Benkler

Benkler sees the social networked sphere is a positive development for democratic communication. Benkler states that capital constraints and requirements of individuals limit the amount of opportunities people can take advantage of. This limitation is combated by the social networked sphere due to the lack of capital needed to take advantage of the social networked sphere. The decrease in needed capital allows people to utilize information and also creates opportunities for entrepreneurs that normally would not have them. The decrease of capital constraints allows everyone to create something without the excessive capital. The decrease in the need of capital gives power to lower income people. I see the need for capital decreasing as beneficial as well not only to the individuals themselves; it also gives consumers more opportunities and increases competition in the market.

Although I did not notice where Benkler explicitly states this, it seems that Benkler is implying that markets are being replaced by individuals in which Benkler sees as a benefit. Benkler notes that individuals have morals and companies and business do not necessarily have morals. These individuals are also increasing efficiency which leads us to a growing business environment. These individuals utilizing the decrease in capital and the replacement of business markets by the individuals create independence from others and independence from needing consent. Individuals have independence from media and the owners of businesses. However, this independence also decreases the need for long term relationships between business entities. Business in the present day is partially built on these long term relationships and in turn, creates trust and growth. The decrease in long term relationships is not necessarily beneficial for companies. Benkler discusses how the decrease in constraints and the decreases in the need for capital not only increase entrepreneurial opportunities, it also increases social interaction among all people.

The only widely used social networking cite I use is Facebook, however, I use WebCT or eLearning. I use eLearning to communicate within a sphere of student peers about assignments, class, and also for general communication about the class. I have used this social cite for a few classes. I have friends that use MySpace.com, Flickr, and Twitter. I enjoy doing some of the class work and communication for the class on eLearning. It is convenient and there is usually always someone on eLearning. I truly enjoy Facebook. I have many friends out of state or that are in Iowa that I do not see often and it is an excellent tool to keep in touch.

I have not, up to this point, used Facebook in a democratic way that has gone beyond setting up a party. If I was to do this I would post an invitation to do something vague. Then open a discussion through comments or messages on what the group would do. After discussing the activities with those attending, the group would participate in the event that was most favorable. There are groups on Facebook that take action for change, although I am not a part of any of them.

Benkler discusses how volunteers coauthor Wikipedia and gives other examples of the social networked sphere. The United States is often seen as materialistic and money hungry. Do you think the volunteering of free information with no capital gain other than gratification and social connectedness (which Benkler states as a reason for our actions) is possibly the beginning of the end to the money hungry United States?