I found the subject matter of Gormley’s documentary interesting, though not new to me. I think many young people have engaged in not just social media, but other areas of the internet where people contribute similar to what is shown in the film. Even just today i was browsing Reddit, and found a page where people can post their own stories and experiences on vets and pet care and learn from each other. These build able communities where people contribute and receive something real in return is the most powerful an rewarding part of the internet. More so than networking and consumption of media. 

It was talked about in the Hinton reading that consumers and producers aren’t so separate anymore. I find this empowering, particularly as a media student. In the last two semesters of the networked/ integrated media line, we have been taught that we should not simply be consumers of content. The real excitement and purpose is in creating it, And in the invention of smartphones and other readily accessible technologies this has become possible. But the internet plays the most crucial role of all in this activity. The sharing of what we have created. Sharing our own creations, ideas, experiences and opinions online is so important, because it contributes to a wider collection of knowledge and media that others can benefit from. Being an active member of the online community is so rewarding, and only once you are active do you realise the power and potential this system has. As said in the documentary, the cost for you to contribute to this system is insignificant compared to the benefit you get from it. It’s like the idea that if everyone in the world donated one cent to me, i would be a multi-millionaire. This is a huge outcome, but one cent is so insignificant that people wouldn’t even think twice about giving it away. When people share small amounts together, they culminate in larger things.

An example of one of these larger things is Wikipedia. Though it has low academic reputation, it is easily one of the most reliable sources of information in the world. people contribute what little they know, and thousands of other people check and recheck and source and clarify constantly. The information is most up to date and accurate, not because one really intelligent worldly person is making it, but because hundreds of thousands of people are building it and improving it all the time. In this way, the argument of politics comes in. How this system could be beneficial. The documentary states that taking your lead from 30000 people is a good way of ensuring one person isn’t going to make a catastrophic mistake. The small minority of people in power can not speak for the masses as accurately as the masses can, and this is possible as shown through these online structures. In this modern world, we are able to make these changes to allow the wants and needs of the many to be heard accurately, directly from them.

Something else relevant which was covered in the reading is the idea of citizen journalism. I believe the concept of citizen journalism is fantastic. Relying on wealthy media outlets for all of our news can be dangerous, as they may be biased and in the case of last years election, may be biased toward a particular politician. It is no secret that Rupert Murodch’s outlets were favouring Tony Abbott and the Liberal party, which obviously affected the outcome, particularly in the case of older voters who trust old media more than the youth. In this way, it can be dangerous and misleading to take information at face value from a few single sources. If 30000 people were reporting on it however, people may have a better idea of the situation. Especially 30000 average people who report because they want to and because they have opinions, not because they are being paid to.

Of course there are difficulties and flaws with these theories. They ma be difficult to implement and control, however, this is the direction we are heading in as a society. The internet is still new and unknown. We are still discovering the possibilities and capacity of it, and we should be actively exploring it, lest we be left behind.

We Are Legion documentary

How does this documentary alter your understanding of Internet?

It shows how powerful people can be over the internet. They don’t have to meet in person or have physical protests to wreak havoc on large organisations. It illustrates how interconnected things are online, and how a small group of individuals can make big changes. In a space where money, geography and social influence does not matter, individuals can elevate themselves as long as they have knowledge of the internet and its workings.

How is social media used to create a community of people who share a similar interest and politics?

People can conveniently connect with people over a wide range of things. Boards and groups on the internet, and thus, have no shelf space. There are groups dedicated to any topic and any conversation, and everyone can find their place. They can easily communicate because of this and communities can form quickly and become strong without ever needing to meet or leave their house.

What ideas does this documentary raise in regards to designing an event that asks people to participate and become part of a community?

People will become very involved and jump in on group mentalities if they find something they are interested and passionate about. To gather people and have a successful event, people need to connect the event to something they are passionate about. Also, members should be treated as equals and feel that they are making an impact through their involvement. This is the core of mob mentalities, that through their group activities, they are contributing and making a difference. People are more likely to participate and enjoy doing so if they feel involved in something they are passionate about.