For our fourth week of Media in the Networked Society we focused on the information society; which I have since learnt refers to a new society which centers around the creation, use, distribution, integration and manipulation of information and its importance with political, economic and cultural activities.
We looked at Webster’s ‘Theories of the Information Society’ and his critiques and understanding of what many call ‘the information society’. He looks at five definitions of the information society:
1. technological
2. economic
3. occupational
4. spatial
5. cultural
During our lecture we looked largely into the development of technology and how that has impacted the digital media and information technologies. My knowledge of digitization has grown, now being aware that developments in technology is the most common index of the IS. Digitization has meant that it is faster, and more reliable, cheaper and smarter to communicate information which has given us the ability to increase the volume of information we exchange.
We always briefly looked into technological determinism and whether or not it determines social change however it was decided that it may define but not determine it. Technology can provide the means – not the solutions.
Webster states that there been “an enormous quantitative increase in information technologies, in information in circulation, in information networks and what not”. He explores the fact that people should not shy away from the information society and that it has many purposes that can be used by multiple groups for a range of resources. This has made me aware that the information society is something we are all a part of and contribute and is something that will grow and develop with the changing times.
Bibliography;
Webster, F (2014), Theories of the Information Society London: Routledge, 4th edition.
HOW DID I PERFORM AGAINST THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA & ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST
1. Have I used 250 words? Y
2. Have I used the required writing style, including first person reflection? OK But why not use first person more? Any discusions or thoughts yo made during the seminar?
3. Have I illustrated my understanding of key readings through my critical discussion of theories or concepts relevant to this week’s topic? Y
4. Have I explained these concepts in my own words? Y
5. Have I included short quotes from the readings?Y
6. Have I chosen examples from my own experience to illustrate? OK
7. Have I used Harvard in text referencing? (http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm) for all academic readings and online sources used in my blog post? Y
8. Have I mentioned discussions that took place during this week’s seminar? N
9. Have I met the submission deadline? Y
OVERALL Grade B (65)