Changing China
The Wall Street Journal reports (subscription required) that use of the Internet "is spreading farther than expected in China, reaching smaller, less-developed cities." The WSJ story explores the likely social and economic impact:

The findings, say the researchers who conducted the study, suggest that the Internet's impact is greater than previously thought, with implications for the future of the economy and the communist government. Far from being a tool of the educated and well-off in big cities, the Internet is cutting across income and geographical lines in China, creating a populace that is better informed and more demanding of the government, the researchers say.

The WSJ says the surveys show the emerging online community "shares ideas that could pose a challenge to a government often bent on control"

More than 85% recognize a role for the government in managing and controlling the Internet, and most are concerned about pornographic and violent content. But fewer than 13%, the survey says, believe that the government should police political content, and overwhelmingly people see the Internet as a medium allowing greater freedom of speech and criticism of government policies.