Our networked society is a cut-throat way of life. If you don’t conform to the innovations technology has to offer, you WILL be left behind. Communication revels in its prime as the world is networked together and is constantly communicating, regardless of their incommunicative status.
Castells (2004) draws upon the concept of passive communication and the power of networks to subconsciously shape and mould our society as we are trapped in a cycle of ‘adapting ourselves to the instructions received from their unseen codes’ (p224). But if I’m trapped, I definitely am not thinking of escaping anytime soon!
Think about the networks that you are linked to. The first few that spring to my mind are; Facebook – to keep in touch with friends, Twitter- To communicate with fellow DIGC202 peers, the Intranet at work – to be kept up-to-date with progress within the company, and how could I forget the plethora of fashion blogs I’ve signed up to that conveniently send me e-mails to my inbox daily.
Networks are indeed ‘the underlying structure of our lives’ (p224). Without these networks I would be left behind in my social, educational, working and fashion world. Networks aren’t something to be feared, they should be embraced. And I for one, have no trouble embracing them!
Castells, M. (2004) 'Afterword: why networks matter'. In Network Logic: Who governs in an interconnected world? (pp. 219-224)
Naomie, it is so true that networks "shape and mould our society". As Castles reiterates, "networks have grown to underpin and structure society as we know it (2001, p 221). I believe this has been the most significant factor to characterise our generation. Today, individuals are consistantly connecting with friends, associates, companies, intellectuals and/or activists (to name a few) without the restrictions of time, geographic location or social status. This is definitely a noteworthy point to be considered when understanding the importance of global networks in a today's contemporary society.
ReplyDeleteDON'T LEAVE ME!! lol
ReplyDeleteA lot of my friends refuse to come into the technological loop because either they're not interested or they're deliberatley staying analog as a protest to globalisation.
I do feel that if you don't join the party at some stage (even it's only for the orderves) one will become a little bit of an island.
I don't think it's as "fire & brimstone" as you're making it out to be though!
It truly does seem a cut-throat way of life. As new technologies emerge, it seems as though the digital divide is increasing in size. I know for a fact, my parents are struggling to keep up with the whole smartphone, social networking phenomena.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that those who conform to the technological revolution are immersed in cyberspace. Resulting in less time spent in the real world and more time in cyberspace.
Naomi you are completely right, we wake up in the morning and the first things we do all involve technology, check the news, email, facebook the list goes on. We really are dominated by networks of every kind. It will be interesting to see what life will be like ten years down the track.
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