1. Based on this debate and previous readings What Definition of democracy do you feel is most fitting for us to use in-conjunction our growing reliance and integration of digital networked technologies?
I feel that direct democracy (definition) is the defined best of all the different forms of democracy. What stands out to me is that they say how it is for "the people who choose to participate" which is how I feel a democracy should be run. It is also best for our growing reliance and integration of digital networked technologies. With our technological advancements over the last couple decades, people are now connected more than was ever seen possible. When it comes to democracy, I feel that the anonymity of the internet is a positive aspect in how it allows people to discuss various ideas and topics while getting feedback from others with the same or different opinions.
2. How does your answer to #1 fit into the unchecked nature of Web 2.0 technologies, and what are some tangible examples of this? Do you feel this is an important issue that needs to be addressed further?
I feel my answer to question one goes hand in hand with this topic. Now a days, countless numbers of people are using blogs to voice their opinions about various topics anywhere from sports to politics. The connectivity and anonymity, as I discussed in my answer to "The Mob", can be seen mostly as a positive part of the internet. People are able to have a voice and be honest, whether or not what they have to say is taken into consideration is a whole different story. However, these anonymous posts can't always be trusted. For example, someone can post a fallacy on their Twitter page and anyone who reads it could think it is true and use it as a source. This is why citing is so crucial.
3. Define and describe the phenomenon of the Media echo-chamber as described in the Internet Debates. What are some examples of this silo effect, and do you believe it is an issue that need to be addressed? Why or Why not?
The media echo-chamber has been a very common phenomenon throughout world's history. Media echo-chamber is when a certain person tells a story (which is usually true), to another person or group of people. After the initial story, those who listened go on to spread it, and the chain reaction begins. Along the way, different parts of the story will be taken out and new parts added in, resulting in a story is significantly changed from the original. There are many proven examples and others that are not. For example, one of the most famous stories that is said to have been changed over the years are the stories of Jesus Christ. Many experts feel a media echo-chamber could be the reason we hear such amazing stories of him.
4. . What are some ways that expertise and authority could be (or is being) enforced on the internet? Who would be behind these forces? Why do you believe are they needed or not needed?
In the world we live in today, I feel it would be extremely difficult for there to be any further advancement in internet security or authority. To say there is zero authority online and that you can do whatever you please is nonsense, as seen in the recent arrest of two middle school kids in a town near where I live for their threatening facebook comments (Article). I honestly feel that the government or police officials have a certain boundary that cannot be crossed. Another good example is the Rutgers incident. When situations get that intense, authorities will almost always get involved. My opinion is that there is no need for any more authority on the internet, and when that certain line is crossed, then authority can step in and take action.
5. Give a through example of an adaptation or improvement made by a of a social, political, or cultural group, government, business or individual to keep up with changing nature of the internet.
Plenty of groups in today's society are using the internet to promote themselves, and why wouldn't they. With almost everyone connected online, it is the perfect way to get your name out there. It seems like Facebook is coming much more popular with companies and businesses using it for advertisements. The New York Yankees, along with many other sports teams, have their own page that can be used to discuss the team, buy tickets, and view the schedule, just to name a few. They have done a great job keeping up with the changing nature of the internet.
6. Is democracy threatened by the unchecked nature of the internet?
I think the opposite about democracy actually. I feel as if the unchecked nature of the internet keeps democracy intact by some means. The allowed anonymity of internet users allows a "democratic" way of people to say how they feel and voice their opinions. Severely limiting and patrolling the way people act online would do some good, but ultimately it would take away from the freedom that many users go online and use in a beneficial way.
