I must say it's a scary thought with regard to the internet. I always thought of the explosion of the web as a powerful culture-enriching tool to exchange knowledge and expertise. Many metaphysics gurus saw the internet as an inevitable physical expression of the oneness and connectedness of mankind, and so did I. But the issue that this weeks' reading raised in my mind is whether this connectedness is only enriching our repertoire of intellectual resources or is going too far beyond that to the extent at which indviduality and cultural uniquness are melting down.
Personally, I don't think there can be creativity and constructive change without diversity. I'm a strong believer in the saying, "It takes a world of differences to make a difference in our world" Again, the title is a scary thought. Imagine waking up someday only to find that your roommate is a clone of you wearing and looking totally the same. Not only that, but when you go outside, everyone; on the streets, in classes, in the metro, everywhere look the same. How boring & how daunting that is!
My conclusion is that there should be some limits set to the democratization of social media. I was shocked by Wikipedia's founder's disbelief in the intellectual authority of experts. It is those experts who are keeping your encyclopedia sane and nonsense-free. Without respect to their authority, knowledge just becomes sourceless. Let's believe in anything from wherever it comes. It's all connected, you know!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Internet has it's good and bad but I feel that goes with everything that we use in excess. The internet brings in great ideas and expands the minds of those who aren't able to travel or see new places. However, it also brings people to only think one way. The globalization caused by internet among other things has made people like Brittney Spears a global icon. that can't be good.
I like thhis phrase alot:
"physical expression of the oneness and connectedness of mankind"
I think that the Internet is achieveing this goal more and more. Bringing people together, bridging gaps, crossing boundaries and borders...
Check out Global Voices Online - its an awesome nonprofit site sponsored by Harvard that brings intl bloggers together to discuss a wide variety of issues. During the Israeli war with Lebandon, it was really cool to watch students from both countries come together and discuss the issues objectively.
Wow, Jessica! That's such a cool site. Thanks alot for sharing it & thank you for your comment.
Post a Comment