On the Internet

What effect does using the web have on us? Why is the disembodiment of the web attractive and is it a good thing? Is it more than just a tool?

Reading Hubert L. Dreyfus' book On the Internet is forming an important introduction to some of these big questions on the use and effect of the internet. So far I have been surprised how much of his text rings true. Mainly as a warning against a hedonistic view of the internet as the be all and end all of current society. There is a limit and there are reasons some things need reality.

Some of these questions were also raised as part of Aleks Krotoski and the BBC's Virtual Revolution. In the final episode of the series 'Homo Interneticus', Dr Krotoski dicusses the effect of social networking on our relationships. Do we really have 500+ friends and what do we mean by friends in the context of facebook and other social networks?

The effect of the internet for good as a tool is undoubted, but like anything open and freely usable it is open to abuse and misuse. Do the bonds created online act as stongly as 'real' relationships. I say no, but being only on the verge of being a digital native (as opposed to an immigrant) myself, can I really judge? I think in fact this is a really important point and fundamentally divides many organisations' attitudes to the internet and use of social networks. If an organisation doesn't value the internet's potential for relationships then they tend to undervalue and underinvest in their online presence and often ignore social networks entirely.

Social Media Election 2010?

The British general election has been called this week and the use of digital media is striking. Striking, not for any massive innovation, but for the fact they are actually using digital media tools, trying to engage the public where they are. Many articles have appeared this week, not least from the bbc who are keen to promote their election site which is actually informative and interesting.

Many are commenting that the 'new' is still subserviant to the 'old' media when campaigning, including presenter of radio four's media show Steve Hewlett's blog. So far I agree; there is no innovation like what was seen in both the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections in the US.

The websites of the three main parties are barely discernable one from another apart from their colours. Are they really engaging, being 'of' the internet rather than just 'on' it or have they all taken a class in 'what the public want to see'?