After reading Connected, I wasn't exactly sure what to take away from it. However, there was a specific part I remember reading that caught my attention. I believe it was when Shoviro was comparing the structure of a network to a heroin addiction. One quote that made me think about the service of networking in a different light was when Shaviro was explaining Burroughs "basic formula" of addiction in comparison with "self regulating networks".
"The addict has no choice; she or he will do anything to satisfy total need'...total need guarantees total participation; and total participation means total subjection" (p. 11).
What I took away from this quote/idea was the fact that Networks constantly have to update it's self in order to be considered "maintained", or at least in order to keep people interested. It may start with a foundation that is suitable, but just like a heroin addict "the drug doesn't get you high any longer" therefore you have to inject a larger dose to be up to par.
I'm not completely sure if that's what he wants us to take away from that analogy, but it definitely got me thinking differently about how networks work. It constantly has to keep people engaged and motivate them to "value the bits of information" it presents.
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2 comments:
This idea makes a lot of sense, but I think it could be related to anything, Shaviro relates being an addict to a network. An addict can be related to anything good or bad. Once you become interested in something you aren't getting as much satisfaction from it as you would if you diversified your time.
If someone spends all of their time playing tennis, for example, they might be addicted to it. Although there is nothing wrong with playing tennis all of the time, more satisfaction will be received if you play tennis and do other things.
An addict is so addicted to doing a particular thing that complete satisfaction will never be attained. One must not be addicted to anything because the addicting act is so normal that you don't get anything out of it.
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