Over two decades ago, the ability to connect to a network was beyond imagining. The mere notion that ‘what I write here can be seen there instantly’ was a dream. Now, globalisation is ever increasing and as a result, the internet is paramount to our lives with endless opportunities for creation, innovation and customisation. We now have devices that multi-task and platforms that enable instantaneous sharing and interaction.
This freedom, like all freedoms however, comes with a price. It comes with constraints and rules – Walls – if you like. These hypothetical walls can be found on media platforms as they keep records of all data and demand that individuals ‘join’, create a password and give explanations for leaving. Even devices now are unable to be let’s say ‘fiddled with’. Examples such as APPLE and AMAZON create coded products that cannot be used in conjunction with other devices. IPads, IPods, E-Readers are all updated and come with terms of use and policies that one must agree to before use. This virtual leash placed on devices is referred to as ‘tethering’.
According to Zittrain (2008), this is bad. This is so bad in fact that he believes we are being turned back into an audience again. A passive entity restricted to the absorption of and reaction to media information.
But you see, I remember a time when I would use a search engine to look up ‘Frogs’ and I would be bombarded with (rather odd) porn and other such material I had no use for. I also remember having to type an HTML directly into the browser before search engines were able to sift through databases based on a word search.
Corporations are placing fences around the internet as a means of centralising information (and gaining further profits). While they are essentially limiting freedom, they are also making information easier to access. Kind of like a feudal society where there is a lord of the manor and all peasants are under his protection in return for their loyalty (and money).
Look at it this way: Without any sort of restriction aren’t we just drifting through an endless sea of potential rubbish without a boat to carry us? Couldn’t this freedom we so crave also lean towards an uncontrollable anarchy? Couldn’t that freedom be devastating?
Even if these corporations are seeking to further their profits, isn’t it better the devil you know…?
Zittrain, J. 2008, ‘Tethered Appliances, Software as Service, and Perfect Enforcement’, The Future of the Internet and How to Stop it, Yale University Press, New Haven, pp.101-126.
Pre-cooked Thinking 