Final answer:
True, the Internet reflects societal inequalities and racial distinctions in terms of access and use. The digital divide between racial groups is evidenced by disparities in technology ownership and broadband access, which can affect economic empowerment and challenge the concept of equal opportunity online.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, 'The Internet is not a place where negative racial distinctions disappear; they simply appear in different ways,' is true. Research by organizations such as the Pew Research Center indicates a digital divide in how different racial groups access and use the Internet. Disparities in technology ownership and the type of access—whether through smartphones or computers with broadband—reveal that the digital landscape does not uniformly empower all users. For example, tasks that can foster economic empowerment, such as job searching or updating a résumé, are more challenging on a smartphone, which is more commonly used by Latino and African American communities, compared to a traditional computer with high-speed Internet, more accessible to White users. The availability of certain online content, like violent material, and its accessibility to children also begs the question of free speech and acceptable expression on the Internet. The Court is still navigating these issues, which highlights that the Internet can replicate and sometimes amplify existing societal challenges, including those of race and inequality.