Comments on: Why Facebook? http://www.mindandmedia.com/blog/2008/09/04/why-facebook/ A blog about inspiring change through communications Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:31:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Marilyn http://www.mindandmedia.com/blog/2008/09/04/why-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-18775 Marilyn Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:45:37 +0000 http://inspireaction.mindandmedia.com/2008/09/04/why-facebook/#comment-18775 Franklin, Thank you for your comment. I too have had reservations about how much power Web 2.0 and social networks gives users to voice opinions of any kind, no matter how ridiculous, mean spirited, or unhelpful. During the past elections, I read blog comments that were so hurtful and hateful, it took my breath away. But despite those comments, I gained a great deal of valuable, even inspirational information from other bloggers. Unlike Mr. Oppenhiemer's bomb these new technologies have amazing power for good if used primarily by thoughtful, well-meaning people. And perhaps by allowing anyone, even the vilest among us, to voice his/her thoughts and opinions, Web 2.0 roots those opinions out of the depths of the human heart, brings them to light, and allows them to be called into question rather than going underground. Thank you again for your thought-provoking comment. Franklin,
Thank you for your comment. I too have had reservations about how much power Web 2.0 and social networks gives users to voice opinions of any kind, no matter how ridiculous, mean spirited, or unhelpful. During the past elections, I read blog comments that were so hurtful and hateful, it took my breath away. But despite those comments, I gained a great deal of valuable, even inspirational information from other bloggers. Unlike Mr. Oppenhiemer’s bomb these new technologies have amazing power for good if used primarily by thoughtful, well-meaning people. And perhaps by allowing anyone, even the vilest among us, to voice his/her thoughts and opinions, Web 2.0 roots those opinions out of the depths of the human heart, brings them to light, and allows them to be called into question rather than going underground.

Thank you again for your thought-provoking comment.

]]> By: Franklin http://www.mindandmedia.com/blog/2008/09/04/why-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-18504 Franklin Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:12:05 +0000 http://inspireaction.mindandmedia.com/2008/09/04/why-facebook/#comment-18504 Respectfully, Marilyn, I have to disagree. Having spent the past 18 years in the computer/internet field I believe that, much like chemotherapy, we will wake up about 5-10 years from now and realize there is very little value in "web 2.0" and "social networks". We will also begin to realize the damage caused by giving everyone a megaphone through which they can shout, rant and rave about whatever is currently on their minds. The internet's inherent lack of discernment, true analysis and discrimination actually mutes the maturing of the individual and feeds the reactionary mechanisms that stifle true growth and sincere contribution to our society. We, in the industry, already feel much like Mr. Oppenheimer when he watched the fireball from the atomic bomb and he said "“I am become death.”" quoting the Bhagavad-Gita. Our society, our culture is on a fast downward slide truly lacking a moral compass. We live in a society completely self-absorbed, scared and insecure. As a result, the masses of every financial strata are desperately attempting to find some "security". Most Americans do not care about their neighbors or fellow Americans. Hiding behind a computer keyboard and posting the rants of a monkey-mind is not a contribution to society. True contribution comes from disciplined focus looking out for the greater good. The last eight years is all one needs to see the outcome of our selfish and manipulative society. Respectfully, Marilyn, I have to disagree. Having spent the past 18 years in the computer/internet field I believe that, much like chemotherapy, we will wake up about 5-10 years from now and realize there is very little value in “web 2.0″ and “social networks”. We will also begin to realize the damage caused by giving everyone a megaphone through which they can shout, rant and rave about whatever is currently on their minds. The internet’s inherent lack of discernment, true analysis and discrimination actually mutes the maturing of the individual and feeds the reactionary mechanisms that stifle true growth and sincere contribution to our society. We, in the industry, already feel much like Mr. Oppenheimer when he watched the fireball from the atomic bomb and he said ““I am become death.”” quoting the Bhagavad-Gita. Our society, our culture is on a fast downward slide truly lacking a moral compass.

We live in a society completely self-absorbed, scared and insecure. As a result, the masses of every financial strata are desperately attempting to find some “security”. Most Americans do not care about their neighbors or fellow Americans. Hiding behind a computer keyboard and posting the rants of a monkey-mind is not a contribution to society. True contribution comes from disciplined focus looking out for the greater good.

The last eight years is all one needs to see the outcome of our selfish and manipulative society.

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