Dangers of Web 2.0 - Essay Example

Web 2.0 takes the World Wide Web and turns it into an information sharing platform that is no longer static. Users are now able to share and contribute to the Web, but with this evolution come problems. Two respected individuals in the technology community, Jaron Lanier and Andrew Keen state their views on Web 2.0 and its effect on society. Jaron Lanier’s article, “Beware the Online Collective”, is afraid that people will lose their individuality by joining online groups and becoming more like the group (Roen, Glau, & Maid, 2009). Andrew Keen’s interview with Jeffery Brown of PBS gives an idea of what his new book “The Cult of the Amateur: How Today’s Internet is Killing our Culture” is about. Keen is concerned that the Internet is not providing reliable information. In comparing Jaron Lanier and Andrew Keen’s views’ on web 2.0, one finds that they have some similar views, but also different views on how the Internet is evolving and how it should be used. Keen’s views on the loss of reliable information are a greater concern than Lanier’s views, because of his perspective on providing accurate information, fact checking and loss of other peoples perspectives. Introduction: Your introduction is good as it highlights the main arguments of Keen and Lanier. Your thesis is also clear. It depicts that you have taken sides with Keen’s views and this is evident through out your argument. Many people today rely on the Internet as their news and information source so accurate information is extremely important. Unfortunately unreliable content, written by someone who claims to be an expert is found everywhere on the web. Keen states that traditional media has its place and should not be replaced with the Internet. He argues that traditional media had gatekeepers. Gatekeepers would check facts before going to print or on the air (Keen, 2007). Lanier states that people are able to go on to the web and develop and build websites or go to websites and be creative. He thinks that by doing this it “can lead to divisiveness that people end up caring more about clan membership than truth after a while” (Roen, Glau, & Maid, 2009). (When presenting similar views from different authors, it is noteworthy to use words such a “in the same way”, “similarly”, among others. On the other hand, when comparing different views, it is important to use words such as “on the other hand”, “in contrast”, “conversely” among others). Yes people can express themselves and reach millions of people, but if their content is not reliable, and they create a professional looking website then people may believe the information on the website to be true. Without having someone check the facts that are stated on these sites, then millions of people could potentially follow poor advice (This sentence requires more details). An example of this is in medicine. (Rephrase this sentence so as to link up with the next sentence) If you do a Google search with a symptom or diagnosis you will find thousands of sites dedicated to educating the public. Many of these sites are published by legitimate sources with accurate information. Unfortunately there are several sites that’s only purpose is to sell supplements or advertisements for income. The information on these sites has not been fact checked or monitored. This causes people to purchase supplements or take poor advice when they should be going to a traditional doctor. Recently ABC News reported a story with this same issue. They stated that there are more websites with false information than accurate (Emery, 2011). (Elaborate more on this). Popular search engines are also not putting the reliable or government sponsored site at the top of the search. Some of this reasoning is because the illegal sites are better at making their sites search engine friendly, whereas the government is providing an accurate website, but with no marketing behind it (Emery, 2011). Body Paragraph #1: This paragraph is good. You presented Keen’s preference for traditional media over the internet as a way of ascertaining lack of reliability on internet sources. I like the way you link up this arguments to that of Lanier and elaborate it using the medical example. However, you could break up this paragraph into two so that you could you provide adequate details to link up your example not just to the authors’ view, but also to your thesis as well. When people search the web they tend to find sites that have similar views as themselves. They may not explore a site that they do not agree with; very easily they can do another search and find what they are looking for. Keen states that people tend to go to sites that have similar views or opinions as themselves. By gaining information from traditional media sources they are exposed to many “different political and socioeconomic and cultural identities” (Keen, 2007). Lanier also agrees with Keen that as Web 2.0 has progressed people have lost their individuality and joined more collective or community web sites(Rephrase this sentence so as to eliminate the similarity with the sentence in the first paragraph about Keen’s views ). Lanier does not like that “People tend to loose themselves in group think” (Roen, Glau, & Maid, 2009). On this issue Keen and Lanier have similar thoughts on problems with Web 2.0. It is important for people to listen and hear multiple sides of an issue. A person should explore other theories or thoughts. Many times they find similarities or they may even agree with the other side’s arguments if they listen to their thoughts behind their ideas (Link this sentence to your thesis before supporting it with an example). An example of this is a political campaign. Many people in our society are Republican or Democrats because that is what their family’s political affiliation has been. They have not taken the time to listen to the other political party’s thoughts on the issues and where they stand. Many times when someone from the other party is giving a speech, they won’t listen to them. More than likely a republican is not going to go to a democrat’s website to educate themselves on their side of the issue. It is important to find out the views of both political affiliations, one may find they agree more with the other party or even learn more about the issue itself. Body Paragraph #2: You have to ensure that the ideas in the preceding paragraph should relate to the idea in the proceeding paragraph so as to enhance your prose. I like the way you link up the argument in this paragraph to the opening sentence. The stated example should however be aimed at clearly depicting how unreliable internet information can be as a result of Web 2.0, as stated in your thesis. In conclusion Web 2.0 is evolving and will continue to evolve. Web users will have to be savvy about searching on the web for information to make sure they are using a reputable site. The issue of people only seeking out content that is similar to their views and not exposing themselves to other views or opinions on the Internet will continue to happen, but is not as damaging as giving invalid medical advice(This sentence could perfectly fit in the second paragraph rather than in the conclusion). Keen’s concern of unreliable information on the Internet is a real and growing issue that the web will continue to have unless a third party steps in to monitor the web and its content, which as of right now is unlikely to happen (Keen, 2007). Lanier is also concerned is that people are loosing their personal identity and join a collective on the internet (Roen, Glau, & Maid, 2009). Together they have valid concerns and good points about Web 2.0 and its evolution; it is still the harm that can be done with invalid information that poses the greater risk to Internet users. Conclusion: Your conclusion is good. However, you could make it more precise and ensure that you clearly capture your thesis. Therefore, you could shorten this last paragraph, ensuring that you wrap up the main arguments of both Lanier and Keen. Also, since your thesis tends to be inclined towards Keen’s side, you could demonstrate this in the conclusion. References Emery, G. (2011, August 8). Web Sites Provide Wrong Information. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from ABCNews.Go.Com: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117290&page=1#.UACI65E8Ulo Keen, A. (2007, September 17). New Book Looks at the Internets Impact on American Life. (J. Brown, Interviewer) Roen, D., Glau, G. R., & Maid, B. M. (2009). The McGraw-Hill Guide Writing for College, Writing for Life. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Read More