Week 8: Networks

In his writing, Castells core argument revolves around the concept of networks, the network society and social networks, which have evolved through the informational paradigm and lead to social transformation and the emergence of a new social structure involving shared communication between cultures.

In this reading I found it interesting how the author makes some clear connections with concepts studied in preceding lectures and tutorials including the convergence and mediation associated with time and space and the transcendence of barriers associated with these latter two concepts (time and space). It is noted that “technologies are increasingly diffused” (Castells 2005, p.7) or rather there is a convergence of communication and information technologies which support the emergence of the new social structure of the network society.

Castells also notes the “two emergent social forms of time and space” which “characterize the network society” (Castells 2005, p.36). Like previous authors such as Moores and Scannell, Castells highlights the ability of technological evolution to enable the possibly of simultaneous practice and time sharing in networked spaces. However it is interesting to note how the author furthers these concepts by demonstrating their ability to foster a networked society and a culture of shared communication.  Castells notes the importance of communication as the cornerstone of the network society: “The culture of the network society is a culture of protocols and communication between all cultures in the world, developed on the basis of a common belief in the power of networking and of the synergy obtained by giving to others and receiving from others” (Castells 2005, p.40).

The concepts of convergence and mediation associated with time and space in the creation of social networks and communication amongst cultures can be seen in examples such as YouTube as noted by Rizzoe in her writing “Programming Your Own Channel” and the Apple iPod. File sharing, and downloading different types of media, both of which can be undertaken on these devices, as well as the concept of mobility which is enabled through devices such as the Apple iPod, is an example of the changing communication and social networks “encouraging new forms of interaction” (Rizzoe 2007, p.129) and shaping cultural forms of practices associated with older basic technologies such as the analog television.

Tut Post 8 Network

Network is use to connect individuals.

Now, we can connect to other person via phone, internet or mail. These are decentralize medium, which means the message is not dispatch from a single source, but generate and transmit freely through different individuals, call ‘node’ in a network.

Internet and mobile technology raised from the past 20 years. Before that, message are dispatch centralize. Like the pager. You need to call the panel and say the message and the panel will transfer it to the person. Message must work through the third party, and that process limited the content of message (From verbal to text). Although voice transmits through phone also process by third party, there is a reproduction of the medium (from sound, to electronic signal, and then sound). The recipient receive the message as it dispatch.

Another centralize example is World Expo. The first World Expo is held in UK in 1851, at the peak if industrial revolution. The reason to organize this expo is to let all factory owner, or machine maker, have a glance and choose the new invention and affordable products, in order to mass production in the minimum cost. At that year, lack of interpersonal communication network, the only way to gather buyers is by such expo. But now, every company can advertise on internet, by google adword, and attrack buyers online, all over the world, without the physical appear in the shop.

Some word for the lecture: Although the train network is not covering to UNSW, the bus network is. We move from one network to another in order to go to out place.

Week 8: Networks

Castells, M. Excerpts from “Informationalism, Networks, and the
Network Society: A Theoretical Blueprint.” From the Network Society: A Cross Cultural Perspective. Cheltenham, UK, Edward Elgar, pgs. Pgs 165-172.

Human beings are connected to each other through technology, these connections form a group and this group can be described as a network. We see it in its simple form everyday on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. We are joined together through a society which is not necessarily physical. The way we communicate has evolved with technological advances. I think this week’s reading makes us question how ‘cultures’ (Castells  p. 186)are formed through networking. It makes me wonder how the participants interact with different networks and if one aspect would be changed would it affect the whole network?