1) Benkler states that he believed that main inspiration for the networked information economy was the increase of capabilities for individuals. He cites many ways in which democratic communication positively affects the world in which we live. I found enhanced autonomy to be one of the most interesting topics.
Benkler explains that people who utilize methods of democratic communication are allowing themselves to find information on their own without relying on mass production. Though mass production of information may be helpful at times, this might not be what is necessary at a particular time. By having the opportunity to inquire about certain issues at pivotal times allows us to find the information necessary to successfully move forward in our daily lives. For example, there may be a news break about an illness that is circulating. If a person doesn’t have these symptoms but has others, they are more likely to be concerned for what they are currently experiencing. In this situation, they may log on to WebMD.com to find a condition that matches their symptoms. In addition, we are able to express our thoughts, ideas, and experiences freely with those who choose to “listen”. We can create a sense of unity with those people who share similar emotions and experiences. This type of interaction has a positive influence on economic structure as well.
The freedom that these methods of communication allow is the freedom for individuals to connect with others across economic boundaries. These boundaries may include national boarders or social group and class divisions. We will not be under a magnifying glass of those who tell us what we should and should not do. These actions are of our own free will and no one can tell us that we are wrong for communicating with the “wrong type of people”. Interacting with those that we do not typically network may bring insight into our lives in different aspects. We formulate new ideas that help us to coordinate and cooperate with others more easily.
2) I have found enhanced autonomy to be prevalent in my personal experiences with social networking and democratic communication. One example is the fitness forum that I take part of. Since high school, I have taken to exercising most days of the week and eating a healthy diet. In this forum, I am able to tell my story of how I became interested in this topic without being criticized. Those in my personal life tend to make inappropriate comments for my reasoning in being healthy. I endure sarcastic remarks when I refuse a piece of pizza. In my online forum, I am able to discuss my feelings and experiences with those who share my struggle.
Another personal example of social networking that I am involved in is Twitter. I utilize this tool to stay updated on a friend who is studying abroad in Ireland. With this tool, I am able to “reach across the boarder”, so to speak. Because I am not able to speak with her on the phone and am very rarely on Facebook at the same times she is, Twitter helps keep me in the loop of her current adventures.
3) When I was younger, I participated in chat rooms. This type of social networking was completely democratic. I chose which room I wanted to be included in. As I recall, my favorite room was the Rosie O’Donnell chat. I liked this particular site because it was linked with her talk show. They would play games and discuss the interesting topics on her show. I felt as though I was safe in the company of other Rosie fans.
More recently, I was to participate on an eLearning discussion board for Human Relationships and Sexuality. There were two different discussions boards. The first was mandatory where we were to post reactions to certain elements of the course. The second was optional. This area was available for posting any question about sexuality in general. This contained very explicit content and had very few boundaries. Nobody was kidding when they nicknamed this class “Porn in the Morn”. Consequently, I chose not to partake in the second discussion board because many of the threads were vulgar, in my opinion. I was relieved to find that I was not required to post on this board as such discussions conflicted with my personal morals and values.
1. He obviously thinks that the social networked spheres allow people to be connected on a global level. We are able to better understand more societies than just our own by connecting with them through multiple mediums. Benkler believes the social networked sphere is a positive development due to its emergence of a new information environment. He mentions the areas of investigative reporting and multiple player videogames. With these developments come new opportunities and even more innovative ideas. He also mentions the fact that we are able to reach and inform millions around the world. This leads to much more diverse information. Not only does Benkler believe in the new information environments, he believes in the freedom the spheres provide. One is able to freely communicate with others that are more diverse than themselves. We are able to gain a plethora of information across the world and use it however we chose.
ReplyDelete2. As mentioned before, a great example of a social network sphere is multiple player videogames. This allows multiple players around the world to not only play against each other, but to also communicate via headset. I have enjoyed partaking in this type of networking and believe it enhances the autonomy of the game because it allows each player to either work together or do more by themselves. Another example would be dating sites such as E-Harmony. I have never personally used one, but I know a couple of people who have created profiles and met dating partners online. These spheres are useful for people looking for their perfect match or just a good time. It is a formal organization, but it does allow people to do something great for themselves. I could go on to mention social networks like Fantasy Football Leagues, MSN Messenger, and intranet sites through work. I have used all three and each contributes to the user in some way of the next. Through Fantasy Football, one is able to better enjoy watching the games and interacting with those whom he/she would normally not. Though intranets and communication channels sponsored by employers one is able to better perform and are more knowledgeable at work.
3. An example of a social network I participated in was an online book club. I was young and we had to join through school, but we got to choose which books to read and chat about as long as they were on the list. I remember that I would always choose the book that no one else in the class would read so I could have my own ideas and not have to talk about with them in class. Two years ago I helped start a GREEN Club at my school and since it wasn’t there before I consider it to be decidedly democratic. We chose to begin an environmentally friendly club and from there it grew into a fairly large student organization that continues to do great things on campus.
Response to Kacie's statement: "We will not be under a magnifying glass of those who tell us what we should and should not do. These actions are of our own free will and no one can tell us that we are wrong for communicating with the “wrong type of people”. Interacting with those that we do not typically network may bring insight into our lives in different aspects."
ReplyDeleteDon't you ever feel as if we are under a magnifying glass in online interactions? Specifically with Facebook, blogs twitter... Since our future or current employers can easily access who were speaking with and what we’re speaking about I feel as if there is more pressure to associate with certain groups (i.e. follow specific news sources on Twitter or subscribe to certain blogs). I've found myself to be often told who to communicate with and what about in the online world - in fact more so even then in my own personal "off-line" reality. We will not be under a magnifying glass of those who tell us what we should and should not do. These actions are of our own free will and no one can tell us that we are wrong for communicating with the “wrong type of people”. Interacting with those that we do not typically network may bring insight into our lives in different aspects.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteIn certain aspects, I do agree that we are under a magnifying glass. These are choices of our own accord, though. If we choose to care about what others say in respect to who we speak wtih, that is our own choice. What I mean to say is that if you were seen speaking to a homeless person in the street, what might others think? Many may think you are attempting to help this person. Others might think you are not acting of your social status. Online, we are able to communicate with those that society might see as unfavorable if it were them speaking to people "not of their status". Because we do not always know specific details of those strangers that we choose to blog with, we will be under less scrutiny.
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