As a whole, reading this article was very difficult, but I could easily tell that most of what Benkler was saying about the social network sphere was positive. He gave several examples of why he believes that people become more in control of their lives. He or she is able to access or comment on anything they wish to. There is such a wide variety to choose from so this allows people to think creatively. However, sometimes too much creativity will lead someone to the wrong sites. In a way, it can actually give people the confidence to speak their mind in a way that is not verbally executed, but instead through words. I feel like people are much more expressive with what they are trying to say if it through written words and not spoken. Benkler also states that with the social network sphere, people are able to give their own feedback on an issue so that it is visible to others, and in some cases to make their voice be heard without having to go through a long, drug-out process.
I think that this class is an example of the social network sphere. We are contributing our thoughts and ideas to a specific site that is visible to the others in our class and we are expecting feedback. Obviously this is only a tiny part of the social network spectrum, but Benkler said that the smaller sites are still part of the larger cluster of sites related to its functions. Youtube, for example is a much larger social network that has many, many contributors. It gives people the option to expressive themselves through video, and get reactions from their viewers whether it is positive or negative.
I also had a similar experience as EmWilker. A friend of mine accidentally overdosed back in March. A few of his closest friends and mother set up a separate page on Facebook for his friends and family to post stories, pictures, messages to Mitch, or just to say whatever was on your mind. I know that a lot of people were put at ease after reading what was on this page. It was inspiring to everyone because of who this person was. People are still posting comments on this page because it is almost like we are still communicating with him. Last year at Hawkeye I took an American Government class and there were a few times when discussion posts would get a little heated. I think the fact that none of us knew who each other were helped a lot. People were definitely not hesitant to write what they were feeling if they didn’t agree with someone else’s post. When people do disagree, I think it is great that social networking allows us to speak out and at least attempt to be heard.
Benkler discusses ways of promoting ourselves in a positive development for communication. Its focuses on making things easier by just doing it ourselves without professional help. In that way we will be more connected to our views or requirements of the different opportunities provided to us. He focuses on how easy those connections our to surveys and influences within our lives of social networking. I believe that social networking has its ups and downs, unlike Benkler thinking of social network always as a positive influence. The increase in capital constraints are shown in more of a negative to me because they have to much of an excessive control on what we do, show, or learn. I see the need for less capital because of individuals that seem to just use the network for a friend base rather than a connection to everyone you once knew. Benkler states that feedback and access to anything on a network is a positive thing, but in some occasions less is more.
ReplyDeleteI agree when things are written they can be more expressive than when they are spoken to another person because of the over all meaning that its visible rather than mental. Benkler would agree with this that in chapter one he spoke on how it gives individuals a right to voice their true opinion on certain information. I believe that social networking, like Benkler, has a positive outlook on reaching people all around the world, and to read information that is uninterrupted from another.
I would have to agree that I use social networking on a daily basis because it helps me connect to others I can not connect to every day without it. I would read the posts and distribute my opinion. I feel that when Benkler said, “How we make information, how we get it, how we speak to other, and how others speak to us are core components of the shape of freedom in any society,” (Benkler 7). That is true based on my true feelings of any opportunity on a network rather than in person. In contact you have less of an ability to argue ones true feelings. It gives one a freedom to communicate their voice.
I use face book, cell phones and email as a way to connect to others. I have not been able to use those for more of a productive way of events or fundraising. I have not felt the need to unlike others who have more of a stronger message to get across. I am more supportive member than a leader with the social networking. If there is a chance to participate in a stronger way to pass a message, as I believe in social networking to spread the word a lot faster thru the world.