In McLuhan’s discussion of the changes that have come about with the evolution in the people’s relationship with media, I was particularly interested in the family aspect that he brings up on Page 14. With the concept of electronic media brought up, I thought about how people’s habits online are evident of how our relationship to media has evolved with the advancement of technology.

McLuhan brings up the idea that, “Now all the world’s a sage” (14). With the world wide web available for anybody to share whatever message they choose to, we are all exposed to countless influencers; both good and bad. What we choose to do with the information that we receive online is most important. With the positive and productive information available online comes the negativity and the judgment that we expect to face in a world community that is for the most part, a free-for-all.

There are definitely both benefits and detriments from all of the exposure that being present online comes with. On one hand, the internet can serve as a creative outlet in which artists can share their work with a world audience. The idea of being online breaks down the boundaries of different groups that otherwise may not come together in real-life, and allows a place for everyone to interact with all different types of people. On the other hand, there exists the issue of privacy and personal safety on the internet. While most people maintain their integrity on the internet, there are people with different intentions. They may take advantage of the openness of the internet for the wrong reasons.

There is a lot to learn from our experiences involving media. With so many sources of influence available at our fingertips, it is ultimately up to the people to decide how much of an effect the media is allowed have on their lives.