Globalized Networks Post

     After reading the article by Manuel Castells, I think it is very striking as to how much power these networks have.  Castells writes, “But power does not reside in institutions, not even in the state or in large corporations.  It is located in the networks that structure society” (224).  Does this mean that many people are using these networks without any knowledge of what actually has the power over them?  I think a lot of people simply use the networks now because they are so accustomed to using them now and it is part of their daily routine and they don’t care or even think about the power these networks have.  I also feel that it is actually pretty frightening to think that there needs to be some sort of alternate network created in order to take control.  Castells said, “This is why to counter networks of power and their connections, alternative networks need to be introduced:  networks that disrupt certain connections and establish new ones…Networks versus networks” (224).  I mean do we really have any control over what is going on with these networks.  The phrase networks versus networks make it appear like we don’t have much influence on what is happening, and that we are putting our trust in these powerful networks.  For the most party, I don’t think people care too much about this until they know they are going to be affected negatively in some way.  Until then, everyone will continue to use these networks normally in their everyday activities.

     As for the globalization of these networks, I think that it is unfortunate that not everyone in the world has the access to these social networks and new ways to communicate with others.  However, as we have discussed in class, I think there are other things in the world more important than making sure every single person or household has access to these networks and technologies.  I’m really not sure where I stand on the issue of globalization and whether it is good or bad.  I believe that has a lot to do with what people think is important in life.  With how advanced several countries are in the world and how we “live in a network society now,” I wonder if globalization is inevitable.