Networked Society, Networked Politics
The term cognitive surplus confused me in reading Media, Society, World, Social Theory and Digital Media Practice, as the author intimated that reduced TV viewing would increase one’s cognitive surplus. However, freed up time is only about a third of what Clay Shirky who actually coined the phrase, considers cognitive surplus to be. Cognitive surplus is made up of free time and talent and “the shared, online work we do with our spare brain cycles. While we are busy editing Wikipedia, posting to the Ushahidi (and yes, making LOLcats), we’re building a better, more cooperative world.” (Shirky, 2010)
Further, the three studies of how people are actually using digital media, all showed dismal participation in politics. The most provocative of which stated that in the US ‘people who enjoy watching entertainment more than news and have access to cable TV and the internet are less knowledgeable and less likely to vote than any other group of people.” (Couldry, 2012) Part of the blame is again on cognitive surplus, but another part is the lack of regular civic environment. Perhaps that is only part of the equation. Shirky posits that humans like to use cognitive surplus for creation and sharing, (hence LOLcats). But, when it comes to politics creation is out unless you are running and need to create a new and improved persona. However, when it comes to sharing of political information, opinions, rants, and activism, if my Facebook feed is any indication of political engagement, it is alive and well.
The central contradiction that Mr. Couldry (2012) points out is our greatly increased exposure to political conflict, controversy, and mistrust, with the also increased limitations for constructive political construction is like the Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail; it continually feeds itself, itself. The reach of digital media is only going to grow. Political contention/scandal/idiocy is unlikely to diminish, which in turn breeds/feeds mistrust of any political construction, positive or otherwise.
Couldry, N. (2012). Media, society, world social theory and digital media practice [Kindle version]. Retrieved from http://www.Amazon.com
Shirky, C. (2010, June). How cognitive surplus will change the world. Retrieved March 15, 2015, from Ted: http://www.ted.com/talks/clay_shirky_how_cognitive_surplus_will_change_the_world?language=en
#IDS880_VA
The term cognitive surplus confused me in reading Media, Society, World, Social Theory and Digital Media Practice, as the author intimated that reduced TV viewing would increase one’s cognitive surplus. However, freed up time is only about a third of what Clay Shirky who actually coined the phrase, considers cognitive surplus to be. Cognitive surplus is made up of free time and talent and “the shared, online work we do with our spare brain cycles. While we are busy editing Wikipedia, posting to the Ushahidi (and yes, making LOLcats), we’re building a better, more cooperative world.” (Shirky, 2010)
Further, the three studies of how people are actually using digital media, all showed dismal participation in politics. The most provocative of which stated that in the US ‘people who enjoy watching entertainment more than news and have access to cable TV and the internet are less knowledgeable and less likely to vote than any other group of people.” (Couldry, 2012) Part of the blame is again on cognitive surplus, but another part is the lack of regular civic environment. Perhaps that is only part of the equation. Shirky posits that humans like to use cognitive surplus for creation and sharing, (hence LOLcats). But, when it comes to politics creation is out unless you are running and need to create a new and improved persona. However, when it comes to sharing of political information, opinions, rants, and activism, if my Facebook feed is any indication of political engagement, it is alive and well.
The central contradiction that Mr. Couldry (2012) points out is our greatly increased exposure to political conflict, controversy, and mistrust, with the also increased limitations for constructive political construction is like the Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail; it continually feeds itself, itself. The reach of digital media is only going to grow. Political contention/scandal/idiocy is unlikely to diminish, which in turn breeds/feeds mistrust of any political construction, positive or otherwise.
Couldry, N. (2012). Media, society, world social theory and digital media practice [Kindle version]. Retrieved from http://www.Amazon.com
Shirky, C. (2010, June). How cognitive surplus will change the world. Retrieved March 15, 2015, from Ted: http://www.ted.com/talks/clay_shirky_how_cognitive_surplus_will_change_the_world?language=en
#IDS880_VA