Julie Huey
English 155
November 23, 2009
Argumentative Blogging
In modern society, use of the Internet is a daily occurrence. Whether or not this tool is more harmful then helpful is the problem we are faced with. In the article “It’s All About Us” Steven Johnson claims that web 2.0 has provided a place for “local conversations that involve experiences that the experts in traditional media have largely ignored…”(448). On the contrary, Brian Williams perceives Web 2.0 to not be as beneficial as we think, in his work “Enough about You”, he states that even though “the whole notion of ‘media’ is now much more democratic” the effect on democracy will be negative because the user has sole control over what they are exposed too; therefore, only paying attention to what they want or agree with. Although Johnson makes a good point, 2.0 users have a tendency to ignore news that isn’t directly related to them, which causes us to develop one sided opinions, and ignore news that is relevant to the world as a whole, not just the individual. Web 2.0 lets the user choose what they are exposed too, creating an obsession with celebrities, and hindering the public from receiving news and information that is important to all of society.
Williams’ argument that web 2.0 is extremely celebratory on one’s-self is stronger because although the Internet is designed to give people easy access to personal communities, and the freedom to express personal opinions, user’s often have the tendency to only pay mind to things they exclusively perceive to be important. The idea that “It’s all about you. Me. And all the various forms of the first person singular” is the fuel that drives America to focus on communities and news that is relevant to themselves (449). As Williams bluntly puts it, “Americans have decided the most important person in their lives is . . . them, and our culture is now built upon that idea. It’s the User-Generated Generation” (449), and he’s right, if something relates to us, it’s level of importance is higher then anything else. This idea influences us to see things from only one point of view, which not only causes us to remain biased, but it keeps us from expanding our horizons and looking at the world sans horse blinders. It keeps us from being informed about world news, such as advancements in medical research and treatments.
In February of 2009, a huge advancement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS was made. Scientists discovered a way to use the viral mutation to “mutate itself to death”. Unfortunately, as Philip Defranco Pointed out in his Youtube.com Vlog, the only thing that was being focused on by the media was the possibility that porn star Stormy Daniels may be running for senator against David Vitter of Louisiana, and the country’s fascination with Nadya Suleman, also known as “Octomom”. The idea that a possible cure for a disease as prominent, deadly, and worldwide as AIDS was easily overshadowed by rumored news, and a clearly deranged woman artificially impregnated with eight children at a time, is hard to grasp. Daniels was “drafted” run against David Vitter to sort of shine a light on his previous prostitution scandals, this news was covered by many stations such as CNN, MSNBC, and ABC. It is sad to report that the AIDS discovery was only published on Discovery.com, and nothing else due to the fact that this discovery was simply overlooked.
Web 2.0 is a very “you” centric community, and as much as it’s about you, it’s about everyone else as well. Users find themselves consumed with the lives that other people live. The creation of twitter is enough evidence to back up that statement. Knowing all the details of your favorite celebrities lives can make a person feel important, and connected on a false perception of exclusivity. Knowing semi intimate details of a strangers life gives a person the feeling that they actually know celebrities, when in reality they are just cyber stalking them, but everyone does it, so it’s socially expectable, but still completely creepy. We shouldn’t care where certain celebrities are eating, or what they are doing, but because we have instant access, we make it a priority. It can often provide distraction with ones own life, and give them a fantasy world to consume themselves in.
The obsession that people have with the lives that other people live is apparent with the Stormy Daniels rumors, and the continuous gossip that surrounds Nadya Suleman. For example, when news that Stormy Daniels given her background, was considering running against David Vitter for a spot in the Louisiana senate, users that have an interest in politics exploded with both positive and negative reactions. Why? Because her past is filled with things that don’t emulate “family values” a fascination was evident, questions of who she is and what makes her qualified arose everywhere. The situation was meant to bring attention to the senate race in general. It was an effective way to bring attention to the race, “But a spokesman for the state GOP said voters "are concerned with real issues that affect their everyday lives and not with political or publicity stunts." So, although the GOP didn’t see it as a legitimate threat the public was enthralled with this idea, and it was extensively covered by the media, giving it support, and way too much unnecessary attention for a rumor.
Another issue that Web 2.0 Creates is the mass coverage of pointless news and the overshadowing of world news that is vitally important to society as a whole. It’s too easy to open up an Internet browser and never venture away from Social Networking and Entertainment webpage’s. Users do not pay mind to what is not directly in front of them. It’s simple; people spend their time focusing on news and issues that concern them, and them only. If someone sees something that has potential to be interesting or entertaining, they are drawn to it. The media usually covers news that relates to celebrities, or politics more, however, the media only publicizes the most interesting or relevant topics. They focus on things that will catch the viewer’s eye, but still get their story out. World news is often associated with history, which isn’t exactly the most riveting topic to entertain someone, so instead people read about things they perceive to be interesting instead of focusing on world matters that inadvertently have a large effect on their life.
The obsession people have with popular news serves a great interference in informing people of immense advancements in medical research. The advancement in AIDS research was only discussed on one known website. One would think with numerous advertisements and sponsors via the RED campaign, that more people would have cared to report and read up on this discovery, however, the people obviously care more about public figures, and porn stars. Phillip Defranco, took note of this and opened his vlog with this statement, “You know why I love American media? Scientists may have developed a way to […] kill AIDS, but what is in the news right now is Stormy Daniels might run for US senate. She’s a porn star, might run for US senate, not really sure. That’s got to feel really cool […] like you’re more popular then an AIDS cure.” (0:00 – 0:15). Defranco calls out Web 2.0’s obvious downfalls in less then 15 seconds. Media and people alike casually overlooked something as monumental as a possible AIDS cure, a disease that by 2007 had already been infected by 64.9 million people. This isn’t information people should be nonchalant about; this is information that should be on the tips of everyone’s tongues, and sparking more donations for research to put a stop to the disease. Instead a majority of Internet users were more focused on the fact that a porn star was thinking about running for senate, this story does have more entertainment value, but has absolutely nothing to do with what really matters. This further supports the theory that Web 2.0 causes users to bypass world news and never receive information that is imperative to the society that they live in.
There is no doubt that Web 2.0 is a huge step forward in communication and accessibility. The usefulness of many websites such as Facebook, Autotrader, Craigslist, and Ebay are obvious. Instant Communication with people far away is an amazing way for people to stay in touch with friends and family, and having the ability to search for, buy and sell items with the click of a button is definitely convenient. Steven Johnson is a huge supporter of Web 2.0, he claims that, “it has a power- to- the- people authenticity” (447). It’s democratic structure does enable people to utilize it how they see fit, which is an empowering feeling. However, he also admits that, “There is undeniably a vast increase in the sheer quantity of accessibility of pure crap” (447). It’s true; people spend their time on the Internet for their personal pleasure. They pay no mind to important news stories, if it’s not in their bookmarks, the website has no relevance. This narcissistic side effect is probably the most detrimental to society.
Web 2.0 focuses on the user, inadvertently causing people to ignore important news and information, while supporting celebrity gossip in all of its pointlessness. Our obsession with ourselves is being shamelessly fed by Web 2.0 and its “you centric” atmosphere, giving us more and more ways to talk about things that concern, interest and discuss anything and everything that pertains to one’s self. Despite Johnson’s claim that it is a place to access communities and discuss topics that concern you as an individual, ignoring things that don’t directly relate to you is more harmful then helpful. William’s claim that the democratic nature of the Internet is more negative then anything else is accurate in a sense that the more people focus on themselves, the more they lose the ability to grasp all aspects of everything. Unfortunately in the end, it just leaves us in a world where possible porn star candidates take precedence over a disease that has taken the lives of an unthinkable amount of people.
If people continue to only pay mind to their sole interests that are accessible by web 2.0, the constant exposure to things at the top of their interest list will cause the user to become completely consumed in news and events that pertain solely to themselves. This narcissism will only grow with time, giving people what they want when they want it isn’t helping society, it’s making society one sided in everyway possible. The way it’s going, finding reputable information amongst masses of nonsense will become impossible. Hopefully, user’s will then trade in for the library, and society will once more be normal.
Annotated Bibliography
Bland, Eric. "HIV Mutates to Death With New Drug : Discovery News." Discovery
Channel : Science, History, Space, Tech, Sharks, News. Discovery News, 09 Feb.
2009. Web. 2 Dec. 2009.
The article accurately informs the reader of a possible cure for AIDS, it was also the
only one I could find that discussed the subject matter.
Callebs, Sean. "Push to make porn star a senator no stunt, fan says - CNN.com."
CNN.com International - Breaking, World, Business, Sports, Entertainment
and Video News. 09 Feb. 2009. Web. 03 Dec. 2009.
This article informs the reader of the situation, seriousness and randomness that
surrounded Storny Daniels and her possible seat in the senate
Defranco, Phillip. "Sexy Senator Stormy Beats Aids?" Video blog post. YouTube.
10 Feb. 2009. Web. 2 Dec. 2009.
Phil’s Vlog was a brief description of American media’s ability to make AIDS a lesser
topic then a possible porn star senator.
Johnson, Steven. “It’s All About Us." Signs of Life in the USA. 6th ed. Ed. Sonia
Maasik and Jack Soloman. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's 2009. 446-48. Print.
Johnson provides reasons that Web 2.0 is beneficial to the individual user, giving
communities a place to share news that relates to their own concerns.
Mullins, Anne S. "Shenanigans: Shenanigans: That could be Senator Stormy to
you - Politico.com." Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com. 09 Feb. 2009. Web. 03
Dec. 2009.
This article flirts with a more entertaining and straight to the point layout, it explains
that Daniels is thinking about running against Vitter due to a previous scandal. Point
blank.
Williams, Brian. “Enough about You.” Signs of Life in the USA. 6th ed. Ed. Sonia
Maasik and Jack Soloman. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's 2009. 449-50. Print.
The article explains why web 2.0 is hazardous to society, keeping the people
consumed in themselves and ignorant in world affairs.
"USAID Health: HIV/AIDS, News/Info, Frequently Asked Questions." U.S. Agency for
International Development. Web. 03 Dec. 2009.
I used this website for statistics that support my argument.
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