In Middle School, I recall learning of the monumental events throughout the history of the world, which have shaped society to what it is today. I was amazed how the Industrial Revolution transformed an agricultural-based society to a society of manufacturers and skilled laborers. I remember wondering if the people of that time knew they were taking part in something that will forever change the world they once knew.
Taking a personal look back, it’s surprising to see that the world has changed tremendously since I’ve come into this world. “Here Comes Everybody” allowed me to see that we are in the midst of an “information revolution” that is only just beginning to heavily impact the way we function as a society.
Shirky provides many concrete examples laying out both the benefits and dangers of having the world’s information at our fingertips. Although there is much to worry about, I feel that we have much more to benefit. From personal benefits like the Stolen Sidekick story to fun organized events like flash-mobs to larger revolutions that are happening in the Arab world. None of this could’ve happened without the new media platforms created on the Internet.
I understand that people are threatened by change and they are afraid of this new world we are entering into as Shirky has depicted through his uncle. But my argument is “just because somebody might want to steal money doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use money”. I do feel that its necessary to lay out protective measures and I do believe there will be many to come.
Throughout these chapters, Clay Shirky has made one thing clearly evident; the Internet and its platforms have forever changed how we obtain information. But more so, it is what we can do with this vast amount of information (at the speeds we are able to consume it) that is going to mold the way we operate as a society for generations to come. One day a 7th grader is going to be reading about this information revolution in his history book and ask himself what I once asked myself. My answer to that 7th grader is YES.
Internet has became a strong platform for us to faster communicate. The foremost target of Internet has always been speedy communication and it has excelled way beyond the expectations. Newer innovations are only going to make it faster and more reliable. Now, you can communicate in a fraction of second with a person who is sitting in the other part of the world.
I agree with you that the world and society is a whole new place because of the Internet and the power of it. But, I dont fully agree that it is all beneficial. I think you have to look at both sides of the story and see Sasha’s point of view. Look at how the Internet and the power of organization in the Internet ruined her life.
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