Benkler

1. One positive development emerging from the social networked sphere that I found particularly interesting was Benkler’s insight on the greater sense of equality that is surfacing around the world when it comes to the access of information. Computers and the internet are available to increasing numbers of people in rural areas, and underdeveloped countries are experiencing more exposure to technology than ever before. Countries who were once left out of the global loop due to their lack of social or economic resources are not only more aware of current events around the world, but they are also able to participate and be active members of global affairs. Benkler points out that individuals no longer have to be extremely wealthy to have these resources in the palm of their hands. He also says that the internet “enables anyone, anywhere, to go through his or her practical life observing the social environment through new eyes…the eyes of someone who could actually inject a thought, a criticism, or a concern into the public debate.” It is slowly bridging the information gap that has separated people from different social classes, nationalities, and political affiliations. People who may have never been able to disseminate their opinions or ideas are being given a voice.

2. It’s kind of weird to me that I used to turn to the newspaper to sit and catch up on any local or national news – not the reading part, but the fact that it was an actual paper in my hands! Now, instead of spending money to be informed, anytime I feel like catching up on events around the community or the world, it’s just a click away. Go to nytimes.com or usatoday.com and it’s rare to see an article that doesn’t have at least one comment posted at the end, no matter what the subject matter may be. Online newspapers or most internet articles in general would be considered part of our expanding social networking sphere. Not only can we become more informed about recent events that may or may not directly impact us, but then we can also comment on them – about how those events may be affecting us or why they are particularly relevant in our personal lives. Online editorials are no longer left undisputed. By sharing our own opinions about those issues and reading comments from others who are also looking to have their voices heard, we are reinforcing Benkler’s notion that the social network sphere is ever increasing our individual freedoms and giving more people a chance to share their views with others.

3. About a year and a half ago, I participated in a half marathon in Cedar Rapids. I had never done it before, so about three months before the run I started doing some research on a training schedule that would help me condition for the event. During the search, I came across several interactive sites that were full of people sharing their personal tips, success stories, and training calendars from their own experiences. I started to ask some questions and even post some of my own blog entries about some of the things I had learned as a first-time participant. The sites were so interactive, and it seemed like all the comments and posts were sincerely geared toward helping others succeed in achieving their goals.