It is often said that each social media
outlet has its own semi-sphere - a place in which people have the ability to
publish their opinions and rationalize with others amongst discussions within
these ‘spheres’.
German philosopher, Jürgen Habermas
proposed “the notion of the ‘public sphere’, where citizens are able to
rationally discuss and debate in a social, mediating environment.” (Sheehan,
2009, p.36)
So what is a blogosphere? A space on the
Internet that people can write opinions and thoughts? Discuss and debate
rationally? From my experience it is just that. A place people come to voice
opinions and hear others opinions, somewhere to mediate.
I have had the chance to voice my opinions
on topics that others have extremely differing ones to myself, however everyone
can be heard. It is a place in which “allows users to interact with and share,
distribute, organize, and manage the content they themselves create and the
content created by others.” (Barlow, 2011, p.109)
Reference:
Barlow, A, Leston, R, 2011, Beyond the Blogosphere: Information and its
children, Praeger, United States of America.
Sheehan, M, Xavier, R, 2009, Public Relations Campaigns, Oxford
University Press, Melbourne.
great straight forward piece on the topic. maybe consider whether all blogging is healthy? is it addictive? but i agree with your quote that the blogosphere is a another way to contribute to the public sphere. nice job!
ReplyDeleteA very well written and direct piece. I like the way you define the public sphere and then draw its similarities to the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteThe way you have written about the way we can create content and comment on the content that others have created, has shown in a way the flows of information during globalisation that we have spoken about in previous weeks.
The quote you have borrowed from Barlow is perfect to define the blogosphere, very cleverly chosen on your behalf.
Perhaps the notion of participatory journalists would fit in this discussion too, but that’s just me! Good work.