Does the Internet Defuse Violence, or Encourage It?

Across America, the recent acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin has sparked intense, sometimes angry commentary. But there has been relatively little violence. Some experts believe that social media has helped to vent some of the anger that may have otherwise been directed to the streets. NPR discusses this issue on its Tech Blog.

By the way, here is a slide show of how various newspapers reacted to Zimmerman's acquittal.

Questions...

•Where in the traditional media have you heard commentary about the Zimmerman trial?

•Where in the online or wireless media have you heard commentary about the Zimmerman trial?

•Who are the commentators online, generally? How is this an example of disintermediation?

•What do you think about the idea that the Internet can be a giant vent for anger?

•Overall, do you think the Internet makes the world more peaceful, or more dangerous? Why?