Clay Shirky: End of audience blog tasks

Media Magazine reading

1) Bill Thompson highlights several positive developments due to the internet, including increased access to information, communication across borders, opportunities for education and learning, and the ability for individuals to express themselves and participate in online communities.


2) Some negatives or dangers linked to the development of the internet include issues like online privacy concerns, cyberbullying, misinformation and fake news, cyber attacks, addiction to technology, and the spread of harmful content like hate speech or extremist ideologies.


3) 'Open technology' refers to technology that is transparent, accessible, and open for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. The idea behind 'open technology' is to promote collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in the technological landscape. I agree with the concept of 'open technology' as it fosters creativity, knowledge sharing, and community-driven development.


4) Bill Thompson outlines challenges and questions for the future of the internet, such as ensuring digital inclusion for all, addressing cybersecurity threats, protecting online privacy, regulating digital platforms effectively, combating misinformation, and balancing freedom of expression with the need for responsible online behavior.


5) Regarding the use and regulation of the internet, finding a balance between control and openness is crucial. While some level of regulation is necessary to protect users and ensure a safe online environment, excessive control can stifle innovation and limit freedom of expression. Striking a balance that promotes online safety, privacy, and freedom of speech while addressing harmful content is essential for a healthy digital ecosystem.


Clay Shirky: Here Comes Everybody


1) Shirky defines a ‘profession’ as something that applies to the traditional newspaper industry due to the expertise and gatekeeping role professionals play in curating and disseminating news content.


2) The newspaper industry is now grappling with how to adapt to the digital landscape created by the internet, including challenges like declining print readership, changing revenue models, and competition from online news sources.


3) Trent Lott’s speech in 2002 became news due to its controversial content, sparking public interest and media coverage, showcasing how newsworthy events can shape the media landscape.


4) ‘Mass amateurisation’ refers to the phenomenon where technology enables widespread participation in content creation, like photography, allowing amateurs to contribute to media production.


5) Shirky’s idea of the amplifying effect of ideas published in multiple places is relevant to the current media landscape, particularly in the spread of ‘fake news’, where misinformation can quickly circulate through various online platforms, amplifying its reach and impact.


6) Shirky suggests that technological change has significant social effects, potentially leading to either a revolution or chaos. This indicates that we are currently experiencing the transformative power of the internet, which can bring about both positive changes and challenges.


7) Shirky’s statement that “anyone can be a publisher… [and] anyone can be a journalist” highlights the democratization of media production, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diverse voices in shaping the media narrative.


8) Shirky suggests that the hundred years following the printing press revolution were marked by intellectual and political chaos. Recent global events following the internet revolution show evidence of similar upheavals, indicating a shift in information dissemination and societal dynamics.


9) Photography serves as a prime example of ‘mass amateurisation’ as advancements in technology have made it accessible to a wide range of individuals, allowing amateurs to create and share visual content on a large scale.


10) Shirky’s concept of the ‘End of audience’ challenges traditional media consumption patterns, reflecting the era of ‘mass amateurisation’ where audiences are no longer passive consumers but active participants in media creation. This shift can bring both positive aspects like democratization of information and challenges such as the proliferation of misinformation, leading to a complex media landscape where both advancements and disruptions coexist.

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