Importance of Oct 20, 2009 Lecture

This lecture was important because it emphasized society's need for networks. We learned that networks matter because they are the underlining structure of our lives. Throughout the lecture, we analysed the readings and found supporting points for networks structuring our lives. The question of networks being a positive or negative aspect arose, which I found to be very interesting. We discussed how networks have no borders or boundaries since it is expanded on a global scale. This becomes an important thing to look at when analyzing the power associated with networks. As the networks switch, the power shifts as well. Another important question that was raised in the lecture was "does technology determine society?" This was an important question that was addressed and looked at from the different points of view. The author of an article we read wished to reject technological determinism, which was a major point both in the reading and in the lecture. Overall, the lecture was an important one because it went through the readings, analyzing them and making them a lot clearer while emphasizing the major points about networks.