Reed Ch1-3

In "Digitized Lives: Culture, Power, and Social Change in the Internet Era" T.V. Reed explores many facets of digital culture and the way that technology effects humans, as well what humans do with technology - two distinct concepts outlined. I wasn't surprised to read that the internet is a vast and growing place stuffed with information, or that Facebook has enough users to be the world's 3rd largest country, but I was interested in the fact that so many people are without internet access, or aces to up to date digital technology at all (pp. 3). I think that more people need access to these technologies - with the way they affect everyday life and enhance learning alone, getting current technology into the hands of more people would have a huge effect on everything from health information to political and organizational tools for impoverished areas. If people in those impoverished areas had access to the internet, even half as many as Americans, I am positive that their overall quality of life many definitely change, and for the better. Access to the internet really can be sen as access to information. A lot of information. It becomes easy to communicate, and easy to learn - both are very useful tools for all humans to be able to utilize. It was interesting to read about the digital revolution we are going through today, and the unique period we live in. Reed writes that the digital revolution can be compared to the invention of the wheel, or the printing press for humankind. A revolution in the way we communicate (pp. 5). The pros and cons to this vary, in that we lose the way we communicate in some ways, but gain strength in others, a change that can be see ver long periods of time affecting cultures in contact with this digital revolution. People adopt new technologies fast, but there are always others who resist the change in culture - in this digital age it is a new and growing form of information, and interaction between users. Reed also expands on the effect the internet has had on people, the users whom control it. Many would argue that personal privacy is at risk, and I would say the same. There are hardly any ways to keep your information completely secure online, and once it is out there it can never be forgotten or truly deleted - information looms.