As society has become more and more focused on the Internet, social lives have changed, for the better and perhaps also for the worse. Intricate networks are popping up everywhere as people become connected to each other via cyberspace. However, even though these provide excellent opportunities for many, it's possible that they can magnify some harmful practices as well. Although justified at times, social pressures also exist online.
Shirky used an example of a stolen phone that was recovered through many people collaborating on the Internet. The masses in this situation were able to sway even the police to take action. But is this alright? And what about the invasion of privacy and less than appropriate comments made on a public domain? Perhaps this cyber-mob overstepped its bounds; wrong-doings deserve repercussion, but human rights also deserve protection.
Society has taken immense leaps and bounds due to the Internet. Many righteous endeavors have emerged as a result, but I think we must be careful. Maybe it is true that the system (i.e. government) is broken and the Internet is the perfect remedy, but I don't think it's always our place to take action. This could lead to utter confusion. The Internet is a double-edged sword in a new sense; the social implications of this phenomenon could result in more order or even more chaos.
No comments:
Post a Comment