futurist speculation.