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 believe the definition of democracy that best describes this growing reliance is a for the most part non regulated free flow of content that is controlled by the people. With the internet there is no head of information or corporate headquarters controlling the internet it is made up of what people put up and there is no regard really to the moral value of this content.
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?
This definition fits in with the unchecked nature of Web 2.0 technologies because what makes the internet much like a democracy is the user generated content. Some examples of the most popular user generated content sites are Youtube, Facebook and Twitter. These particular websites have tons of user generated content with youtube it is mostly videos also the commentary and Facebook is made up of information that people have posted about themselves. Without people making Facebook profiles the website is useless so it is one hundred percent made up of user content.
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 is the concept that a certain idea is posted on the internet and then many agree with the idea and through the popularity and passion that people have behind this idea it many times get amplified and exaggerated. An example of the silo effect is a school there it is one entity but their are many different departments that make up the school and makes everything work. Sometimes when there is a lack of communication from department to department there goals become very different it this can cause problems for everyone. I believe the silo effect is an issue and we need to figure out what our goals are as a group and we can be so separated because this only prolongs solving our problems.
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?
There is something to be said about just having a 100% democratized internet where people could right whatever they want. Editing or flagging this information on websites may take away from the creativity and our right of free speech. I feel it is needed in some cases but the problem I for see is what is acceptable is one person's eyes may be unacceptable to someone else so if there was flagging on the internet I believe you would need numerous people enforcing and not just one person making all the decisions.
5. I believe the people who are really attempting to keep up with the change on the internet is parents who are keeping a close eye on their child's internet use and filtering what their child is able to see when browsing on the internet. This is extremely important because the internet is definitely the number one source of the most explicit content/media in the world. I am not saying that all parents are aware of their child's internet use. Many parents are becoming much more aware of what is out their for their child to view unless they intervene and filter the content.
6. Is democracy threatened by the unchecked nature of the internet?
Definitely, Although it is impossible to check everything that is posted on the internet. Democracy on the internet is at risk today more then ever as people especially americans are becoming more aware of the negative effect democracy can have on people.
