Gretchen+has+Digital+Citizenship

In Chapter 7, Getting wired: War, Commerce, and the nation- state, the author addresses several arenas- one regarding network society. In this section the Manuel Castell regards two forms of power that contribute to the rise of the network city- network and self. For the network, Castell sees a rise in globalization, rejection of society flows, and a rise in global criminality as to society flows. He quotes, “power does not lie any more along the barrel of a gun but lies, instead, in the editing programs of the television networks’ computers” (189). For self, he regards the rise of network society to a reassertion of identity. He states that people have become involved in the digital arena because there is little choice. Moreover, Castell mentions that technology and society are inseparable yet, as society’s different relationship to the concept of technology will indicate different relationships to the concept of itself as a society (189).



In that regard, a local news station WSB-TV has teamed up with the community in an attempt to maintain the amount of power that technology has in our lives. They have reported many stories that reflect the dangers of technology. They have made a commitment to educate our youth and their families about the benefits, challenges, and laws that are directly related to “social media and your kids.” They discuss the direct consequences of intentional, as well as, unintentional risky behaviors of those that are involved the ‘digital generation’. They report that 90% of youth are utilizing social media. They also mention disturbing and dangerous outcomes of being digital users such as cyber bullying, sexting, online hacking, etc.

In an attempt to maintain control of self and network as Castell mentioned, this news station has made blog and a Social Media Pledge where community members to pledge to each other to talk to each other weekly about their social media activity.

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