1. Based on this debate and previous readings, what definition of democracy do you feel is most fitting for us to use in-conjunction to our growing reliance and integration of digital networked technologies?
I think that a Direct Democracy (Chapter 4) is most fitting when we talk about our growing reliance and integration of digital networked technologies. Like Jimmy Wales, I think that democracy is when people come together as a society to share ideas on issues and then make their choices. The internet allows us to connect with others in ways that were not possible before. With features like blogs users can have a conversation about issues that you couldn’t have with a newspaper.
2. How does your answer to #1 fit into the unchecked nature of Web 2.0 technologies, and what are some tangible examples of this? Do you feel this is an important issue that needs to be addressed further?
When people come together as a society to share their ideas, they can literally say whatever is on their mind. Thanks to anonymity on the internet, people can share their ideas, even if they are controversial, without being shunned by society. People can share their thoughts with the world instead of only sharing what they would say in a conversation. I don’t think that this is a problem. Lets say someone made an offensive comment on a particular website. Although this comment may be unpleasant and hurtful, it allows us all to see the negative feelings of society. With this knowledge we can try to understand and prevent this type of thinking and behavior.
3. Define and describe the phenomenon of the Media echo-chamber as described in the Internet Debates. What are some examples of this silo effect, and do you believe it is an issue that need to be addressed? Why or Why not?
An echo-chamber or a silo (Chapter 3) is when people who feel a certain way about something only look for information that supports and backs up what they believe. An example of this is a conservative only getting their news and information from Fox News, which is considered more conservative media. I don’t think that the internet created silos or echo-chambers. I think that people will always tend to look for information that supports their beliefs. People like being agreed with more than disagreed with. Silos would still exist without the internet. The best way we can prevent this type of behavior is to encourage others to look at many sources of information before taking a side on an issue.
4. What are some ways that expertise and authority could be (or is being) enforced on the internet? Who would be behind these forces? Why do you believe are they needed or not needed?
I don’t think expertise and authority on the internet can be enforced. It is the users responsibility to get quality information from the internet. I think people can be encouraged to find quality information but it can’t really be forced onto people. I think finding quality information is encouraged in today’s society. My college professors constantly remind the class to gather good information for our assignments. When people look for information on the internet, they should remember not to believe everything they hear or read. Expertise already exists on the internet, people just have to look for it.
5. Give an example of an adaptation or improvement made by a of a social, political, or cultural group, government, business or individual to keep up with changing nature of the internet.
One example of a business making an improvement to keep up with the changing nature of the internet is Itunes. Itunes allows users to download songs from the store for 99 cents each. Since people are using the internet to illegally download music instead of buy it, Itunes allowed users to download music for a price. Itunes even shows music you may like based on what you purchased from their store. Itunes also allows its customers to download their favorite movies or tv shows in addition to music.
6. Is democracy threatened by the unchecked nature of the internet?
No, democracy is not threatened by the internet. The internet supports democracy by helping people come together to make choices. The internet allows us to communicate with others in new ways like forums and blogs. It gives us access to lots of different information. Everyone can participate in public conversation. On the internet everybody has a voice, not just the people working for mainstream media. The internet helps democracy rather than threatens democracy. (Chapter 6)
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