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Technology and Community

By James Goldsmith

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Sociologists, philosophers and theorists have long debated theories of community. The theorist Tonnies argued in the late 1800's that there are two types of community 'Gesellschaft' and 'Gemeinshaft'.

Gemeinschaft communities were communities based upon local geography. These had rigid social norms and rules for behavior, usually structure by religion. Social mobility, class and identity were prescribed by the community and social background. Access to knowledge, education and greater experience were all limited. People's psychology and identity were formed by locating yourself within a small community. This type of community was more prevalent before the industrial revolution.

Gesellschaft communities typify the modern living arrangements, were people no longer see themselves in terms of their family and geographical ties. People opt. in and out of social groups and live a more atomized, secular existence.

Changes in technology and the internet have made pseudo-communities possible, in which, time and geography and no longer so important. Online communities and formed along the lines of interest groups, user groups, forums and social networking sites.

There are various theories about how our collective consciousness is developing. People are now starting to question traditional ideas of intellectual property and the originality of ideas. The two terms that seem to sum-up the twenty first century experience are 'sharing' and 'collaboration'. Internationalized companies are now distributed across several continents. The common identity is the logo or brand identity. The 'Open source' movement is challenging the way that software and intellectual property rights have been.

The great historical philosopher Hegel argued that there was a 'geist' at work, or a world mind. The collective thoughts of humanity were historically and dialectically, working themselves out and 'progressing'.

The speed at which ideas transmit themselves across the world is increasing exponentially. Traditional media models are being challenged in favor of a democratic; internet based one, in which common people contribute. Although it can be argued that certain companies have allowed certain restrictions in certain countries.

There is a dark side to the internet which has allowed the less acceptable sections of society scope to communicate, group and share. There will always be a difficult ethical dilemma in terms of censorship and individual liberty.

It can also be argued that although the volume of information has increased, the quality has not. It is becoming increasingly difficult to claim originality and to trust sources of information.

Whatever happens in the future, it is certain that technology is only going to increase our thirst and desire for communication and knowledge.

The author is a keen technologist and writes about a number of social and technical subjects. http://vondix.com/

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