The unbridled advance into the arms of technological dependence may prove to be the swansong of our society. In hindsight, we realize that, while we were enjoying and exploring our newfound freedoms within the digital dimensions, nefarious corporations, special interest groups and power-crazed government agencies were sowing the seeds of what Chris Gilliard describes in Pedagogy and the Logic of Platforms as “Web 2.0”. We can safely assume that many of the figureheads who would have us believe we missed our chance to alter course, thereby leaving us no choice but to accept the status quo, hope to secure their vested interests by keeping things as they are. The mind-boggling naivety observed in people with an alarming need to be on their phones or other ‘smart’ devices, is only surpassed by the sheer indifference they exhibit now that the suspicions many have had regarding the use and distribution of our private data have been confirmed.
The Digital Humanities Manifesto captures the spirit of all who refuse to follow the flock toward the dystopian future we often read about or see depicted in books and movies. In our acceptance of terms and conditions, we may be exchanging any semblance of privacy and autonomy in our digital excursions for what few perceived conveniences the major named devices, applications and services have to offer. As Gilliard states, “[To save the web] means more clearly defining and empowering the notion of consent. Most of all, it means envisioning, with students, new ways to exist online.” I am excited to participate in the development of a community whose resources are made available to anyone seeking to further their own knowledge or help others looking to do the same. I believe it is possible to stake a claim in the digital realm where we cannot be surveilled and stifled in these and other endeavors we decide to partake and I am excited to help in any way I can.
Mike, I ‘m also into taking back the internet and eradicating the massive amounts of surveillance that currently tracks our every move. But where do we even begin to do this? And do you think new generations will be on board with gaining new technological literacy in order to “stake their claim” as you say- or do you think we’ve become so compliant/reliant on companies being the creators and innovators that it will be hard to get young folks to see the possibilities of transforming an internet that they’ve always known?
“Most of all, it means envisioning, with students, new ways to exist online.” This was my favorite part of the article and your post, and it is up to us to think of this “New way”