BENKLER

1)One positive aspect of democratic communication system is seen when analyzing the need for global justice and human development, according to Benkler. Social networking has the ability to connect people from across the globe who are dedicated to improving humanity by discovering new ways to pass on agricultural and health information. In our constantly evolving world, new software is being developed with a focus on writing new languages such as JAARS Software for the education of people groups with no current written language. This new software, which is free to those wishing to help people groups write their distinctive language, can be seen as part of the counter-movement Benkler discusses in reference to Lawrence Lessig’s arguments that there should be a free exchange of ideas and information. While Benkler does state that new social networking cannot by itself solve global hunger the growing free resources, such as the previously mentioned language developing software. It seems realistic to conclude that the free exchange of knowledge and creativity has the ability to improve the human condition in developing and third world nations.

2)Workplaces are constantly evolving - and part of the evolution is new meeting set-ups where instead of face-to-face interaction group members meet together in an online forum or chat room. According to Benkler, “things that are easier to do are more likely to be done” - I have found that to be true within my own organizational communication needs. This semester, a new website was supposed to be produced for a university organization I’m very involved with. There are multiple programs which make website building easily accessible for newcomers - and as I was looking into the different possibilities i discovered Wiggio . Wiggio is a new social networking sphere that is designed to allow groups to work together to communicate through e-mail, text messaging, and even voicemail. This, my organization found, would be even better then creating a website because it allows all members to contribute, provides an online calender and shared documents so we can create organized files with different forms, meeting minutes, and other paperwork members may need access to. This will also decrease the amount of paper wasted - one more advantage to social networking developments.

3)This past summer I raised funds to attend a training program with The Navigators. Throughout the fundraising process, I was able to inform supporters that they could keep updated on what I was doing through an online blog - this not only helped keep me connected with many of those who would have supported me regardless of the updates but also led to an increase in support. One downside that Benkler noted regarding technology is that while it can make some actions, such as fundraising, easier it also can hinder relationships, organizations and actions. I found that to be true in this instance as many elderly individuals who supported me were left without any updates due to a lack of computer access and/or knowledge.