Just as a "citizen" is a member of a country, a "netizen" is a member of the internet. However, this term is overhyped and inaccurate
Web 2.0 self-love for the following reasons:
- Citizens have
legal rights regarding free expression and protection against illegal harassment and discrimination.
Netizens do not.
- Citizens have legal responsibilities to their country including refraining from illegal harassment and discrimination. Netizens do not.
- Citizens are defined by their country, thus tied to a geographical location and forced to face the consequences of their opinions, choices and actions in that country. Netizens are not.
- Citizens are personally identifiable. Netizens are not.
Example:
This week, the blogosphere has been buzzing, with netizens giving their opinions on today's hot and pressing topic: Does Justin Bieber Have Syphilis?
Netizen 'bieberfever4evaa11' said: 'JUSTIN BEIBER(sic) IS CLERLY(sic) NOT WELL, LEAVE
JUSTIN BEABER(sic) ALONE!!' He - or she - later added: 'THESE ARE
REAL TEARS I'M CRYING'