Global Network DIGC202

I must admit that this journal "Power does not reside in institutions, not even the state or large corporations. It is located in the network that structure society.." It is mentally challenging as there is no black and white answer to what Manuel Castells writes about as it is constantly contradicting, as what seems logical may not be logical.

First, what is network? Network is a fluid which constantly changes based on common goals or common beliefs from the society. I say this because, if there is no common goal or beliefs then there will be no network as there would be nothing to communicate about. Am I right?

Manuel mentions that we live in a network society, not in an informational society or a knowledge society. I disagree with that statement, as information and knowledge is what creates the network society in my personal opinion.

Current technology is what enables networking, technology tools are what enables communication which is so rapid and constantly changing around the societies become interconnected around the world, while it is by itself - this is what the author is trying to say.

First, network societies expends on a global scale. Powerful people who are sharing the same view (society), they can influence the society.

Second, networked organisations out complete all other forms of organisation. Here the author speaks about organizations can be influenced. For example, the 2008 Elections. The government was behind time and slow during the elections due to our current technology savy people and the network. Therefore this worked towards their disadvantage.

Third, the autor goes on speaking about management crisis. The fourth, where he speaks about civil society is reconstructed at the local and global level through networks of activists...... Here he speaks about NGO. For example would be, Bersih. People around Malaysia shared their opinion through Facebook, SMS and so on.

Fifth, sociability is transformed in the new historical context..... here he talks about individualism and the need for sharing, to understand and influence our view/ideas etc.

Sixth, the author talks about how POWER shapes everything (network society) But where does the power come from? large corporations? like we know from the US as some large corporations control the government due to economy reasons. Or is the power located within us, with our common goals and beliefs?

Finally, yes the author mentions that power changes society, but from where to what? I guess no one can answer this. As communication itself is a two way flow, so it networking as it influences and shapes our society.

In general, the topic "network logic" it self explains that there is no real black and white to the answer and this journal definitely gives room to us to have our own opinion and views about the journal. But what the author keeps saying is that network is shared by common goal or beliefs from people and that network is dominant.

Network rely on technology tools, as without technology network would not exist in my understanding. Hence why there was no network during my parents generation. I think I have wrote alot, enjoy reading and do criticize and give me your opinions :)