Global Networks
Global Networks are “communication networks, media that connect people with other people”, (Harasim, 1993, p.3) and can be an undeniably positive construct. Although anything can have negative effects when used for the wrong purposes or in excess. We are in an age where networks exist globally allowing global communication and interaction, creating networks on a global scale. Global networks contribute to globalisation, the process of industries and society operating on an increasingly international basis as a result of deregulation of communications industries, and improved communications technologies, (Chalkey et al, 2012) through the sharing of ideologies, ideas, and opinions, so they can be incorporated into culture to create more peace and understanding. Global networks create societies and communities and bring them together, adding to the global village and enabling communities to work together, and gain empowerment and support. “Computer communication networks enable communities of active participants” (Harasim, 1993, p.3) Varnelis has an optimistic view, detailing networks and flow, trade, economy, technology and information, and stresses that it stops alienation and brings togetherness. Lovink on the other hand, stresses that global networks will inevitably bring loneliness. In a stark, blatant, and plain tone of presentation, he emphasises that there will be no flourishing life, and it will ultimately divide generations, “Those who master the net at age four, will never experience it as a mode of rebellion.” (Lovink- Electronic Loneliness 2012). Both prescribed readings are blatant in their differences, they encourage readers to decide where they sit on the fence, and how much they agree or disagree, whether they believe global networks are predominantly positive, or negative. Global networks has positive and negative effects across the board, it effects education, society, community, commerce, work, entertainment, health, and individuality. Lovink has a negative view on how global networks affect people in a psychological and social manner, emphasising on loneliness and emptiness, as it is not “the real thing”, where-as Varnelis has a positive view on how it effects people and society as a culture, and as a useful construct for flow of information. I believe it to be a positive thing, but acknowledge the negatives, I admit there are more negatives than I had previously recognized, and my view may be skewed because eof all the time I spend engaging with global networks and how they have impacted me positively in my life. I have made new friends and connections, and find it a massive inspiration for creating from the sharing of information and ideas that flow so easily.
REFERENCES
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T Chalkley, A Brown, T Cinque, B Warren, M Hobbs and M Finn 2012, Communication, New Media and Everyday Life, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne
Harasim, Linda Marie 1993, Global Networks: Computers and International Communication, MIT Press, https://books.google.com.au/books?id=9RAnJzaiqvMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=global+networks&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAGoVChMIweGcx6GhyAIVJ5-mCh1T0wrn#v=onepage&q=global%20networks&f=false received 1 October 2015
Kazys Varnelis in: Varnelis, K. 2008 Networked Publics. Boston: MIT Press ( “http://varnelis.net/network_culture/introduction" \t “_blank” Introduction to the book)
Lovink, Geert Electronic Loneliness, 2012, video, celestialrailroad, 11 November, date retrieved 1 October 2015 < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdr6dVKdDAQ>
