I think the "rise" of the Internet is leading to the rise of the "read/write" culture, where people want to engage and become activists, rather than just watch TV. The Internet also helps people become more informed about their elected politicians, so I definitely think this is a great trend, although I'm not sure if it reached critical mass yet to make real change. But it's coming. The Governments also see this, and they are trying to stop it or restrict it.
