The concept of a network, outside of the computer realm,
acts as an organic link between individuals. Even considering the construction
of atoms as a network allows makes constant connection seem more natural. The computer
allows for ideas to be exchanged and viewed at such a rapid rate that
information that wants to be discovered can always be seen. In the Galloway and
Thacker essay, Nodes, the idea that networks are not always constantly human,
but instead they can exist as “material and immaterial” means that the creation
of a network by humans is a natural tendency. The connectivity of the World
Wide Web contributes towards globalization in the economic and the political
realm and pretty much any realm that humans interact. When viewed as a medium
of electrical signals, the Internet seems even more massive and natural than
just a creation of humans or an advancement of technology.
In the
context of the graph theory, the Internet exists as naturally occurring
creation than a technical innovation. If every human is recognized as a “node”
that is connected by the “edges” of wires or even waves carrying signals, then
that means the Internet allows for humans to be constantly in touch. I find
that social networking has actually pushed people away from interaction through
this relying on this theory that the Internet allows us to be more connected to
friends and family. The ability to allows contact any acquaintance provides a
convenience that compels people not
to act rather than actually act. The reasons behind randomly “saying hi” are no
longer appropriate when it is socially understood that all people are already
connected through a system of nodes and edges. The constant connectivity of the
network makes people socially static, as there seems to be less of a reason to
interact within this already settled structure.
Jonathan, I know you posted this after our in-class discussion of The Exploit, but fortunately we'll be returning to networks after the break with a class on the social and political implications of networks. Your hunch that all the hype over improved connectivity and communication via social networks hasn't necessarily resulted in more, or at least better, interaction, may be borne out! As you note, these technologies and applications change many of our baseline assumptions and behaviors, not always in the utopian way that Internet corporate marketers would have us believe.
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