Schmidt and Coheen definitely address issues in a light that seems to be more practical with the way technology has been progressing. Their addressing of concerns from a "neutral" standpoint still seem to go ahead and promote being connected is "better", even though they address negative consequences of technology advancement. I appreciate this approach more vs Lanier’s arguments in You Are Not a Gadget, even though I tend to think his more pessimistic approach may be more accurate.
For all the positive innovations we've seen from being connected with technology, it seems we are being drudged down with junk and ineffective information that is leading to nothing but static when it comes to cyberspace. While concentrated efforts held by organizations are bringing about new found productivity, the individual is being drowned out by the constant noise that is the internet.
This itself leads to new hierarchies and content controllers that emerge to replace the old. As RELEVANT information and how we interact with it is still monitored by content providers, organizations, and governments...we see much of the same, just in a new arena to do so.
It is so true that technology and the internet provide many many opportunities for productivity, and we are constantly dragged away by the other possibilities on the internet. The truth is, the internet gives us the ability to get ahead, or fall behind. The decision is in the hands of the user.
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