Internet and Social Media Technologies Philosophical Foundations and Implications to Inclusivity and Exclusivity in Society

The Internet as loosely defined, is a network of networks (Kumar & Deepa, 2015). Behind these networks are many social and economic opportunities that have become key enablers on many fronts. It is through the Internet that social media has become a possibility and whose use has directly or indirectly led to either the inclusion or exclusion of individuals from one or more aspects of social life. With inclusion, the use of social media has ensured that individuals have equal opportunities, access to resources and chances of participation regardless of their background and location. On the other hand, in exclusivity, social media or the Internet denies some of its users a chance to be part of the bigger picture due to one or more reasons. This paper does a systematic review of the literature on the Internet, what it is and the different theories that seek to explain its originality or existence. The paper also reviews social media as a product of the Internet and how it has been used to enhance inclusivity and exclusivity in the same measure. It further discusses some of the contributions social media has made to societies as well as how it has been used to enhance inclusion and exclusion. With examples, the paper shows how social media has been incorporated and become part of our normal life. Lastly, it summarizes some of the strategies that can be implemented to minimize exclusion and how society plays a pivotal role in achieving this.