Just watched the Anthropology of YouTube today – interesting stuff:
As technology progresses, the media will continue to mediate human relationships.
The most common type of YouTube video is home videos – think Charlie Bit Me – how many times was that replicated? (at least 4,000 times according to a YouTube search…)
- Soulja boy is another prime example – within a year, what began as a home video spread like wildfire and resulted in the signing of a major record label, seven weeks in the top 100 and Grammy nomination
It’s all about the user generated content.
Why?
- loss of communities
- disconnection – technology has separated us
- networked individualism – we’re more independent, but we crave community
- with the increasing commercialization and overabundance, we crave authenticity
People are using YouTube to connect with each other.
- Honesty – people are more honest than ever – although posted videos reach millions of people, because the audience isn’t front and center and an immediate reaction isn’t present, we are being more honest than ever
- Connection without commitment
- Back to basics
- Using technology to show we stand for the same thing. We aren’t amoral. We have values. Breaking boundaries.
Where is the internet going?
Then: pale blue dot (Earth)
Now: little glass dot (webcam)
Here’s my prediction:
society's future
I believe we’re at the tipping point – everything with Web 2.0 came in a rush and everyone jumped on for the crazy ride – now the honeymoon stage is at the end and the novelty is wearing off. By no means do I think Web 2.0 is going to die – not at all, we’re just in the beginning; however, we’re about to turn another chapter in the crazy story we call Web 2.0…as for what’s next? Well, that’s the million dollar question…
