"They Call Me Cyberboy"
In this passage from Douglas Rushkoff, I seemed to be on the journey of a guy on a rant more than information that I was yearning for. The author here takes you on a little voyage throughout what seems to be mostly personal experience and sentiment for the Internet. He explains how it felt to be part of the movement in the start of the World Wide Web and it's evolution to date. The information really isn't anything interesting or new. Yes the internet has been turned into what America is, a capitalist system. I don't thing Rushkoff gives a fair opinion here. Yes, big business has invested a lot into the use of the internet and how it's presented to the public. On the other hand, there are many tools that millions of people use everyday that are not "pay sites" or loaded with advertisements. Perhaps the one thing in this article that should have been touched on more is the fact that the internet has become exactly what lazy Americans make everything else, convenient. Maybe in the decades and centuries to come we'll figure out how to not have to wipe our asses and never have to leave the safe cushiness of our sofas.
Social Currency
Another article by Rushkoff, except THIS one was interesting. Here he speaks more to the everyday consumer, because lets face it, almost everyone has some type of smartphone these days. Still, some of his content is a bit confusing to a layman like myself. Here Rushkoff focuses on "content" and how users in the wireless world don't want this "content" as much as they want human connections. Content is the confusing term here to me, or maybe it just incorporates everything that is not a text or telephone call. Be that as it may, I would most definitely agree here. People always yearn to be in contact with others and different avenues that can help accomplish this are always going to be popular. Look at texting for example, teenagers are developing arthritis because they text so much. I'm sure these companies are trying to develop "content" for nothing more than a buck. It's always about profitability. I think Rushkoff just has a bone to pick with "the man" that's oppressing his tech savvy amigos.
"Love Online"
Ahhh love, maybe the most classic of everything classic. A common language that does not speak Korean, is not affiliated with the Republican party, but certainly has it's wars. Older generations, for the most part oppose or are at least certainly skeptical of "online relationships". Henry Jenkins does a perfect job here in my opinion, he explains this phenomenon from personal experience; through his son. It was most interesting to find, that in the case with his son, there was still a desire and need for physical stimulation. But this was different, perhaps a letter that your girlfriend had written. Have never touched, kissed or even seen each other in person, an object sent in a box halfway across the country would suffice. Cyber love is VERY real, especially this day in age. Younger folks may find each other because they're both into the WCW, but even older generations are sticking their toes in. EHarmony and other such companies are generating flames for folks that don't have time or are maybe limited by the number of suitors in their small town. And I think Jenkins most interesting thing to note was that people with better online communication skills that may not be great face-to-face have found a great place to fall in love.
"We Can't Ignore the Influence Of Digital Technologies"
The title says it all. The thesis here is that we can't disregard technologies because they are new or even maybe slightly flawed, after all what isn't. Nothing is perfect, and progress is inevitable. The case in point here is using Wikipedia for citing in higher education classes. Scholars and educator seem to be torn on the use of Wikipedia because of error and the fact that ANYONE can add to the content. Cathy Davidson quickly points out that even refereed scholarly books have mistakes. Another point she makes is that it is probably more important to check who is adding this content to the sites, are they reputable sources? The fact is that Wikipedia isn't going anywhere and people are going to continue to use it for information. Scholarly review and use of this and other information systems should be the emphasis here. Isn't that how all information has been produced through the years? Scrutinize and redo.
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