Blog Post 5- Networked Individualism

In today's world, the internet has enabled people to connect in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. This has given rise to a new social phenomenon known as networked individualism. 

 

Networked individualism refers to the idea that people are connected through a network of relationships, rather than being tied to a particular group or community. Individuals are no longer defined by their membership in a particular group or community, but rather by their connections with others. This means that individuals can connect with people who share their interests, regardless of their geographic location. The video linked below explores what networked individuals are, explaining it further for those of you that are interested. 

One of the key ways that people connect and share information in networked individualism is through social media. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram allow people to connect, share their thoughts and ideas, and form communities around shared interests. 

In a networked world, individuals are constantly connected to others through a variety of devices and platforms. This means that they have access to a wealth of information and resources that can help them achieve their goals. Individuals can also customize their experiences and interactions with others. This means that they can choose to connect with people who share interests or similar ideas to them. Check out this article about the internet in daily life, it more thoroughly explores the idea of the internet connecting people further! 

https://academic.oup.com/book/35088/chapter-abstract/299127482?redirectedFrom=fulltext 

However, networked individualism can also give rise to digital divides, not everyone has access to the same resources or opportunities in a networked world. There are many disparities in access to information especially for people that cannot connect online.  Check out this article about dangerous apps, it will help you understand some negative aspects that come along with individuals being connected through the internet. 

https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/03/14/12-dangerous-apps-experts-warn-parents-look-out/ 

But there are also many positive aspects of being online and connected to people, instead of waiting for someone to get off the internet to use the phone in times of dial-up. We now have connections to people all over the world using our phones that live in our pockets all day long.  Loose personal connections around the world let us explore different perspectives on life in other areas of the world, and find people that think the same as us. 

https://helpfulprofessor.com/social-media-pros-and-cons/ 

Although social media and the internet have allowed us to connect with individuals all over the world many bad aspects have occurred in everyday socialization due to networked individualism. One of which is families growing apart due to online distractions and having ‘others’ to speak too. As well, people use networked individualism as a distraction from in-person connections. These two examples lead me to the main point of this conversation about networked individuals. I believe that online connections can be great in filling a void of similar opinionated conversations. Yet, on the other side of it, using social media to fill in personal voids can create an environment where people do not want to make personal connections in the real world. 

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_phones_compromise_our_ability_to_connect 

Although we see social media connections in daily life as fun and a way to stay connected to people we are close to in real life, the other side of it can be lonely and scary. When people use networked individualism as their only form of connection in life, it creates separation in our world and with in-person connections. All in all, networked individualism can be a positive thing, but we need to understand it completely to avoid the negative and harsh side of being involved in deep connections online. Check out the extra article listed below for some more information, otherwise have a great week and tune back in next time for some more digital education!

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Networked-Individualism-via-User-generated-Content-Websites_fig2_254671962

CBC definition of Networked Individualism: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2316406483

"Networked Individualism" is Toronto sociologist Barry Wellman's term for our interconnected digital lives, where the internet serves as a bridging technology to keep us connected. He talks about the skills we need to be effective 'networked individuals'

Extra sources to look into: 

Psychology Today: What makes a networked individualism: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/happy-singlehood/202202/what-makes-networked-individual