On community and conversation

[ambitious_wench]

What changes in language are being enforced by new technologies and
what is being gained and lost by such changes? We have to be careful
in considering how words are being changed. Consider, for example,
how the words 'community' and 'conversation' are now employed by
Internet-users. To me, e-mail is not a conversation; it is two people
typing messages to each other. Likewise, 'community' on the Internet
has exactly the opposite of the usual meaning -- a community not of
people of shared interests but people of different interests who have
to negotiate with each others' interests to achieve harmony.
--Neil Postman, American social critic and writer, _The Guardian_,
December 5, 1998

Comments

Postman

[malloc1024.livejournal.com]

I'm actually sort of a fan of Neil Postman. I was introduced to his work by the Roger Waters solo album Amused to Death. I think it was influenced by it or something. Anyway, I recommend reading his books for a different view on the profileration of Technology.

[djfiggy.livejournal.com]

One of my course kit readings in Uni was by Postman, actually. And as soon as I noticed the reference to amusing ourselves to death, I made the connection.