Something, something algorithms

So, I'm forced to compare and contrast three sources.  The first comes from a Eli Parsler's TED Talks presentation, "Beware Online Filter Bubbles." The second is a Sue Harper article from entitled, "Mind Control and the Internet."

Since it's 6 in the morning, and I'm really tired as of this writing, let me just start comparing them now.  The Parsler presentation and the Sue Harper article both harp on the notion that while being on the Internet can be a way of expressing your individuality, your individuality ultimately affects what you look up and see on the Internet.  And in that sense, the information super-highway is not necessarily a super-highway, and more like and endless route in which you go around in circles inside your own world view.

The third article, "Clive Thompson on High-Bandwidth Buddies" is obviously by Clive Thompson.  In contrast, Thompson challenges the negative connotations of homophily that the Parsler and Harper articles represent.  He argues that the fact the Google Algorithm binds us to our beliefs is no more than a best friend whom you stick with.  Citing a study that that Sinan Aral and Marshall Van Alstyne conducted, he reinforces this point by revealing that although the algorithm allows for more bandwidth, that bandwidth matters because information is presented to you in a language you already understand, and thus, you'll be able to listen and gain more information because of it, as opposed to relying solely on new ties to gain new info.  In other words, he argues that the way the search algorithm is catered to you, is not necessarily a bad thing.  Just because the net is catered to us doesn't mean we're being shielded from the harsh reality.

I would say I agree with the Thompson article the most convincing.  While it is nice to rely on weak ties to give steer us into finding new information, it doesn't really change anything because it happens occasionally.  On the other hand, we already have a language that we understand through strong ties, and because of that, we actually gain new info that way.

Thanks, Obama.

See this guy?  This man is Barack Obama.  He, as of this writing, is the current President of the United States.  And now, I am forced to read through an article about how his clever online/social networking campaign helped initiate a hardcore following that spiraled him to presidency.  This is why this blog post exists.  Thanks, Obama.

Here's a little rundown.  During his run for presidency, Barack Obama and his friends at Blue State Digital ran a site called "My Barack Obama.com", or MyBO.  MyBO was an accessible social network that put power in the people's hands.  It gave the people the opportunity to hear what they wanted to hear, donate how much they wanted to donate, and set up events to their hearts' content, and made the presidential campaign fun and seem a lot more personal.  The article goes on to point out that this campaign worked because MyBO showed up at the right place at the right time, appearing during a time where people were already comfortable with the conventions of social media.

These elements combined, are what ultimately put Barack Obama in office.

"Remember kids!  When used intuitavely, social networking can help you become president one day!"

"Thanks, Obama! Now I know!"

"And knowing is half the battle!" 

Growing Up Online (AKA MySpace was a thing that existed)

In this PBS documentary, we are provided with an exciting story about an information super-highway, and the people that dwell within it.  A world that has opened new sights to familiar surroundings.  A world where people apparently still use MySpace and listen to Soulja Boy.  That world, is the Internet.  Here, we learn that the Internet can be a wonderful resource for information, and a wonderful way to connect with people.  And because of this luxury, people end up growing older at a much younger age.  Apparently, this is supposed to be a surprise to us.

Welcome to the Internet, everybody.  Where pictures like this prove to be less of a reference, and more of an age test.  

But what this documentary tries to shove down our throats, is that this luxury doesn't come without a cost.  The impact the Internet has made on our culture is so great, that things are getting outdated real fast.  Especially in schools.  The documentary points out that in a world where information is at the tips of our fingers through a Google Search, the very concept of teaching can prove to be an extreme waste of time and a painfully outdated experience if teachers fail to keep up with the times.  ZING.

Am I showing my age yet?

The documentary also introduces the issue of "online predators" --only to say immediately after that it isn't really an issue in the first place because kids are actually smart enough to avoid these situations.  Cool.

I CAN'T GET THE CAP OFF.  NO.  NOOOOOOOOO!

Another issue about growing up online is cyberbullying.  Cyberbullying is an ancient myth that stems from the belief that nobody on the Internet, regardless of age or race, should be fair game for ridicule.  Sadly, this notion is what causes lots of people to let their emotions get the better of them.  Sometimes, if not approached with a thick skin, the Internet can apparently amplify negative feelings that would make people turn to suicide as a solution.  Taylor Hilldrige can relate.

I've clearly run out of things to say about this documentary, so I'm just going to end it right here.

I hope my font choice has made your eyes bleed.