I was able to draw the closest connection to Saskia Sassen's lecture on Networks, Power and Democracy with Andrew O'Baoill's "Weblogs and the Public Sphere". What I got from these presentations was that the new media has not done as much as one would think for democracy. In fact both authors suggest that the technology may be hindering democracy. There are many reasons for this including the increased access of the technology. The fact that there are so many blogs out there on any given topic is a hindrance to democracy because only a select few will gain notoriety. In addition given the vast amount of information and how quickly the news can be published it may not allow time for a complete rational debate.
As we continue to reflect on the role of blogs I have realized just how little I care for conventional web blogs. I would rather discern my news from several prominent sources than to read an independent web blog. I still view blogs as amateurish and for leisure purposes. I read blogs about my favorite television show or vocal artist. I hardly go to blogs for my breaking news. Even as I read the blogs on politics and social issues, I find that the debates are not always intelligent and very often offensive and ignorant. I also find that many blogs over time become very one sided and speak to a certain position and ideology. I am glad for the technology that we have and believe that it does have the power to do good in society. I believe that being able to access so much stored information is positive and that it can help to educate and bring us closer together but it may not be the best tool for advancing democracy.
I see your argument regarding the one-sided nature of blogs and not looking to them for breaking news. I wouldn't consider them a primary news source either. I have always thought that their intent is to present an opinion, intelligent or not, on a particular issue to start a debate. I believe they have their place in the democratic process, allowing a variety of voices to be heard; the issue that I see from the reading is how loud and far reaching those voices become..
ReplyDeleteShanyssa,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and the video of how technology “may not be the best tool for advancing democracy” as she pointed out in the video even though given the opportunity of democracy it doesn’t promise equal distribution; this was a major concern of my blog post also. I don’t have much experience with blogs besides this class but I see your point and I am motivated to get more involved so I can see your concern for myself. Thanks for sharing, I’ll let you know what I think!