In Networked
Publics by Mizuko Ito, we are reminded
of the far-reaching changes that have taken place over the last few of decades
in the infancy of the digital age. The internet showed itself as the invention
that would transport the general public into the future, and allow for a
worldwide connection virtually instantaneously. Technological advances were
once again going to change the world with a meteoric affect. Just as the
industrialization era proved it true, there would be a divisor between certain
classes and underdeveloped nations. Not every individual was going to have access
to the internet, and not every country could afford the advances of such an
idea.
As time passed though, changes in technology improved upon the digital
connectivity of individuals. The original slow “dial up” modem was replaced
with cable and fiber optic connections which allow for an almost instantaneous
link to anything an individual could ever want access to. Shopping became
easier as merchants began to offer services via the internet. Today, a person
can live virtually free of human contact yet still remain 100% connected to the
world without ever having to leave the comfort of their home. Networked Publics
points out that we still need personal interaction, but that we are also more
reluctant to true social relationships.
Networked Publics is not a book based solely on the advances we benefit
from the internet and its uses, but it is a tool to broaden the debate on the
implications of our future based on these advances. We are opened to the issues
faced today and the possible issues of tomorrow through the voice of the author
in regards to privacy, protocols, and personal development. Networked Publics examines the ways
that the social and cultural shifts created by these technologies have transformed
our relationships to (and definitions of) place, culture, politics, and
infrastructure. (Varnelis, 2008)
The advances in technology are not the primary concept in the writings,
but also how the world and society adapt to these changes. The generation of
youth we have now are growing up and thriving during all of these advances while
others are simply surviving and adapting to the same progresses.
Networked Publics delves into a multitude of topics and subjects from
gaming cultures, videos, and cultures, to the radical changes we are facing or
will face though the usage of digital media. This collaboration of literary
works has proven to be insightful and tantalizing, leaving a reader to reach
further into the possibilities of this emerging technology we have at our
fingertips.
References
Varnelis, K. (2008). networked
publics. Cambridge, Massachusets: MIT Press. Retrieved from
http://networkedpublics.org/book
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a pattern that each new technology makes a division among the "haves" and "have nots" in this world. What is interesting is that other less expensive technologies develop and eventually become more available to more users. What also happens is that these technologies get advertised and popularized so that more of the public feel they need them. Take the example of the cell phone. I was a somewhat early adopter, having purchased my first one in 1999. I recall that at that time, many non-cell phone users complained that they wouldn't want to always be tethered to their phones or always be available. Flash forward 15 years and imagine someone saying such a thing. Cell phones are so ubiquitous (90% of all American adults possess them*) that one would never even question that these devices were once out of financial reach for many citizens.
Although there is no direct cost for using Facebook, it went through a similar trend of adoption among users. I, personally, resisted subscribing until 2009. I had received many email notifications from friends wanting to share photos with me The only way I could see them was to join Facebook. Now with Facebook access in the palm of my hand 9thank you, iPhone), I don't think there is any turning back. I know of many other late adopters to Facebook because they felt they were missing out on the party.
*source: Madrigal, A. (2013, June 6). More Than 90% of Adult Americans Have Cell Phones. Retrieved September 28, 2014, from http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/06/more-than-90-of-adult-americans-have-cell-phones/276615/
I too was an early phone user with a bag phone that took up my entire floorboard and cost me a small fortune to use. I hung it up and did not get another one until 2004 when my family encountered an emergency on a deserted road one night while I was deployed. I sometimes do not want to answer my phone, but it is always with me and I cannot imagine life without it.
DeleteI will never make the leap to social networking like my family and friends all have, but that does not mean I do not appreciate it. One of my concerns with it is how my boss consistently uses it to track the lives of his employees and uses the information learned to influence, punish, or humiliate facebook users at work. I feel that much of what is gained through a networked public is lost with humanity's imperfect uses for it.
I am enjoying what I am learning about the positive uses for social media and networked publics because it is helping me to better understand the world we live in.
The idea that someone can live 100% free of human contact, as you mentioned is something that completely baffles me. You can even order groceries online and have them delivered to you house if they are over a certain price! I guess that is something that concerns me and makes me wonder if we are occasionally going too far. Should that complete disconnect while remaining connected be something of concern?
ReplyDeleteI guess I wonder about my children someday, will they be social butterflies like their father and I or is there a chance I will have a child, who relies on the internet for everything, and never leaves their home and never craves the attention of an actual human being? It is weird to think about and they are strange fears to have to some, but I grow increasingly more concerned about the quality of life as people become more and more connected technologically and disconnected personally and physically.
I agree. My youngest is a mere 10 years old growing up in the digital era, and already wants to create a webpage to connect friends more readily. My oldest will be going off to college and just brought me a book that was recently read so I could read it. Different cultures and outlooks in the same home under the same supervision.
DeleteNetworked Publics opened my eyes once more to the evolving culture and subcultures of this generation and where the next one is headed. Such a vast world we live in and we never have to leave our homes to participate in it.
David I like that you indicated that although "Network Publics" has some drawbacks, but it is indeed an innovation to a new gernerations (and older ones as well). Your quote, "Networked Publics points out that we still need personal interaction, but that we are also more reluctant to true social relationships." is opposed to many of our fellow class-bloggers.
ReplyDeleteIt feels like the argument made was that with technology personal interactions were not needed because of the advances in the world-wide web. And I agreed with it at first. I would agree that people are lazier in attempting to make these valuable "social realationships," but they are still needed.
My children, who are both under the age of five, can turn on any technology device that we have at home (and some devices at our friends houses), get to their apps, games, or netflicks for entertainment. But when they need help with something or get hurt they don't run to devices...they still need someone to love them and make things alright. There is something about the human contact that forces people to always need to talk to people, and I hope that no matter how much technology there is that will not change.
I understand your viewpoint. I am referring more to youth in their 20's that are suffering the most in the social aspect, and it is mostly from my own personal experiences. I went to the library the other day, and not one person was in a book. They were there only for the net and free wi-fi. The library is at a point of closure as most are these days.
DeleteAs a pilot, I am in awe of technology and with all of the toys I played with in the military. I was only referring to the society who rely on social networking to count their "friends". A man I know wanted me to join a site to get me connected with job contacts. I guess that is why I can't find a job based solely on work ethic which used to mean something.
I do not mean to sound cynical. This was just something I have not been able to understand and have had a problem with, and I thought that was part of the assignment. Everyone posting has made some really great comments. I am just slow to understand this new digital world where my boss e-mails me from 3 feet away on his phone to ask me a question that I could answer on the spot instead of wasting time opening my e-mail to answer him as he is walking away.
I like how responded to this article. I still remember when you would log onto the internet and here the dial up modem sound. It was a really annoying sound. Now there is no sound and you wait about 3-5 seconds for the new webpage to load. You can also have more than one webpage open at a time.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you mentioned the cultural aspect of it. The use of technology and Internet has changed the way we look at our cultural relationships. It has enhanced it through the business aspect. We now see these major companies face timing and skyping with companies in other countries about business. No longer is there a need for a business meeting where somebody has to travel half way across the world. You can now just click a button and see somebody from the other side of the world. We can now be connected to any other culture instantaneously like never before. We are now closer with others al around the world. It has also helped our military with these type of advances.
I liked the military point you mentioned. Technology has really changed their lives. I remember writing my wife and waiting for weeks as the mail went through its processes. On my last deployment, we had 3 phones and a couple of computers where we could instant message. It was not facebooking, etc. but it was incredible when it was my turn to use it. Now, they have something called face timing and skype which allow families to actually talk and see each other. My kids had to re learn who I was and what I looked like, but that is not nearly the case depending on the child's age. What an incredible asset we have for families!
DeleteI enjoy reading your comments we live in a different generation and communication has inspires us with internet, Facebook and etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you mentioned we can all remain connected to the world and what is going on around us without any human contact. This is scary, but very true. Derek, I agree with your post when you mentioned your boss emailing you to ask a question when he is three feet away from you. This reminds me of when I call a friend; they do not answer but text me two seconds later. It is so much easier for me to talk to people over the phone or in person rather than go through the trouble of waiting for a response or taking the time to text/type something. I'm not saying I never text/email, but I am finding we are steering away from face to face conversations and am curious to see what our future brings.
ReplyDeleteI too am curious! We could not live without technology as I am experiencing now with a broken cell phone, but I am forcing myself to hold out. My family was a little frustrated that they could not text me at work and had to dial my work phone. That is my point. I have really enjoyed reading and learning so much online and using all of the new gadgetry, but I have always been concerned about the lack of interaction over the course of internet progression. Alexis and I were conversing over the Disney show WALL-E and the scene where they wake up to the world around then when theirs crashes. Back during the Industrialization Era, people worried then and we have changed history with our advancements. Undoubtedly, life will continue to progress, but there will always be those of us that are concerned.
ReplyDelete