CONTEXT. We see interview clips on the news or photos in magazines everyday that are used out of context.
This word context becomes even more relevant now that we as a society community and interact on the Internet.
We share very personal pieces of information whether that be on blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. However, context in these virtual spaces doesn't self-identify according to expert Lawrence Lessig.
This idea sort of scares me. How do we ever fully understand all the data that is present on these social networking sites. Will my friends take my status messages or twitter updates out of context, could this possibly hurt my friends... where does the damage end?
Today, our lives are so crazy, we don't really have time to put virtual messages in context anymore. Does that mean there is a lot more mis-communication in our world? Isn't the internet supposed to provide better communication?
We no longer have boundaries. Therefore, I encourage people on social networking sites to be careful about the information they are disseminating about themselves and their personal brand.
The less questionable information we put out there, such as the inside jokes, pictures, etc, the more likely our lives won't be taken out of context online.
We've created a monster!
14 years ago
The problem of statements and information being taken out of context has existed since the beginning of time. If you want present day examples in politics you can check out factcheck.org.
ReplyDeleteI am just as concerned as you about how prevalent taking statements out of context will occur in the future. Social media and the storage of information for indefinite periods are not likely to help the problem.
I agree with KK. The internet is increasing the context problem, but it didn't create it. It's very easy for an editorial page with an axe to grind to make any statement seem the opposite of what it actually is.
ReplyDeleteMaybe on the other hand as we get older and communicate in more and more informal ways electronically, they might be more understanding of racy or questionable comments? Such that it'll be common to find a comment that goes out of line of what's expected, so people just say oh, they probably didn't mean it the way I'm thinking. And it was 5 years ago so who cares.
ReplyDeleteThat's the world I want to live in.
Unfortunately, Adeograc, I do not see your suggestion ever happening. Actually, I think quite the opposite will occur, we will be even more accountable for our actions, since we have a better understanding of the Internet.
ReplyDeleteBlogger on the run, I definitely agree the context is a big problem and many times I think we forget when we go on to the different networks and make comments. I know that I am guilty of making comments and then thinking about what I said after the fact.
As I briefly, mentioned in my post. I think we should have a box that we need to check, that would be a reality check and say...information that you are about to post is going to enter the world wide web and will be easily found again in the future.
This may sound harsh, but I think that people deserve what they get for the kinds of things they share online. If a person is going to be careless, then they deserve to pay for it.I am thinking of this in a Darwinian sense- those with good internet habits/etiquette will enjoy the benefits of a this highly connected world. Those who make bad decisions and have no etiquette eventually will be punished(embarrassed, blocked, hidden, humiliated, etc.). And I think that is great because all they are doing is creating noise that detracts us from the good stuff that's out there.
ReplyDelete