Information & Networks

       The network law I most agree with is Reed's Law. Reed argues that larger networks, especially social networks, can grow exponentially with the size of the network. This law, compared to Sarnoff's and Metcalfe's grows much more rapidly that the others. This argument, in my opinion, seems much more inclusive when considering how many groups and subgroups are involved in one network. Reed expresses that the value of a network strengthens with the number of groups or people it supports. Like with Metcalfe's law, we still don't get a very specific definition of the term value, but Reed's argument is that there is no truly effective way to measure value. Like other networks, internet can not always be measured by a form of transactions, number of messages, or even number of people. Reed is saying value can only be measured by the number of groups it supports. Reed is telling us that size does matter. People can only be meaningfully and properly involved in a certain number of groups. After so many groups, users can not be involved to the point where interconnection and unity with the network still is present. To me, value is what grows when there is power from social groups, and that power is in the numbers. His biggest argument that makes this law stand out to me is that he takes notice of what comes from network and group affiliations. When we connect to a network we are connecting to a group of other people. And from that we encourage others to join and we form new groups from what is simply network affiliation. This law is the perfect equation that expresses how things can simply just go viral. Examples viral messages include "Alex from Target" and the "Ice Bucket Challenge."

       In five years, I feel as though people will get their information by primarily using their mobile devices to "Google" topics they need a better understanding of, in just a casual way. Most millennials are already doing this today and I believe that this will only continue into other age groups as well. When reviewing the TED Talk we watched in class, it is very evident that we are letting technology "take us places." The example was used of texting and emailing during meetings, family meals, funerals, etc. We are allowing technology to let us escape from reality. Information is already out there on so many online data bases and I can see that continuing to grow as well. I can see text books starting to be more common online as well as common household items like recipe books, family photo books, church and work directories, etc. I went to Asheville last weekend and the cabin we stayed in did not have wifi and my cell phone did not have much service. I began to get frustrated with my cell phone as if it wasn't doing its job sufficiently enough, instead of setting it aside as a blessing and experiencing time with family and friends. We are creating an addiction that is just as real as physical ones.