In Web 2.0 - the ‘me’ becomes ‘we’.
Web 2.0 took center stage when Microsoft launched its Internet Explorer 7.0 at the end of 2005. Ever since online social networks have flourished (O'Reilly, 2005). Web 2.0 has enabled the individual to collaborate, contribute, and commune as a networked individual on the Internet. Individuals engulf in new virtual relationships and extend their network across borders (Foth, et.al, 2009).
Online groups enhance innovation, dissemination and mobilize others (weak ties) for civic engagement. Conversely, individuals or groups that are not reaching out to online intermediated tools are potentially limiting themselves. They limit their opportunities to benefit from the online network. It bears significance to note that online networks are not the same as social networks. Online networks took center stage between the 19th – 20th century. By contrast, social networks have been around since humankind.
Users of the online network increase exponentially with the amount of individuals joining it. Participants and contributors have changed over time. Some of these aspects are determined by:
1. the attractiveness of the network
2. the benefits, values and beliefs of the people in it
3. the positions of the people in it (Foth, et.al, 2009)
And all these contribute to the phenomenon that mobilize the collectives, as Cook (2010) noted. That being said, all social networks aim to attract the ‘me’ to convert to ‘we’ to commune and further expand the network, whether it is on- or offline.
References:
Foth, M. Gibbs, M. & Satchell, C. 2009. ‘From Social Butterfly to Urban Citizen’, HCSNet Workshop. QUT Creative Industries Precinct, Brisbane, Queensland.
O'Reilly, T. 2005. What is Web 2.0 [Online]. O'Reilly Network. Available: http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html [Accessed 11 September 2010].
Cook, J. 2010. Week 9: lecture at the University of Sydney, 22 September 2010, 2 hours
Watts, D. J. 2003. Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age, London, Vintage Books.
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