Howard
Rheingold, in his imitable style, covers a lot of important areas that impact
our online space and daily live, in these final two chapters. Networks—like
communities in the old-fashioned sense—have structures which influence both
people and their online behavior. Think of Facebook or Twitter and how their
similarities and differences identify them. Modern social networks maintained
through voice and human connection, place them beside the roots of
civilization. Our technologies today expand that reach so one’s voice can be
heard, or more directly, read and responded to globally. Online networks that
support social networks, which is most of them today, share unique
characteristics of both people and network interaction.
A
line from the John Guare 1990 hit play, Six
Degrees of Separation, suggests that humans are all separated by six
people. This concept originated with social scientist Stanley Milgram’s 1967
study. He proved through his “path length”, it took each person an average
distance of 5.5 steps to get information, via the US mail, to one contact
person in Boston. His study later prompted Duncan Watts and Steve Strogatz in
2001 to recreate Milgram’s test using email instead. The outcome also proved
about six steps, validating both the original study and the new one which substituted
online resources. This illustrated that our world is a large network BUT with
our connections added, becomes far more manageable. Watts and Strogatz even
demonstrated how large networks appear much smaller by bridging them together.
A
spinoff of the Framingham Heart Study entitled, “Dynamic spread of happiness in
a large social network: longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham
Heart Study” is devoted entirely to discovery of what makes and keeps people
happy both in online and traditional communities. The study is based on 4739
participants tested from 1983 through 2003, using a four item scale with a
broad array of attributes involving social networks and diverse social ties.
The outcome was clusters of happy and unhappy people, dependent on
relationships within the study. Happiness or
its opposite, extends up to three degrees of separation. Ultimately, those
surrounded by happy people who themselves were central in their network,
indicated current happiness and probability of future happiness. Happiness
breeds happiness both online and in real time. “The surprising implication is
that due to online resources, at least part of your happiness might depend on
people you never met” (198).
Each
network is influenced by how much connectivity occurs between its nodes or
connections. David Reed, one of the
original architects of the Internet, clarified Sarnoff’s, Metcalfe’s, and his
own law regarding the value of connectivity. Group-forming networks grow faster
because they serve the special interests of many. Hence, Reed’s Law:”…shows the
value of the network grows proportionately not to the square of the users, but
exponentially” (199).
Social
Network Analysis (SNA) can be a form of both socialization and centrality
crucial to business opportunity. Being a bridge or one who links two networks
can benefit all connected. Marc A. Smith explains that people give their time,
talent, and support online in exchange for: “Social capital, knowledge capital,
and communion” (204). Mark Granovetter further elaborates and explains how this
tie is strengthened by: “…the amount of time of the emotional intensity, the
intimacy…and the reciprocal services which characterize the tie” (206). Through
Rheingold’s discussions with Wellmann, the importance of densely and
sparely-knit ties is clarified. As in traditional associations, some
“heterogenerous ties” are essential to cover needs our close-knit alliances
cannot. Despite our societies and lifestyles becoming networked, we the
individual are central to our society. Many different connections result in our
centrality.
A
major parental concern is Networked Individualism, which began with the
portability of phones, and the breakdown of connection to our children’s
callers. In the early days of cell phones, we often inquired where our callers
were; the novelty of being somewhere other than home was a new feature. It was
an exciting time but also an end to knowing who was calling for our kids, and
that sense of control. Now we must accept our children hold the world of online
devices in their hands and can tweet, email, and Facebook anywhere or time they
choose.
Social
capital is beautifully described in Rheingold’s recollections of Philcat and
the friendship which grew out of their online community. True social capital
was established through their friendships that evolved naturally online.
Reciprocity is also an essential element for online communities, networks, and
collaborations as are trust and cooperation. Rheingold states: “Unlike
financial capital, trust increases when you use it and becomes depleted if not
used” (220). Bonding, bridging, and linking are all different but necessary
aspects of connecting networks and people from different communities with
diverse talents.
Growing
a PLN is simplified into steps one might confidently try as the process is
completely demystified. The facts of Facebook and its lasting power and
traceability are showcased. The
importance of privacy and being mindful about what we put on the Web—especially
Facebook--is made simple; persistence, replicability, scalability, and
searchability. Because of social media, things can almost always be found. So
we must always remember the invisible audience, context collisions, as well as
public and private convergence.
Looking
at the final chapter, Rheingold reviews all the tools he has given us through
this journey. We take a look at dataveillance through playbor, Facebook, and
Google clicks, and pay attention to important issues like identity theft and
personal privacy issues. The public sphere must always be understood and
respected as it will bring private into the public realm.
Habermas
theory that well-funded public relations can change or mold public opinion is
questioned by Rheingold, with the advent of online resources. His question is
ignored by Habermas, leaving one to question his position. But the point is
proven by recent online efforts and persuasive social media results that:
“Powerful forces most certainly do influence public opinion” (242). Remix
ethics are also discussed as we remember Napster and the days of free music and
movies, prior to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. While the artist’s rights
are protected, the creativity of others is stunted. Technological enclosure is
far more problematic as it leaves the door open for even greater restrictions
on all Web activities.
Parents
fears are allayed by both Rheingold’s insight of digital culture and danah
boyd’s sound advice, stressing communication and remembering what really
concerns parents the most. Open dialogue is recommended and the ability to
listen and connect to your kids. In closing, Rheingold reminds each reader of
the lessons he gave throughout this delightful guide; his five literacies in a
nutshell. Then he reviews attention, crap detection, participation,
collaboration and network smarts. These tools coupled with literacy, our
greatest tool, can protect and advance each of us in our digital world of
today.
I
have personally found these tools and the depth of information very helpful. I
have also enjoyed Howard Rheingold’s comfortable and direct style. Thriving
online is crucial in today’s society, and the more comfortable one is with
online practices, the better they can function. The following are just some
thoughts I would like to throw out for thought and discussion.
1. Because
of the proven effects of others in my networks on my happiness, should I strive
to be the central force to promote happiness or remove myself from groups that
are devoid of happy and upbeat relationships?
2. Based
on the amazing story of Rheingold’s Virtual Community, and the social capital
that grew from their friendships, would you aspire to form your own community?
Or if you are involved in one, do you feel inspired to take it to a more
personal level?
3. Because
of the transparency of Facebook and the likelihood of comments, photos, and
relationships to be traced, are you still comfortable with posting regularly or
do you feel compelled to rethink your account settings?
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