This reading from Pramod K. Nayar, called “Reading” Cybercultures attempts to depict a world of rapidly developing social spheres within the information superhighway, or as he calls them, cybercultures. Technological advancements have infused a part of an individual’s identity.
Technology, in other words, is not merely an effect or cause of culture but is both: it determines and is determined by the culture in which it develops.
The Internet has linked certain parts of society in some respects and created an even larger divide in others. A link has been created largely due to globalization, which has created what Nayar calls an “Information Society”. Technology can connect far away parts of the world instantly, and thus, an American citizen can see what is going on in Libya just as fast as a human can upload a video to YouTube.
But this brings up the issue of a Digital Divide. While technology can connect humanity, it also highlights the socio-economic disparity that occurs with the availability of technology. This divide occurs globally, between countries, socially, between classes within society, and democratically, referencing the nature of internet use among users.
The sub-section that stuck out to me was on E-Governance. Nayar explains that proponents of digital democracy say that the internet can “enhance civic participation, communications between citizens and the state, and the state’s responses to society.” Generally, the internet is an invaluable tool in a modern America, where politics are often not taken seriously by the public and there is sometimes a sense of distrust between the people and their government.
This summer I interned under Mayor Chuck Reed as a policy analyst. Mayor Reed is one such proponent of E-Governance. On his website Mayor Reed posts nearly every form, memo, speech, fiscal document, and council agenda and meeting minutes that have been released or occurred under his mayorship. He believes that transparency and a easy to navigate website are the first steps to giving the public the opportunity to become more civically engaged.
He is completely right. Mayor Reed recognizes though that transparency is only the beginning. The digital divide still plays a factor in the City of San Jose. Not everyone has access to the internet on a regular basis. Many residents of San Jose rely on the library system for their access to information.
While the divide has lessened in recent years, there is still a long way to go before technology becomes an equal opportunity. Nayar points out the difficulties and risks of the expanding cyber culture. This is something we all should be more conscious of.