“We define an information ecology to be a system of people, practices, values, and technologies in a particular local environment. In information ecologies, the spotlight is not on technology, but on human activities that are served by technology.”
(Nardi & O’Day, 1999)
Thinking about the internet as an "information ecology" was a perspective that made a lot of sense to me and one I intend looking at more in-depth.
Considering internet technology as an ecology immediately allows for not only the multitudes of uses people find for the internet, but also for the different users themselves. Rather than being active or passive users they become participants, inhabitants of this ecology with varying levels of engagement. The rapid change and fluidity of the internet also fits the pattern of an evolving ecology, constantly developing and adapting.
While communication is vital in this ecology, ultimately it is the information itself that is the vital ingredient. Information will exist in some form or other, the internet enables wider sharing of this information but at the same time can allow for dominance in what information is available. This is the crucial distinction between prioritising information over communication.
Communication relies on available infrastructure at the point of origin and at the point of reception. In a less developed nation or area, communication is slower and more limited than one that is well developed. Infrastructure is something that needs to be dealt with on a local scale.
Information, on the other hand, is molten. It can be presented in whatever form is available to present it in without losing validity, it can also be presented from a physical point far removed from its place of origin and has a potential audience only limited by its method of presentation.
In a balanced information ecology it is possible for those in a position to share the most information to take on a role of ensuring that reliable information is also available from those who are less able to contribute information freely.
Considering internet technology as an ecology immediately allows for not only the multitudes of uses people find for the internet, but also for the different users themselves. Rather than being active or passive users they become participants, inhabitants of this ecology with varying levels of engagement. The rapid change and fluidity of the internet also fits the pattern of an evolving ecology, constantly developing and adapting.
While communication is vital in this ecology, ultimately it is the information itself that is the vital ingredient. Information will exist in some form or other, the internet enables wider sharing of this information but at the same time can allow for dominance in what information is available. This is the crucial distinction between prioritising information over communication.
Communication relies on available infrastructure at the point of origin and at the point of reception. In a less developed nation or area, communication is slower and more limited than one that is well developed. Infrastructure is something that needs to be dealt with on a local scale.
Information, on the other hand, is molten. It can be presented in whatever form is available to present it in without losing validity, it can also be presented from a physical point far removed from its place of origin and has a potential audience only limited by its method of presentation.
In a balanced information ecology it is possible for those in a position to share the most information to take on a role of ensuring that reliable information is also available from those who are less able to contribute information freely.
