Yochai Benkler’s “The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom” introduces the reader to the network of information and knowledge that is now being disseminated as a result of technological advancement caused by the Internet. Chapter 1 explains the potential influence the Internet has on the economy and political sectors, specifically the effect on democracies. The section speaks about the radical changes occurring regarding information creation and distribution. Youtube, break.com, wikipedia, flickr, etc. are all current examples of individuals authoring their lives via the Internet as platform. The emergence of new technologies has allowed consumers to take a more active role, as opposed to being passive participants in the consumption process. However, individuals as contributors pose a threat to commercial economies. Conversely, the common man now serves as an asset to the advancement of human achievement and development. Chapter 3 continues to promote non-market values. Nonproprietary strategies gave rise to the celebration of the individual, which helps promote non-market production schemes (i.e. free and open source software!) Another key theme here is that participatory systems can shape decisions made in the political arena, such as policies and values. The bottom line is the birth of the networked information society has, and will continue to have, a profound effect on both culture and economies. As a result of technological innovation we are beyond local. These advancements have opened the doors to a global playing field, and the Internet’s removal of physical constraints by transcending time and space greatly contributed to this phenomenal shift as well. In sum, culture is becoming more democratic, self-reflective, and participatory.
February 21, 2008...12:39 am
Keep on Rocking in the Free World.
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