Matthew R. Estabrook

In the following viewpoint, Matthew R. Estabrook argues that the Internet empowers individuals because it increases their access to information. He contends that the Internet has increased competition among traditional power structures—such as governments and media conglomerates— which has given ordinary citizens more choice. Indeed, Estabrook predicts that such a shifting of power may result in governments that are more responsive to citizens’ needs. Matthew R. Estabrook is manager for Education and Training at the Center for Market Processes in Fairfax, Virginia.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What effect did Gutenberg’s printing press have on the Protestant Reformation, according to the author?
2. According to Estabrook, by what percentage has the number of people accessing the Internet been increasing each month?
3. How did the...