The internet and possibilities for counter accounts: some reflections

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the debate about the emancipatory potential of the internet by commenting on the papers in this issue by Gallhofer et al. and by Paisey and Paisey. Design/methodology/approach – The paper locates the internet within the politics of neoliberalism. Findings – The internet is just another technology and its use and influence depend on the social and political contexts. The internet is not seen as a panacea but rather as a communicative device which has the potential to facilitate change. Whether that is realised depends upon how the counter accounts and critiques disseminated through it connect with the common sense of the people. Originality/value – The paper encourages engagement with technology and also persuades readers to develop counter accounts and critiques of contemporary social problems.