Internet Debate

1. Based on this debate and previous readings What Definition of democracy do you feel is most fitting for us to use in-conjunction with our growing reliance and integration of digital networked technologies?  Because of our growing reliance and integration of digital networked technologies, I feel as though  we need to use a more direct definition of democracy.  What I mean by this is, a definition that recognizes that the internet doesn't belong to any single person.  Everyone is socially equal and has the same rights to share their ideas and criticize the ideas of others.
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?  The unchecked nature of Web 2.0 technologies are built on the definition of democracy.  Both Web 2.0 and democracy are interdependent upon one another which means they need each other to grow.  A governing body that censors people on the internet and makes sure only certain people are allowed to have their voice heard is something that is not necessarily needed.  Everyone has that right to be heard. This is something that definitely needs to be addressed further.

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 needs to be addressed? Why or Why not?  The media echo chamber is related to the thought that when there is a specific space which information is being dispersed and communicated, there is a huge echo effect. People continue to take information and copy it and spread it.  There are times when people even change information  much like the game of telephone. Everyone is in a confined space is passing around this same information creating a type of silo effect which is "when a managing system is incapable of reciprocal operation with other related management systems". In conjunction with Web 2.0 there is a silo effect because often times one media chamber cannot effectively exchange information with other media chambers because the information is quickly falsified and frequently invalid. This particular issues is one that i feel should be addressed because i feel like there is so much potential for more efficient, clean and organized media . 

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 are needed or not needed?  There are many methods being used in order to keep authority and factual information out on the Internet. There are many ways that it is being enforced on the Internet. An example of this is, when a person goes in and changes the information on Wikipedia, this is immediately checked and changed back to the correct information. Creators  of these sites are the ones engaging in the enforcement. It is important for the creators to do this in order for them to maintain credible sites that many people continue to use.  I think that it's important that the Internet is regulated, or else it would spiral more out of control then it already is.

6. 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.  People continue to watch TV shows on the Internet rather than on their actual televisions.  The website freetvonline.com enables individuals to access these shows online, legally and for free.  Television networks and creators of shows realize that in order to maintain ratings, it is necessary to adapt and keep up with the Internet.  

7. Is democracy threatened by the unchecked nature of the internet?  I don’t believe that democracy is actually threatened by the unchecked nature of the Internet.  If at all times the  Internet is checked, controlled, and restrained, the idea of democracy would be non-existent.