internet - On human rights and democracy

Is the internet going to work beneficial on human rights and the introduction of democracy in China? This evening I had a pleasant talk with a newly arrived colleague from Spain and such an event is always good to check whether traditional viewpoints of the world on China are still firmly in place.
They are.
After witnessing from nearby the boom and bust of the US internet hero Howard Dean, the question even looks funny. Has the car brought democracy? Has the plane improved human rights? I guess there is always a way to argue about that, but in general we talk about rather useful tools, that can also be used for warfare and destruction.
The internet is not different, although it is causing a revolution in many industries. Howard Dean raised more money than ever from mostly ordinary Americans thanks to the internet. But that did not mean a majority would support his stand against the war in Iraq or even support his presidency. Internet users increasingly reflect the majority of a country.
In stead of promoting human rights and democracy, the internet in China might as well cause lynch parties, patriotic outcries and a firm anti-foreign attitude. The internet is just a tool and might reflex also the nasty side of a country.
Otherwise no complaints: the internet is going to make a massive change, we only do not know what direction it will take.