"Network is the Message"

With Castells idea that the "Network is the Message," he is implying that the network, or channel, through which a message is passed can greatly influence the meaning and implication of the message. With the rise of the Internet, individuals were able to communicate at a rapid pace and with several people at one time, which allowed for messages to be communicated quicker and to a great number of individuals. This created an entirely new environment for social interaction, as well as new mediums for messages to be sent. Case and point, blogging.

discussion questions

1. How did people become to trust the Internet as an objective and reliable source so willingly since Castells describes the Internet as being up to the reader to “filter, interpret and use according to his or her own context”? 2. What did the creators of ARPANET initially intend to accomplish with their idea of “changing the world through computer communication”? 3. How does the cyber-communication dynamic change for someone who is a hacker?

say what?

My name is Kara, and this is my blog. I've always assumed Blogs to be a more 'mature' version of the Xanga, which was always (and maybe still is?) used to express gossip and teen angst in middle school, and is probably why I've tended to stray away from them.

So I've never been much of a blogger, really, but the word reminds me of the fantastic game, Frogger, that I used to play as a kiddo. But, then again, I've never really been much of a 'gamer' either. I suppose I've got time to expand my technological hobbies. And I will.

I currently go to school at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Advertising & Public Relations and International Film. "Well, what do you plan on doing once you graduate?" is what I've heard several thousand times when announcing my choice in majors, as I'm sure is similar to other fine arts and communication majors. I still haven't come up with an answer that doesn't prompt another series of questions about what I plan on doing on what little income I will be making, so I'm working on that. Though, "I don't really care" would probably suffice.  

But ultimately, I would love to do something with writing movies, or television. Or possibly doing entertainment marketing. I love how thought provoking film and television can be. I don't think people realize enough how much it affects everything about us.

I am originally from a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, where I lived with my parents, my twin brother Kevin and 16-year old brother Mark. I have a great group of friends that I love seeing when I go home.