AOL? Discussed? (disgust?)
I don't think I've ever been a fan of AOL. This hasn't always been a rational dislike, though what they did with Netscape was inexcusable, and some of my dislike has simply come from a general Michael Moore-esque paranoia of large corporations. But, recently, I have grudgingly spent some of my precious man-hours on the AOL website.
The reason - advertising. Simple, apparently uncynical, well presented advertising.
The recent spate of AOL/discuss promotions has slowly seeped into my sub-conscious until I just could not resist its allure any more. It poses basic questions about the internet, information and ultimately about humans themselves.
The addition of comment from respected individuals from all backgrounds has given it kudos, and it generates healthy debate through a simplistic format.
But most of all, it made me think. Something which I like doing probably too often, but there are plenty of people around who could benefit from a bit more time in contemplation and discussion.
So what exactly did it make me think of/about? The basic abstract properties of the internet. Its nature and essence, and therefore our own.
I have long held a belief that technology (like art) only reflects us, it rarely changes us. For instance, PC's can tell you a lot about the individual that owns them. You install a basic framework like XP, and then use that to do your bidding. And after a few years of ownership, a computer provides a nice little snapshot of its owner. Whether you fill hard drive with mp3's, movies, games or pornography, all provides a glimpse into your thought processes. But it isn't the technology that does that, only yourself.
And the internet is the same. It only allows us to propogate a digital version of humanity, not to re-define it. It is in some senses, impossible to define the internet. In philisophical terms it exists, but in physical form it has no outline, no recognisable shape that makes it easier for humans to delineate, pigeon-hole. Ultimately it is whatever you want it to be, a friend, lover, workplace, opportunity, demon, or simply nothing at all.
But it is our choice, perhaps that's the point......if there is one.
The reason - advertising. Simple, apparently uncynical, well presented advertising.
The recent spate of AOL/discuss promotions has slowly seeped into my sub-conscious until I just could not resist its allure any more. It poses basic questions about the internet, information and ultimately about humans themselves.
The addition of comment from respected individuals from all backgrounds has given it kudos, and it generates healthy debate through a simplistic format.
But most of all, it made me think. Something which I like doing probably too often, but there are plenty of people around who could benefit from a bit more time in contemplation and discussion.
So what exactly did it make me think of/about? The basic abstract properties of the internet. Its nature and essence, and therefore our own.
I have long held a belief that technology (like art) only reflects us, it rarely changes us. For instance, PC's can tell you a lot about the individual that owns them. You install a basic framework like XP, and then use that to do your bidding. And after a few years of ownership, a computer provides a nice little snapshot of its owner. Whether you fill hard drive with mp3's, movies, games or pornography, all provides a glimpse into your thought processes. But it isn't the technology that does that, only yourself.
And the internet is the same. It only allows us to propogate a digital version of humanity, not to re-define it. It is in some senses, impossible to define the internet. In philisophical terms it exists, but in physical form it has no outline, no recognisable shape that makes it easier for humans to delineate, pigeon-hole. Ultimately it is whatever you want it to be, a friend, lover, workplace, opportunity, demon, or simply nothing at all.
But it is our choice, perhaps that's the point......if there is one.
posted by Netdata at
10:53 AM
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