The rise of the Internet has been one of the most transformative developments in human history, comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph. Over two billion people worldwide now have access to vastly more information than ever before, and can communicate with each other instantly, often using Web-connected mobile devices they carry everywhere. But the Internet’s tremendous impacts has only just begun.

　　“Mass adoption of the Internet is driving one of the most exciting social, cultural, and political transformations in history, and unlike earlier periods of change, this time the effects are fully global,” Schmidt and Cohen write in their new book. The New Digital Age.

　　Perhaps the most profound changes will come when the five billion people worldwide who currently lack Internet access get online. The authors do an excellent job of examining the implications of the Internet revolution for individuals, governments, and institutions like the news media. But if the book has one major shortcoming, it’s that authors don’t spend enough time applying a critical eye to the role of Internet businesses in these weeping changes.

　　In their book, the authors provide the most authoritative volume to date that describes — and more importantly predicts — how the Internet will shape our lives in the coming decades. They paint a picture of a world in which individuals, companies, institutions, and governments must deal with two realities, one physical, and one virtual.

　　At the core of the book is the idea that “technology is neutral, but people aren’t.” By using this concept as a starting point, the authors aim to move beyond the now familiar optimist vs. pessimist dichotomy(对立观点)that has characterized many recent debates about whether the rise of the Internet will ultimately be good or bad for society. In an interview with TIME earlier this week, Cohen said although he and his co-author are optimistic about many aspects of the Internet, they’re also realistic about the risks and dangers that lie ahead when the next five billion people come online, particularly with respect to personal privacy and state surveillance(监视).

　　56、In what way is the rise of the Internet similar to the invention of the printing press and the telegraph?

　　A.It transforms human history. B.It facilitates daily communication.

　　C.It is adopted by all humanity. D.It revolutionizes people's thinking.

　　57、How do Schmidt and Cohen describe the effects of the Internet?

　　A.They are immeasurable. B.They are worldwide.

　　C.They are unpredictable. D.They are contaminating.

　　58、In what respect is the book The New Digital Age considered inadequate?

　　A.It fails to recognize the impact of the Internet technology.

　　B.It fails to look into the social implications of the Internet.

　　C.It lacks an objective evaluation of the role of Internet businesses.

　　D.It does not address the technical aspects of Internet communication.

　　59、What will the future be like when everybody gets online?

　　A.People will be living in two different realities.

　　B.People will have equal access to information.

　　C.People don’t have to travel to see the world.

　　D.People don’t have to communicate face to face.

　　60、What does the passage say about the authors of The New Digital Age?

　　A.They leave many questions unanswered concerning the Internet.

　　B.They are optimistic about the future of the Internet revolution.

　　C.They have explored the unknown territories of the virtual world.

　　D.They don’t take sides in analyzing the effects of the Internet.

　　【答案】 BBCAD