1. Keen defines democratized media as seduction. He states that Web 2.0 promised to bring more truth to people, but in reality what it was really brings is superficial observations of the world around us. His main issues with democratized media are that this "user-generated" content means there is less culture, less reliable news, useless information, and the disappearance of truth. Instead of reputable videos, YouTube contains thousands of homemade videos. All over the internet, one will find amateur bloggers and moviemakers. Because people can post things anonymously online, you never know if what you are reading contains factual information and whether or not it is reputable. Keen fears that this democratized media will "threaten the very future of our cultural institutions." I chose this video because it a) was self-made and demonstrates how people are publishing videos on Youtube and b) some of the content in the video itself talks about how people just make their own videos and get so much viewership.
2. Andrew Keen and Douglas Rushkoff have very different ideas about social media. Andrew Keen is extremely opposed to social media; he believes that the internet has become the medium of choice for distorting the truth. He states that there are countless social media sites for preteens, teens, post teens, and "fake" teens. Social media, in his opinion, has taken over our lives. He states, "everyone was simultaneously broadcasting themselves, but nobody was listening." Everyone is expressing themselves on the internet, yet at the same time they are so wrapped up in expressing themselves that it takes over our lives. Essentially Keen compares it to a cult taking over America. Douglas Rushkoff, on the other hand, is an advocate for social media. He believes that social media allows people to share information and cultures easily. It provides one with the opportunity to take risks and find advances for future generations. To him, social media "functions as am extension of the heart, mind, and soul." I find myself in between both positions, as I can see where both men are coming from. Keen believes that social media essentially distorts the truth and that it has taken over our lives. I agree with this. Many people cannot go one day without using some form of social media. There are treatment centers for people who are addicted to technology. People have become attached to their cell phones and computers. There comes a time when you need to ask yourself, when is enough enough? Because everyone has the opportunity to post things online anonymously, you never know if the information you are viewing is reputable, or if it is by some kid who thinks its funny. However, at the same time I see Rushkoff's point of view. Social media provides an outlet for people to share and learn about others. It is a way to take risks and improve life for future generations. Social media, like everything else, is ok in moderation.
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