| With the technological and commercial development of P2P, its potential influence on the future of network propagation is becoming a new concern. Its impacts will mainly include the following aspects: First, the way in which and the degree to which network information can be shared and utilized will be further changed. Second, the development of relevant software and information products will, to some extent, determine the future look of the Internet as a medium. Third, the decentralized network structure caused by P2P technology will make Internet management more difficult. Finally, this technology might become a new platform for the exchange and cooperation between different media, or quicken the pace of what is called mediamorphosis. However, the overall influence of P2P technology upon the future society will depend on the interaction between political, economic and other forces, and this will also affect the future of the Internet eventually. |