The Social Network is a fundamental and dynamic aspect of society. Fundamental in the sense that change, development and progression would have little relevance or actual occurrence if there were no arena for discussion. Dynamic in that the manner in which people communicate and the network is constantly shifting.
The computer revolution and the development of the internet, alongside the conception of mobile forms of communication has completely transformed human interaction. The “Public Sphere” was possibly the first recognized system of a social network and originally consisted of a physical place in which people could converge to discuss topical issues. The notion of a formal and physical place in which one could do this is rather bizarre to us nowadays.
The social network today is a mixture of binary digits. A computer and technologically dependant system whereby people can communicate over great distance and time. The internet, with the development of Facebook and other “social utilities” has impacted the barriers of time, distance and even social standing. Where distance previously hampered communications, now people are able to participate in conversation regardless of where they are situated. While the Public Sphere was largely dominated by the white upper class – Facebook holds no exclusion based on race, age, ideological beliefs or situation.
The question is, has this change in communication removed the physical aspect that previously characterised the public sphere? Has the distance between people de-humanised communication? There is no doubt that change is laced with positive and negative, but is it possible that one outweighs the other? What do you think?
Mike Smith
The computer revolution and the development of the internet, alongside the conception of mobile forms of communication has completely transformed human interaction. The “Public Sphere” was possibly the first recognized system of a social network and originally consisted of a physical place in which people could converge to discuss topical issues. The notion of a formal and physical place in which one could do this is rather bizarre to us nowadays.
The social network today is a mixture of binary digits. A computer and technologically dependant system whereby people can communicate over great distance and time. The internet, with the development of Facebook and other “social utilities” has impacted the barriers of time, distance and even social standing. Where distance previously hampered communications, now people are able to participate in conversation regardless of where they are situated. While the Public Sphere was largely dominated by the white upper class – Facebook holds no exclusion based on race, age, ideological beliefs or situation.
The question is, has this change in communication removed the physical aspect that previously characterised the public sphere? Has the distance between people de-humanised communication? There is no doubt that change is laced with positive and negative, but is it possible that one outweighs the other? What do you think?
Mike Smith
4 comments:
Interesting piece Mike... definately both positives and negatives. In terms of communication, Facebook especially is an awesome way too keep in contact with long distance friends. For relationships with friends living nearby it possibly inhibits physical social interations and has a negative impact. Maybe it all depends on the way we use communications?
i think it has like got no affect on the way we keep comz with ppl. cauz you see, if i wanna chat to me mates in the days before facebook i'd ring 'em up and make planz. but now with fb we keep in touch over the net. yea sometimes we have fb parties where we dun reali see each other its cool and makes us all more confidant. caus you see sometimes when i'm with me mates physically its not easy to always talk to them even if we are sending each other instant messages if we in the same room. so fb is especially cool for that.
bye bye
xxx
Social Networks such as Facebook are an awesome way to keep in contact. i feel totally secure on facebook as i decied who sees my profile etc. Its a great way to organise events but planning is necessary as often people dont check their facebook for days. With regard to keeping in contact i think it is extremely effective- but agree with Pete that it is dependant on the way you use the ways to communicate! Also nice to have photos and status updates on what people are up to without necissarily asking them!- also a bad point i suppose!
Absolutely - Photo's and status updates are great for keeping up with your friend's activities... but you are right, sometimes we forget we haven't even chatted to them - we just know all their news.
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