“In 1971, John Lennon imagined a world with no borders or countries, only filled with co-existing humans and peace.” It's funny the author uses Lennon’s name, seeing as it was his birthday yesterday; Oct 9, 1940, ten years before computers were even invented. It's strange to think an inanimate object (the internet) that we use to do everyday communication can cause such a drastic change in the world of today. I feel that the point of this essay is that communication can cause big things to happen. Hany Rashwan, the author of "Communication Key to Egypt's Uprising" states, ”Our web is the only platform on earth that gives anyone — regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or beliefs — full freedom in utilizing and contributing back to the Internet.” Basically he's saying the internet is the only place of true freedom in this world.
According to Rashwan, more than 80 million people supported, helped, or followed this revolution online. That is a lot of people - almost one third the population of the United States - and as he states, is the population of egypt.
Okay before I go through this whole paper with out being a little cynical I have to say one thing: How many people that push the like button on facebook or follow something on twitter really even know what they are liking or following? Really, I would like to know. If you're in my class or read this, leave a post for me. I’d like to know others opinions on this matter. My uninformed opinion would be no (they don't), so please inform me about your views on this subject. Let me know if I’m the only person who just randomly likes and follows stuff because it sounds good!
Talk about walls being broken. A whole nation was brought together by a simple yet complicated electronic device and its components. I think Rashwan is completely right in this essay. He explained what the internet did for communication, the effects it had on Egypt, and what effect the internet has on communication of the world today.
If John Lennon were still alive today I'm sure he would have a lot to say about the internet. I also suspect he would probably still be disappointed in the state of the world. Luckily for us we do still have the power to change as individuals. No matter where we are in the world we have the power of choice. It may be a lot more difficult to use it in other countries and cultures, but it will always be there. I see the internet as a way to propagate this power of choice, communication, and togetherness. I feel the author states that very well in his writings and am glad to have had the opportunity to read this paper.
Well, to answer your question, I'm careful about buttons I push. For example, on Facebook, I won't push any button that takes me to a Facebook app for various reasons I won't go into here because a lot of people like them.
ReplyDeleteI look at the URL, and if the title is appealing and the link doesn't have some crazy red alert language in it--for example, I can tell if I'm going out to YouTube--and I think it's fine to follow that link.
I'm careful what I "like" because I know that will show up and be displayed on my Facebook Wall, and I want my Facebook Wall to represent me both professionally and personally.
Good question!