Web 2.0

This week we were asked to watch a YouTube video entitled “The Machine is Us/ing Us.” It was created by Michael Wesch, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Kansas State University. He made it to demonstrate how the Web has become such a key part of our lives. I think the reason Professor Wesch entitled the video as he did was to prove that we, as individuals, are able to make the Web whatever we want it to be; we have complete control over it. At the same time, however, it has taken control over us. As a world, we rely on the Internet more than we ever have before. We can communicate with others, share photographs, watch stocks, find breaking news and grocery shop all at the same time.

Because the internet is such a big part of the business world now, people ready to go into the workforce need to be able to understand the basic concepts of communicating and navigating their way through the internet.The Web can be a great way for individuals to find job openings as well as a place to post their resumes for employers to see. Likewise, for people that are already in the workforce, the Internet is a great tool. It enables people from all over the world to be connected (allowing for rapid communication). The Web has allowed those in the workforce to collaborate, buy, sell, exchange, and advertise efficiently, as well as effectively.

Toward the end of the video, Professor Wesch put in a kind of disclaimer about how we might have to “rethink” some things that are put on the Web. I think he was trying to say that although the Web is a great invention, at the same time, some of the greatest ideas have also turned into some of the worst. Sites like Facebook, YouTube and MySpace were created as a means for people to communicate, share, and make each other laugh. But unfortunately, these websites have also turned into means for stalking, bulling, pornography and harassment.