Philosophy
This assignment is based on the text, Superconnected: The Internet, Digital Media and Techno-Social Life, by Mary Chayko. In this assignment, you are to summarize, reflect, and apply the ideas and concepts discussed by Chayko.
You may respond to each of these questions separately.
PART I: You must answer all of questions #1-6.
PART II: Then, choose any one of the following questions to answer from #7-9.
PART I: You must answer all of questions #1-6.
From chapter 3, Inhabiting a Digital Environment (5 points)
1. These days, many scholars are moving away from use of the term “cyberspace” to describe digital communications and networked environments. Similarly, the inventor of the term, science fiction writer, William Gibson, also warns against the misinterpretation and misuse of the term. What are the reasons behind this view of scholars and Gibson? Explain.
2. In what ways have researchers understood online communities? What are some of the aspects of community online? What are some of the communication dynamics of digital environments, such as reality, presence and promimity? Also consider emotionality and intimacy.
From chapter 4, Sharing and Surveillance (5 points)
3. What does the word “prosumption” mean? Where does it come from? How is prosumption part of the business model of many companies? Discuss some examples. How have you participated in prosumption?
4. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Wikipedia, YouTube, and a host of blogs and other sharing sites, rely heavily if not entirely on individuals producing content (often unpaid) for others’ consumption. Why is this problematic? What information and research does Chayko offer to understand this trend?
5. What is the attention economy?
6. What is vertical or asymmetrical surveillance? Discuss some examples from your own experience. What is horizontal or social surveillance? Discuss some examples from your own experience.
PART II: Choose any one (1) additional question to answer. (5 points)
From chapter 7 Friending, Dating, and Relating
7. What are some of the communication and interpersonal dynamics involved in making digital connections? What are some of the similarities and differences between online friendship and face-to-face friendship as discussed in the research from the chapter? Summarize the discussion about flirting, dating, romance and sex online. Did anything surprise you?
OR
From chapter 8, The Techo-Social Institutions
8. How are families, health care, work, and religion, education, politics, media, techo-social institutions? What are some of the key digital aspects of each of these institutions?
OR
From chapter 9, More Benefits and Hazards of 24/7 Superconnectedness
9. Drawing on the research from the chapter, discuss the benefits and hazards related to the following aspects of superconnectedness: constant availability, convenience and microcoordination; fun, play and entertainment; multitasking and the attention span; stress, information overload and FOMO; emergencies, dependency and addiction; health and moods.
The Circle Paper: (15 points) due by July 8.
Paper Assignment:
Your paper should discuss the following in as much depth and reflection on the novel as possible:
1. How many characters are in the novel? What are there names, brief description and what roles do they play in the story? (1 paragraph that includes a list)
2. Is MAE a victim or a villain? (2 paragraphs)
3. What are the positive and negative effects of the corporate ownership of privacy in the novel? (2 paragraphs)
4. The belief that PRIVACY IS THEFT and SECRETS ARE LIES is held by whom? Resisted by whom? 2-3 paragraphs
5. Does the novel suggest we need any limits on self-disclosure? Do you agree? (2 paragraphs)
6. Does the novel show that privacy is no longer necessary and maybe even unproductive and undesirable?(2 or 3 paragraphs)
7. Do characters have a right to disappear? Do we need such a right? (about 2 paragraphs)
8. What do you think the author, Dave Eggers is saying with this novel: a society based on The Circle is inevitable? b) is desirable? c) would be evil? d) would help us achieve full health and happiness? Give reasons for your interpretation. (about 3 paragraphs)
9. What does the novel get right about the effects of the digital age on our lives? What does it get wrong?
Please note that this is a philosophy class so I am not looking for you to have a particular opinion. You don’t have to like or hate the book. I am looking for how you develop your very own position based on your own values and your own critical outlook.
Paragraphs are suggested minimum. There is no maximum. Write as much as you like.
TITLE: The Internet of Us Paper (underline the book title always)
Points for this Paper can also be found at MY GRADES/ COLUMN, “Circle.”
Due July 8
Late Penalty: 5 points off per day. No points after 7/12 for any reason.
Minimum Length: 850 words
Paper Assignment:
Your paper should discuss the following in as much depth and reflection on the novel as possible:
1. Explain the book’s subtitle: “Knowing more and Understanding less in the age of big data” What do you think Michael Lynch means? (1 paragraph)
2. Explain Lynch’s concept of “Google-knowing” . Also, does he think it is an advance for society? (a good thing?) (2 paragraphs)
3. Explain what Lynch means by “information cascades.” (1 paragraph)
4. Explain “isolated tribes.” What is he getting at? (1 paragraph)
5. According to Lynch, what is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? (2 paragraphs)
6. According to Lynch, is the Internet making us less reasonable? (2 paragraphs)
7. According to Lynch, what happens to truth in the age of the Internet? (2 paragraphs)
8. Does Lynch think that the Internet enhances privacy? (2 paragraphs)
9. What is Lynch’s view of Big Data? (2 paragraphs)
10. What is Lynch’s view about the politics of knowledge in the digital age (e.g. who controls knowledge and for what purposes?) (3 paragraphs)
11. How does Lynch see the Internet as expanding and inhibiting our knowledge and does he offer any solutions? ( 3 paragraphs)
12. What are your views about the ways in which the Internet influences our process of knowing? What does Lynch get right (in your opinion) and why does he get wrong? (4 paragraphs)
Please note that this is a philosophy class so I am not looking for you to have a particular opinion. You don’t have to like or hate the book. I am looking for how you develop your very own position based on your own values and your own critical outlook.
Paragraphs are suggested minimum. There is no maximum. Write as much as you like.
.*Refer to the text and specific points, ideas, arguments as much as possible.
Philosophy
