Sorry! This one is a little late. I got a little distracted with the NeoVox!
The middle portion of this book really surprised me. When the idea of the Babel and religion was introduced by Stephenson my first reaction was, how in the world does religion have anything to with technology? I did not think that he would form such a intricate connection that really does make sense.
The idea of the religion was really first introduced when they connected the spread of snow crash to L. Bob Rife's private church. Throughout this section he is slowely introducing new information that is helping Hiro to understand the connection between different religious groups of the times of Greek mythology and how they connect to the spread and symptoms of snow crash. I enjoyed the connection made to Babel, however, I'm starting to get a little lost. It is alot of information to sort out, once again, I think the way Stephenson writes allows us to feel the way as some of the characters in the book may feel. Rushed, overwhelmed, and bombarded with information constantly. He wants us to feel as if we are part of the book. He does a nice job with this.
I think an important connection is made when he links religion to viruses (technology) and drugs. " 'This Snow Crash thing- is it a virus, a drug, or a religion?' Juanita shrugs. "What's the difference?' (pg. 200) " After thinking about our current day views of religion, it seems that the church is still an important structure in many people's lives. While I feel people our age and younger are not losing faith in a God of some sort, they are losing faith in the Church. It seems to be more and more about money and control than it is about leadership and guidance. Stephenson obviously saw the way the Church was headed. I think as our society becomes more commercialized, many people are more aware of the power the Church has over people. Those who go to church do so regularly, without doubt or hesitation. They see the vulnerability that lies within these individuals. The lengths that their beliefs will force them to go for the Church, and I think that they are exploiting that. Whether or not this is happening today is completely debatable.
However, Stephenson makes his views very clear. In his novel he has tranformed the Church from a place where all people can come together and worship and be safe to a place that requires a credit card for a "donation" and contains pictures of Jesus and Elvis on the walls in which drug deals take place. This is far from the picturesque view of the Church many people still have in mind today. Is this what religion will come to? A place to take advantage of an individual's faith in order to make money and deal drugs? This scenerio he places before us is scary and, in many ways, real. The Church will soon merge with the higher powers on Earth- those who provide the public with an endless supply of goods and bombard with propoganda to be sure they will consume- to become no more than a money-machine. Is this in our future? I would hope not for the sake of those who go to church every Sunday that this won't happen, but once again, I think Stephenson had the right idea.
Snow crash now has been classified as a psychosomatic drug. "David had a snow crash last night, inside his head (pg. 199)." As the book continues, the connection between Summarian mythology and the spread of viruses seems to be metaphorically linked to the spread of snow crash. For example, Hiro compares the me, "the rules of society" (pg. 255) to an operating system in a computer. This is very interesting to me. The human race does operate much like a computer system and therefore, it makes sense that a virus would be able to be spread throughout both of these systems by relatively the same mechanism... an information break down. I'm very intrigued but still a little confused!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Will Youth Still Exist?
I had a quick moment, while reading, in which I realized just how young Y.T. is. She is only 15! When you are swept up in the story it is very easy to forget that she is just a child. Just like every other tiny detail in this book, Stephenson incorporated this age in a very subtle way. We forget how old she is so easily and then it hits, only for a moment, then we forget again. I think he is trying to make an important statement with this number. Y.T. is 15, has a very dangerous job as a Krourier, is working with the Mafia ( a very powerful and possibly criminal group of people), is working with Hiro Protagonist chasing after drugs that are damaging hackers, and has a boyfriend. Wow! At 15 all I wanted was to get my license! I know, how cliche of me to say that, but I think there is a serious motive behind that number.
Again, he may have been off the mark when it comes to particular details in this book that we may see in the future, however, he hit the nail right on the head as far as broader ideas that make sociological observations are concerned. Stephenson does nothing on accident in this novel. Y.T. is so young because Stephenson could already see the effects technology was having on the development of youth today. He suggests that in the future, children will no longer be children. No more sweetness and innocence. When I realized this I asked myself, is she too young to be doing the things she is doing? Yes! By even today's standards I think she is far to young to be involved in drugs and in partnership with several possibly dangerous men, working on the highways, but the fast pace of this book makes us forget about it while we're reading, just like the fast pace of society will cause us to forget about it in the future as we experience it. It is a sad thing to think about, but we can already see its effects today. I don't know how many times I have been at a family gather, for example, and heard my grandmother say something like, "Oh, kids are growing up so fast these days. I couldn't have my own car until I could buy one for myself!" Even I felt old when my 10-year old cousin was telling me about her Myspace! I couldn't help saying outloud, "you are too young to have one of those!"
However, no one can deny that with changes, such as these comes progress. It is also debatable whether or not children are growing up faster. My grandparents started having children when my grandmother was only 16. By the time she was 30 they had 9 kids! If that's not growing up fast, I don't know what is. We see today that when are having their first children into their 40's and women are waiting much longer to get married and start families. Maybe children are growing up just as fast, just in different ways. I think this book, like Rheingold's in a way, makes significant observations as the ways in which our society will change as a result of technology, not just how technology will advance.
Again, he may have been off the mark when it comes to particular details in this book that we may see in the future, however, he hit the nail right on the head as far as broader ideas that make sociological observations are concerned. Stephenson does nothing on accident in this novel. Y.T. is so young because Stephenson could already see the effects technology was having on the development of youth today. He suggests that in the future, children will no longer be children. No more sweetness and innocence. When I realized this I asked myself, is she too young to be doing the things she is doing? Yes! By even today's standards I think she is far to young to be involved in drugs and in partnership with several possibly dangerous men, working on the highways, but the fast pace of this book makes us forget about it while we're reading, just like the fast pace of society will cause us to forget about it in the future as we experience it. It is a sad thing to think about, but we can already see its effects today. I don't know how many times I have been at a family gather, for example, and heard my grandmother say something like, "Oh, kids are growing up so fast these days. I couldn't have my own car until I could buy one for myself!" Even I felt old when my 10-year old cousin was telling me about her Myspace! I couldn't help saying outloud, "you are too young to have one of those!"
However, no one can deny that with changes, such as these comes progress. It is also debatable whether or not children are growing up faster. My grandparents started having children when my grandmother was only 16. By the time she was 30 they had 9 kids! If that's not growing up fast, I don't know what is. We see today that when are having their first children into their 40's and women are waiting much longer to get married and start families. Maybe children are growing up just as fast, just in different ways. I think this book, like Rheingold's in a way, makes significant observations as the ways in which our society will change as a result of technology, not just how technology will advance.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Subtle Details (Snow Crash- 1/3)
I am not someone who is interested in technology and how it works. I use it to do what needs to get done, and I get out. I don't think about the how or the why. I do, like most people so, this novel has been a struggle for me so far... I am not going to lie.
After about the first one-third of it I have realized that more than anything, this novel is one that takes a lot of getting used to. You really have to open up and put yourself in this new world that Stephenson so creatively pieces together. When I first started reading it I sat on the outside thinking, "yeah ok." There are still a few things that really have me baffled, however, its the minute details that really catch my attention. I think the attention to detail is what makes this book such a good piece of fiction. I may not be a science fiction person, but I can appreciate good writing and hardwork which is obviously what Stephenson put into this novel.
Since it was written in 1992, no one could expect Stephenson to know exactly what the distant future would include. In alot of ways, he was very off. In alot of ways, he was very on. He realized just how fast technology moves. The reader can tell he was really drawing upon the changing environment around him as his primary resource. This book is very fast paced and since it is supposed to take place around 2010, it means that he thought technology was going to move at an incredible rate, which it does. I think he overshot his target slightly, but he had the right idea. With so many people using communication technologies, developing them, improving them, it is bound to move in a thousand different directions at the speed of light.
One thing I noticed that I really enjoyed, in reference to his writing, is the fast pace of this book really reflects that fast pace of technology. One chapter your in the Metaverse, the next you're surfing the streets with Y.T. The movement is flowing and continuous and fast much like the evolution of technology. It adds alot to the dynamic of the book.
I'm not sure that I like the reality that Hiro lives in. It seems to be a dark place ruled by propoganda which is what I think many of us our fear our lives will become. That fear is completely legitimate to me, it's something that I worry about when I think about the changing times ahead. It's so hard to believe that pizza delivery would be so important and there would hardly be any judicial system anymore. The people seem free to do as they please, sometimes that's not always the best thing. Sure, everyone wants freedom, but with freedom must come some rules. His reality seems very scattered and slightly pointless to me.
Ex: "Pizza delivery is a major industry. a managed industry. People wen tto CosaNostra Pizza University four years just to learn it." (Chapter 1, Page 3) I hope this is something we will never see.
An important point I think that Stephenson is making could seem unintentional, but it is very representative of his view of the future. I get the impression that he had the idea that while we would be moving forward technologically, we would be moving backwords as human-beings. One example of this is his constant reference to race. One would assume that after the battles that have been fought over equal-treatment of all individuals (ie The Bill of Rights, Civil Rights Movement) that in the years to come race, ethnicity, gender, etc... would be issues of the past. The whole idea is that color will no longer matter, right? According to Stephenson, wrong. I think he makes in interesting observation with this. He actually shows evidence of segregation in Hiro's reality. "A big ornate sign above the main gate: WHITE PEOPLE ONLY. NON-CAUCASIANS MUST BE PROCESSED." (Chapter 4, Page 32) This is something that one would expect to see if you traveled back to the days of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. It really sticks out in my mind because it really questions the idea that many people are so bent on defending... that technology will only make us more human and more able to communicate. Stephenson obviously thought it would "dehumanize" us. I know that we have had discussions in class regarding this term and its use and I really had, had a change of heart. Nevertheless, in this future it really does seem like these people have changed dramatically. If we are supposed to be moving toward a world free of prejudice, why does Stephenson think that we will still be harboring contempt for other races? Technology, he believed, will hold us back socially (as a society) while propelling us forward politically, economically, etc... It is really disturbing to read about the barcodes that everyone has on their chest and reading them allows people access to your entire life. We are not items on shelf at Walmart with UPC codes. We are people. I hope that the world never comes to that. Yet another example I found was when Hiro first came into contact with Raven outside the Metaverse. "These days most states are franchulates or Burbclaves, much too small to have anything like a jail, or even a judicial system. So when someone does something bad, they try to find quick and dirty punishments... a warning tattoo on a prominent body part. POOR IMPULSE CONTROL." Does he think that we are going to be so scattered, so dehumanized that we will result to a punishment seen in the days of Hitler? Labeling people with tattoos. It is extreme, but it makes a statement. I love the way in which he incorporates these subtle opinions in such a unique, creative, and literary way. It gives you so much to think about!
After about the first one-third of it I have realized that more than anything, this novel is one that takes a lot of getting used to. You really have to open up and put yourself in this new world that Stephenson so creatively pieces together. When I first started reading it I sat on the outside thinking, "yeah ok." There are still a few things that really have me baffled, however, its the minute details that really catch my attention. I think the attention to detail is what makes this book such a good piece of fiction. I may not be a science fiction person, but I can appreciate good writing and hardwork which is obviously what Stephenson put into this novel.
Since it was written in 1992, no one could expect Stephenson to know exactly what the distant future would include. In alot of ways, he was very off. In alot of ways, he was very on. He realized just how fast technology moves. The reader can tell he was really drawing upon the changing environment around him as his primary resource. This book is very fast paced and since it is supposed to take place around 2010, it means that he thought technology was going to move at an incredible rate, which it does. I think he overshot his target slightly, but he had the right idea. With so many people using communication technologies, developing them, improving them, it is bound to move in a thousand different directions at the speed of light.
One thing I noticed that I really enjoyed, in reference to his writing, is the fast pace of this book really reflects that fast pace of technology. One chapter your in the Metaverse, the next you're surfing the streets with Y.T. The movement is flowing and continuous and fast much like the evolution of technology. It adds alot to the dynamic of the book.
I'm not sure that I like the reality that Hiro lives in. It seems to be a dark place ruled by propoganda which is what I think many of us our fear our lives will become. That fear is completely legitimate to me, it's something that I worry about when I think about the changing times ahead. It's so hard to believe that pizza delivery would be so important and there would hardly be any judicial system anymore. The people seem free to do as they please, sometimes that's not always the best thing. Sure, everyone wants freedom, but with freedom must come some rules. His reality seems very scattered and slightly pointless to me.
Ex: "Pizza delivery is a major industry. a managed industry. People wen tto CosaNostra Pizza University four years just to learn it." (Chapter 1, Page 3) I hope this is something we will never see.
An important point I think that Stephenson is making could seem unintentional, but it is very representative of his view of the future. I get the impression that he had the idea that while we would be moving forward technologically, we would be moving backwords as human-beings. One example of this is his constant reference to race. One would assume that after the battles that have been fought over equal-treatment of all individuals (ie The Bill of Rights, Civil Rights Movement) that in the years to come race, ethnicity, gender, etc... would be issues of the past. The whole idea is that color will no longer matter, right? According to Stephenson, wrong. I think he makes in interesting observation with this. He actually shows evidence of segregation in Hiro's reality. "A big ornate sign above the main gate: WHITE PEOPLE ONLY. NON-CAUCASIANS MUST BE PROCESSED." (Chapter 4, Page 32) This is something that one would expect to see if you traveled back to the days of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. It really sticks out in my mind because it really questions the idea that many people are so bent on defending... that technology will only make us more human and more able to communicate. Stephenson obviously thought it would "dehumanize" us. I know that we have had discussions in class regarding this term and its use and I really had, had a change of heart. Nevertheless, in this future it really does seem like these people have changed dramatically. If we are supposed to be moving toward a world free of prejudice, why does Stephenson think that we will still be harboring contempt for other races? Technology, he believed, will hold us back socially (as a society) while propelling us forward politically, economically, etc... It is really disturbing to read about the barcodes that everyone has on their chest and reading them allows people access to your entire life. We are not items on shelf at Walmart with UPC codes. We are people. I hope that the world never comes to that. Yet another example I found was when Hiro first came into contact with Raven outside the Metaverse. "These days most states are franchulates or Burbclaves, much too small to have anything like a jail, or even a judicial system. So when someone does something bad, they try to find quick and dirty punishments... a warning tattoo on a prominent body part. POOR IMPULSE CONTROL." Does he think that we are going to be so scattered, so dehumanized that we will result to a punishment seen in the days of Hitler? Labeling people with tattoos. It is extreme, but it makes a statement. I love the way in which he incorporates these subtle opinions in such a unique, creative, and literary way. It gives you so much to think about!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
NeoVox Idea
The idea of the "Metaverse" in this novel has really caught my attention more than anything else. It has really made me think about how closely a representation the "Metaverse" is of our own reality.
That's why I think I would like to write my NeoVox about the internet and the different profile developing sites like Myspace and Facebook that create Group Forming Networks that Rheingold referred to in Smart Mobs. It is a subject that truly fascinates me, partly because I have a few of my own, and I know just how addicting they can be!
That's why I think I would like to write my NeoVox about the internet and the different profile developing sites like Myspace and Facebook that create Group Forming Networks that Rheingold referred to in Smart Mobs. It is a subject that truly fascinates me, partly because I have a few of my own, and I know just how addicting they can be!
First Impressions
I am not completely sure of how I feel about this book yet. I rarely read fiction in my everyday life, and I'm not a big science fiction fan. So, picking up a fictional science fiction book was not something I was completely looking forward to. I am about a third of the way through the novel and although I am not thoroughly enjoying the novel I must give Stephenson a great deal of credit. The world that he creates, which may not be far from our own in some ways, is very vivid. It is a very well crafted book. He is a gifted writer without question. He leaves nothing to the imagination so, I really feel like I am in the novel. Whether or not I want to be is a different question. I do feel as like my thoughts are going in a million different directions, so please bare with me as I try to sort them out...
Stephenson puts forth an idea of living in 2 worlds. Reality and a virtual reality called the "Metaverse." In this virtual reality Hiro no longer delivers pizzas. He lives a very different life, a complete escape from reality. It can be accessed from anywhere and in it, you can be anything you want to be as long as you have the right software. However, as I was contemplating whether or not this virtual reality was appealing to me, it occured to me that we are already, in a sense, living in 2 worlds.
Do you have Facebook or Myspace, maybe a profile on an online dating system, even a personal blog? While the idea behind these profile systems is to connect easily online lets face it, most of us don't tell the whole truth. Different rules apply here, just like the "Metaverse." We can be whoever we want to be. The shy guy can be outgoing and flirtatious. Someone completely insecure about their looks could be the next model for Victoria's Secret. Very few people will ever know the real you if they meet you online, and you never have to let them. Of course, there are many people who are completely honest, and I do apologize to anyone I may be offending. However, online the rules change. Unless you allow them, no one has access to who you really are. It is a whole new world. The way we present ourselves in this world is completely different as well. Isn't this true of Hiro's "Metaverse"? The back of the book reads "In reality, Hiro Protagonist delivers pizza for Uncle Enzo's CosaNostra Pizza Inc., but in the Metaverse he's a warrior prince." I think this is the most accurate observation Stephenson has made so far in this book. We are already living our lives through the internet. Shopping, managing bank accounts, keeping in close contact with friends and family, doing business, ording a pizza can even be done online on our Cortland campus. Many ideas in this book are far-fetched, and many of them are completely unimagineable in our near or distant future but, I don't think the idea of "Metaverse" is far off.
It's far too early in the novel to say whether I love it or hate it, but it has made me realize just how much I enjoyed Smart Mobs by Rheingold. I feel like that was a great introductory book to get our feet wet. It prepared me well for this novel, which uses a completely new and unique set of vocabulary. I can't imagine the time that went into creating these ideas. Developing these complex characters and the even more complex world they live in. I am enjoying how he has introduced a whole new set of vocabulary to the reader, and while they are terms that I've never seen, he uses them in a way so you have a good idea of what he is using them to represent. Once again, his writing is excellent. It is very well thought-out, and as someone who enjoys writing myself, I must respect that.
Stephenson puts forth an idea of living in 2 worlds. Reality and a virtual reality called the "Metaverse." In this virtual reality Hiro no longer delivers pizzas. He lives a very different life, a complete escape from reality. It can be accessed from anywhere and in it, you can be anything you want to be as long as you have the right software. However, as I was contemplating whether or not this virtual reality was appealing to me, it occured to me that we are already, in a sense, living in 2 worlds.
Do you have Facebook or Myspace, maybe a profile on an online dating system, even a personal blog? While the idea behind these profile systems is to connect easily online lets face it, most of us don't tell the whole truth. Different rules apply here, just like the "Metaverse." We can be whoever we want to be. The shy guy can be outgoing and flirtatious. Someone completely insecure about their looks could be the next model for Victoria's Secret. Very few people will ever know the real you if they meet you online, and you never have to let them. Of course, there are many people who are completely honest, and I do apologize to anyone I may be offending. However, online the rules change. Unless you allow them, no one has access to who you really are. It is a whole new world. The way we present ourselves in this world is completely different as well. Isn't this true of Hiro's "Metaverse"? The back of the book reads "In reality, Hiro Protagonist delivers pizza for Uncle Enzo's CosaNostra Pizza Inc., but in the Metaverse he's a warrior prince." I think this is the most accurate observation Stephenson has made so far in this book. We are already living our lives through the internet. Shopping, managing bank accounts, keeping in close contact with friends and family, doing business, ording a pizza can even be done online on our Cortland campus. Many ideas in this book are far-fetched, and many of them are completely unimagineable in our near or distant future but, I don't think the idea of "Metaverse" is far off.
It's far too early in the novel to say whether I love it or hate it, but it has made me realize just how much I enjoyed Smart Mobs by Rheingold. I feel like that was a great introductory book to get our feet wet. It prepared me well for this novel, which uses a completely new and unique set of vocabulary. I can't imagine the time that went into creating these ideas. Developing these complex characters and the even more complex world they live in. I am enjoying how he has introduced a whole new set of vocabulary to the reader, and while they are terms that I've never seen, he uses them in a way so you have a good idea of what he is using them to represent. Once again, his writing is excellent. It is very well thought-out, and as someone who enjoys writing myself, I must respect that.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Chapters 7-8
The final chapters in Smart Mobs made me re-examine what are society considers powerful or "in control." Children in our society are raised to believe that the government is not only the highest authority, but it is the most well organized and, as a result, powerful structure in the world. Of course at this time we are young and impressionable and are under heavy influence within the school systems to conform. It doesn't take long for us to learn that the government, like our parents, is an authority to be challenged. However, I still think that this notion of an all-powerful central, rule-based government stays with us. Some of us still believe, despite our own best judgement, that the government is something much bigger than us, and they will always have control.
It was amazing to me to read of the organization of the people within Smart Mobs in opposition to the government. They were successful. It occured to me that, we the people, are much bigger than the government. If we find ways in which to band together for a cause we believe strongly in, the government will have no choice but to listen. Working with eachother using these new forms of communication technology is a world-altering development. Not only are tehnologies changing the way in which we communicate on a day to day basis with eachother, they are changing the way we wage war. With these new developments, "democracy" will surely take on a whole new meaning; one much more reflective of its true idealic definition. Smart Mobs proves that strength comes in numbers, knowledge, and cooperation. "...the emergent capabilities of decentralized self-organization can be surprisingly intelligent (pg. 177)."
The comparison of these new forms of rebellion using communication technology to groups of animals, such as fish, that work together for protection was perfectly representative and pleasantly unexpected. I found it ironic that while discussing the developments in the latest technologies we have developmed, we were being compared to animals. We think of ourselves as the most intelligent specious on the earth, but maybe we are no more intelligent than other species using their innate knowledge and tools to survive in the world. These technologies are not talking away from our capabilities as humans beings, they are augmenting them.
The final chapter, however, was cautionary for the right reasons. "Every rose has its thorn." As cliche and over used as this analogy may be, it is the truth. If we are willing to embrace the positive attributes technology will bring to our lives, we must also be willing to defend ourselves against its possible negative effects. If we did not question, we would not see progress. If we did not examine technologies harmful effects, we could not take steps to avert them. Rheingold would not provide us with a book that takes us to so many different places, speaks with so many different people, and brings to light so many different viewpoints (the Amish are even quoted briefly) if he wanted us to believe, like many do, that only good can come of technological development. We most be open minded, in all aspects, in order to be sure we are making the best decisions for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our society. My favorite aspect of this book is this fact. He encourages us to understand technology rather than simply accept it. He provides us with a hearty knowledge base to cultivate our own opinions and make our own decisions. Ignorance is not bliss. This can be applied to both sides of the coin. No good will come of turning a blind-eye to technology, however, no good will come of accepting it with open arms. We must find a healthy middle ground, and I think Rheingold has done just that.
It was amazing to me to read of the organization of the people within Smart Mobs in opposition to the government. They were successful. It occured to me that, we the people, are much bigger than the government. If we find ways in which to band together for a cause we believe strongly in, the government will have no choice but to listen. Working with eachother using these new forms of communication technology is a world-altering development. Not only are tehnologies changing the way in which we communicate on a day to day basis with eachother, they are changing the way we wage war. With these new developments, "democracy" will surely take on a whole new meaning; one much more reflective of its true idealic definition. Smart Mobs proves that strength comes in numbers, knowledge, and cooperation. "...the emergent capabilities of decentralized self-organization can be surprisingly intelligent (pg. 177)."
The comparison of these new forms of rebellion using communication technology to groups of animals, such as fish, that work together for protection was perfectly representative and pleasantly unexpected. I found it ironic that while discussing the developments in the latest technologies we have developmed, we were being compared to animals. We think of ourselves as the most intelligent specious on the earth, but maybe we are no more intelligent than other species using their innate knowledge and tools to survive in the world. These technologies are not talking away from our capabilities as humans beings, they are augmenting them.
The final chapter, however, was cautionary for the right reasons. "Every rose has its thorn." As cliche and over used as this analogy may be, it is the truth. If we are willing to embrace the positive attributes technology will bring to our lives, we must also be willing to defend ourselves against its possible negative effects. If we did not question, we would not see progress. If we did not examine technologies harmful effects, we could not take steps to avert them. Rheingold would not provide us with a book that takes us to so many different places, speaks with so many different people, and brings to light so many different viewpoints (the Amish are even quoted briefly) if he wanted us to believe, like many do, that only good can come of technological development. We most be open minded, in all aspects, in order to be sure we are making the best decisions for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our society. My favorite aspect of this book is this fact. He encourages us to understand technology rather than simply accept it. He provides us with a hearty knowledge base to cultivate our own opinions and make our own decisions. Ignorance is not bliss. This can be applied to both sides of the coin. No good will come of turning a blind-eye to technology, however, no good will come of accepting it with open arms. We must find a healthy middle ground, and I think Rheingold has done just that.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Politics and the Net?
I think more than anything I am learning about the significance of technology in our current society. When I am sitting on my computer talking on AIM or listening to iTunes or even on my cell phone trying to figure out where me and my friends are going for dinner, I never think about things like politics. I think most people don't. We use these technologies so much that we forget that we are using them, as Rheingold eluded to in the book, and we don't consider them as anything but the devices we use to write a paper or phone a friend. Because they are such a part of our everyday lives they are bound to make their way into other areas of life, like politics and culture.
I truly did not realize until now just how much of an impact technology is have on our culture. It is not just changing how we communicate and the speed at which we can accomplish certain tasks, it is changing the jobs we have, the requirments we have to meet, the way we give and recieve information, essentially, the way we live. This holds serious implications for the future. Our children will live completely different lives than us and we can't stop it. We can't shut it out and live in our own world. This world is too big to ignore. We have to, at the very least, make an attempt to understand the changes that are underway.
One change to society that I would have never given a second thought is the way we fight against the government. Netwars. After reading of the revolution in the Phillipines against President Estrada in 2001, I was astounded by the power of cellular phones. Sure everyone tells us we are always connected, we are the internet, we have access to anything anywhere, we can make anything happen... who would have thought war? It's a whole new concept which has the ability to make a revolution even more powerful. Everyone who believed in the cause could participate in these netwars, not just those who are passionate enough to stand on the battlefield.
We have the ability to do more as a people thanks to living a life in which we never lose contact with the world around us.
This also made me think of the ways in which people participate in different aspects of life. This was covered more in chapters 4-6 of the book, but I think it relates to society, these netwars, and our class in a significant way. Our ability to participate. I am one of the students who you would see raise her hand maybe 2 or 3 times per semester. Not because I am not familiar or comfortable talking about the material, instead, I feel self conscious and would rather not have everyone staring at me to make my voice heard. In this class we can be heard and not seen, just as in cyberspace. I think that has contributed a great deal to the success of the internet. Living in such a judgemental society, it's not out of line for someone to have a certain level of anxiety about speaking their mind or standing up for what you believe to be right. Cyberspace allows us to have influence without feeling judged. We can throw our thoughts to the masses and if they don't like what they read, too bad. Nothing lost and nothing gained. I think that's important to alot of people. Nothing is put on the line, therefore everything is put online.
I truly did not realize until now just how much of an impact technology is have on our culture. It is not just changing how we communicate and the speed at which we can accomplish certain tasks, it is changing the jobs we have, the requirments we have to meet, the way we give and recieve information, essentially, the way we live. This holds serious implications for the future. Our children will live completely different lives than us and we can't stop it. We can't shut it out and live in our own world. This world is too big to ignore. We have to, at the very least, make an attempt to understand the changes that are underway.
One change to society that I would have never given a second thought is the way we fight against the government. Netwars. After reading of the revolution in the Phillipines against President Estrada in 2001, I was astounded by the power of cellular phones. Sure everyone tells us we are always connected, we are the internet, we have access to anything anywhere, we can make anything happen... who would have thought war? It's a whole new concept which has the ability to make a revolution even more powerful. Everyone who believed in the cause could participate in these netwars, not just those who are passionate enough to stand on the battlefield.
We have the ability to do more as a people thanks to living a life in which we never lose contact with the world around us.
This also made me think of the ways in which people participate in different aspects of life. This was covered more in chapters 4-6 of the book, but I think it relates to society, these netwars, and our class in a significant way. Our ability to participate. I am one of the students who you would see raise her hand maybe 2 or 3 times per semester. Not because I am not familiar or comfortable talking about the material, instead, I feel self conscious and would rather not have everyone staring at me to make my voice heard. In this class we can be heard and not seen, just as in cyberspace. I think that has contributed a great deal to the success of the internet. Living in such a judgemental society, it's not out of line for someone to have a certain level of anxiety about speaking their mind or standing up for what you believe to be right. Cyberspace allows us to have influence without feeling judged. We can throw our thoughts to the masses and if they don't like what they read, too bad. Nothing lost and nothing gained. I think that's important to alot of people. Nothing is put on the line, therefore everything is put online.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Chapters 4-6
I was very intrigued by reading Rheingold's ideas that technology is "disappearing around us." I found this to be particularly interesting. Technology is all around us, and each year brings something new to the table to connect us in more efficient ways both with others and the world. Because our use of technology can be so mindless (and no, I am not referring to taking away our humanity) we forget we are even using it. We know that we need that new cell phone to keep in touch with our friends, family, and business associates, and we know that we want that new cell phone to store our favorite music and have the latest ringtones. What we don't think about is that when we buy that new technology we are responding and taking part in a whole other world. No one thinks about spectrums or the group forming networks (GFNs) we are creating. We are contributing to something greater than that cell phone or your friends inbox, but because that contribution is so constant throughout each day, we don't think twice about it. Rheingold stated, "The most profound are the technologies that disappear." I couldn't agree more. We are a critical part of the Creative Destruction disucessed in Chapter 6, and we don't even know it.
On the other hand, something that has yet to even enter into the greater population it disappear is the idea of virtual reality. Rheingold and the individuals he interviewed who have dedicated their careers to these new ideas described virtual reality as a way to extend the senses. I knew that VR was something people had many ideas and plans about, what I didn't know is that new technologies are already being made. They can be used (by a tiny group), nonetheless, they are being utilized and perfected to be mass produced one day. The descriptions are amazing. Being able to "point and click" anything means we would truly have the world at our fingertips. Smart Billboards seems like the perfect way for advertisers to truly reach their target audience, and Smart Rooms seems like the ideal creature comfort.
To play devil's advocate, my question would have to be, are we going to far with some technologies just because we can? Are we so carried away with the fact that we really can make any idea a reality that we are creating some technologies just to prove a point? Is the basis for innovation still a need or just a desire to say, "you said it couldn't be done... you were wrong."? Smart Money, putting microchips in money. What exact purpose would it serve to know who previously possessed that dollar bill you just handed to a cashier at the grocery store? It's incredible to see just what we can do, but sometimes I think you have to ask why?
Another example might be, why do we need all of these online recommendation sites and rating systems. When did we become so indecisive? Why do we need Amazon to tell us what book we should read based on our previous selections, and why do we need to develop such extensive rating systems when we never really know who we're talking to or doing business with on the internet to start with?
One important discussion of these rating systems addressed the issue of compulsive contributors. It made me wonder how much time we are actually spending finding the information we need on the internet, and how much time do we spend sorting and filtering that information? It seems to be a double edged sword. I know that I, personally, don't contribute as much to the internet and dont use many of these options because I dont have the energy to sort through all of the worthless information. With so many people on and contributing to the internet, how will one person make a difference? How will one person be heard when hundreds of thousands of blogs, podcasts, etc... are posted everyday?
Subgroups (Reed's Law) would come into play here. After some confusion and little extra research I understand what Reed is saying. I guess I am answering my own question here, but we are heard because of the small networks of individual connections that can be made. A small group of people growing into a larger audience. Slow evolution of who we communicate with, how we communicate with them, and the possible benefits that connection holds for each side of the connection. Still, very few are heard...
I guess my one question for Rheingold would have to be:
What can we do to make sure that we are making progress and not just noise?
On the other hand, something that has yet to even enter into the greater population it disappear is the idea of virtual reality. Rheingold and the individuals he interviewed who have dedicated their careers to these new ideas described virtual reality as a way to extend the senses. I knew that VR was something people had many ideas and plans about, what I didn't know is that new technologies are already being made. They can be used (by a tiny group), nonetheless, they are being utilized and perfected to be mass produced one day. The descriptions are amazing. Being able to "point and click" anything means we would truly have the world at our fingertips. Smart Billboards seems like the perfect way for advertisers to truly reach their target audience, and Smart Rooms seems like the ideal creature comfort.
To play devil's advocate, my question would have to be, are we going to far with some technologies just because we can? Are we so carried away with the fact that we really can make any idea a reality that we are creating some technologies just to prove a point? Is the basis for innovation still a need or just a desire to say, "you said it couldn't be done... you were wrong."? Smart Money, putting microchips in money. What exact purpose would it serve to know who previously possessed that dollar bill you just handed to a cashier at the grocery store? It's incredible to see just what we can do, but sometimes I think you have to ask why?
Another example might be, why do we need all of these online recommendation sites and rating systems. When did we become so indecisive? Why do we need Amazon to tell us what book we should read based on our previous selections, and why do we need to develop such extensive rating systems when we never really know who we're talking to or doing business with on the internet to start with?
One important discussion of these rating systems addressed the issue of compulsive contributors. It made me wonder how much time we are actually spending finding the information we need on the internet, and how much time do we spend sorting and filtering that information? It seems to be a double edged sword. I know that I, personally, don't contribute as much to the internet and dont use many of these options because I dont have the energy to sort through all of the worthless information. With so many people on and contributing to the internet, how will one person make a difference? How will one person be heard when hundreds of thousands of blogs, podcasts, etc... are posted everyday?
Subgroups (Reed's Law) would come into play here. After some confusion and little extra research I understand what Reed is saying. I guess I am answering my own question here, but we are heard because of the small networks of individual connections that can be made. A small group of people growing into a larger audience. Slow evolution of who we communicate with, how we communicate with them, and the possible benefits that connection holds for each side of the connection. Still, very few are heard...
I guess my one question for Rheingold would have to be:
What can we do to make sure that we are making progress and not just noise?
Thursday, February 1, 2007
I Have Alot to Learn
As I read there are times, I must admit, that I am completely lost. I did not realize until I started reading this book just how unaware I am of the technology around me. I am victim of the major companies and their propoganda. As I was reading chapters five and six I was in complete agreement with Rheingold and the individuals he interviewed such as Steve Mann. It was then that I realized I am one of the people mindlessly feeding the companies who are quietly taking advantage of the public's ignorance in an effort to pad their million dollar bank accounts.
Like many other Americans who carry around the incorrect notion that our country is the center of all development, a part of me really believed that the latest cellular phones in the new Verizon or Sprint commercials were the height of all technological development so far. Well, I was very wrong. I had no idea they were so far ahead of us in countries such as Japan, building entire wireless communities and creating clothing with computers in it! Who knew? Certainly not me.
I think a part of this is due to Rheingold's comment about computers being a world of their own. Learning about computers, for the most part, requires aquiring a whole new vocabulary that can only be used in that world, and if that's a world you don't visit very often, how likely are you to maintain your new knowledge? Where in the world did they come up with words like "blog" or "podcast"? It truly boggles my mind. While I am slowely sorting out the knowledge and learning my new language, I feel as though the more I read this book the more clueless I find out I am.
In addition, I think our ignorance is due to what I have previously mentioned. The companies trying to control our knowledge of technologies. Keeping us in the dark so we go along with whatever they put in front of us. Their businesses would be completely damaged if everyone started building their own wireless phones or making improvements and challenging their ideas of buying airtime and spending hundreds of dollars a month. They are taking advantage of the public and slowely attempting to distintigrate "the commons" due to their own self-interest. As Rheingold said, "few are controlling all," and I know I don't like the thought of that anymore.
Overall, I am enjoying the awareness this book is raising in my own mind and hope it will continue.
Like many other Americans who carry around the incorrect notion that our country is the center of all development, a part of me really believed that the latest cellular phones in the new Verizon or Sprint commercials were the height of all technological development so far. Well, I was very wrong. I had no idea they were so far ahead of us in countries such as Japan, building entire wireless communities and creating clothing with computers in it! Who knew? Certainly not me.
I think a part of this is due to Rheingold's comment about computers being a world of their own. Learning about computers, for the most part, requires aquiring a whole new vocabulary that can only be used in that world, and if that's a world you don't visit very often, how likely are you to maintain your new knowledge? Where in the world did they come up with words like "blog" or "podcast"? It truly boggles my mind. While I am slowely sorting out the knowledge and learning my new language, I feel as though the more I read this book the more clueless I find out I am.
In addition, I think our ignorance is due to what I have previously mentioned. The companies trying to control our knowledge of technologies. Keeping us in the dark so we go along with whatever they put in front of us. Their businesses would be completely damaged if everyone started building their own wireless phones or making improvements and challenging their ideas of buying airtime and spending hundreds of dollars a month. They are taking advantage of the public and slowely attempting to distintigrate "the commons" due to their own self-interest. As Rheingold said, "few are controlling all," and I know I don't like the thought of that anymore.
Overall, I am enjoying the awareness this book is raising in my own mind and hope it will continue.
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