I have been reading Andrew Keene’s recent book “The Internet is not the answer.” This book continues Keene’s criticism of Internet trends (first book – Cult of the Amateur). Keen is actually a tech guy, but argues the promise of the Internet has been corrupted. The book is probably a bit alarmist, but that is the way one attracts attention. Many troubling trends are identified.
One interesting perspective Keen offers is the contrast between the early and present stages of the Internet (not the same as Web 1.0 and Web 2.0). The origins were identified by the presence of academics and dreamers. The second stage is mostly populated by entrepeneurs. The first stage is argued to be motivated by empowerment and openness and the second by consolidation and wealth accumulation. Keene argues the Internet transition has failed in its original promise and plays a significant role in growing financial and power inequities.
I agree to some extent and believe we have collectively done this to ourselves. Rather than being impressed by the supposed technological sophistication of the digital natives, I am frustrated by their naïveté. Not having experienced the growth of technology through the 80s and probably having accepted their present fate without learning the history of the Internet, many may not appreciate the original dream of an open net. The various meanings of free may not be apparent to those who know no better.
Educators eager to appear innovative and perhaps ignorant of this history may end up tacitly endorsing services/companies that entrap rather than empower. This is likely an extreme concern, but likely a possibility should education, social interaction, and commerce become narrowly focused on a decreasing number of providers.
The focus of attention on coding may be somewhat off the mark as a 21st century skill. How the Internet works, how we are allowed access, and the role of online commerce in the general economy are likely of far greater general significance.