Web 2.0

After watching the assigned video, Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us, I took some time to investigate exactly what Web 2.0 is. After doing a few Google searches, I found a couple of sources that helped increase my understanding on the matter.

I found a video, entitled Tim O'Reilly on What is Web 2.0, in which Tim O'Reilly gave his personal definition of what Web 2.0 is. In the video, when asked to define Web 2.0, O'Reilly replies, “Web 2.0 is the understanding that the network is the platform and on the network as the platform, the rules for business are different. And the cardinal rule is this one: users add value. And figuring out how to build databases that get better the more people use them is actually the secret sauce of every Web 2.0 company.”

I found another definition at inetasia.com, which described Web 2.0 as follows:

" There is no simple definition for Web 2.0. Broadly put, it is a paradigm shift in the way the Internet is used. Web 2.0 involves a more open approach to the Internet, in particular user-generated content, Blogs, Podcasts, social media, review sites, Wikipedia, etc. "

What does the title of the video mean?

Based on the assigned video and the other sources I found, I feel I have a better understanding of what the video title means. The title, "Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us" exemplifies the increase in web content that has been generated by users as the internet continues to advance. As internet users, each and every one of us has the ability to create a blog, upload pictures, videos, and audio recordings, and add text to a variety of websites. Popular sites such as Wikipedia, for example, allow users to create and edit articles. I'm fairly confident that, despite the fact that Wikipedia's content is a combination of many people's additions (credible or not), more people go to Wikipedia to obtain information than to other online encyclopedias that do not allow users to create and edit information. Wikipedia is just one example of a Web 2.0 company that has revolutionized the internet. Another example of a Web 2.0 company is Amazon. For each product, consumers have the opportunity to write reviews. In addition, at the bottom of the page for each product, Amazon provides a list of other products you might be interested in based on the item you're looking at. In a way, "the machine is us" because user-generated content on the web is at an all time high. Additional, "the machine is using us" because advances in technology have made it possible for the web to track what people are clicking and when, thus providing "the machine" (and advertisers) to carefully position ads and recommendations in spots where people will be most likely to follow their guidance.


Web 2.0 and the Workforce

In terms of Web 2.0 affecting the workforce, people need to keep in mind that most of what they post on the web is accessible to employers. For people who are ready to enter the workforce, they must be mindful of the sorts of information they have posted that could hurt their chances of receiving a position. Many employers have gone to checking the Facebook profiles of their applicants before deciding to offer them a position at their firm. On the other hand, information posted by others can be helpful to those seeking employment. They may be able to find valuable advice online from others who have been successful at procuring a job. For those who are already in the workforce, it is still wise to be cautious what sorts of things you post online. However, there is a wealth of information on the web from people across the globe that can save workers time and money when used correctly. Searching online to find ideas and solutions to problems can often be helpful and increase efficiency. After all, there's no reason to invent the wheel more than once!


What does it mean when they say we will have to rethink everything?

The video presents a list of things that we will "have to rethink". The list includes: copyright, authorship, identity, ethics, aesthetics, rhetorics, governance, privacy, commerce, love, family, and lastly, ourselves. I believe this means that the evolution of the internet has revolutionized the way almost everything is working. With the ability for anyone to post anything they want, the opportunities to steal ideas and to plagiarize are plentiful. So, systems need to be set up to help recognize the origins of various thoughts. Things like privacy and identity (i.e. identity theft) have become an issue with the current state of the internet. Even love is something people are using the internet to find. The internet has revolutionized the way people interact with each other.


As the video said, "Web 2.0 is linking people...People sharing, trading, and collaborating..." With the internet the way it, sharing ideas, pictures, videos, etc. has never been easier!