1998年联合国教科文组织正式将网络列为报纸、广播和电视之后的“第四媒体”。网络文化是网络(技术)与文化相结合的产物,属于科学与文艺之外的“第三文化”的范畴。信息网络是网络文化形成的物质基础,网络是文化的载体和文化传播的重要媒介。网络文化在与传统文化相比照中有其鲜明的特征。 In 1998, UNESCO officially listed the Internet as the “fourth media” behind newspapers, radio and television. Network culture is a product of the combination of network (technology) and culture, belonging to the category of “third culture” beyond science and literature. Information network is the material basis for the formation of network culture. Network is the carrier of culture and the important medium of cultural transmission. Network culture has its distinctive features in comparison with traditional culture.