Connectivity (media)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Media connectivity largely refers to social connections through communication systems. With the advent of the World Wide Web and the spread of mobile communications , connectivity has become the center of a unifying global imagination. According to the scientists van Dijck and Poell, assuming a material and visual meaning is a key element of social media culture. However, connectivity has additional social and cultural implications when it comes to media. The growing role of social media in everyday life forms the basis for networking in the 21st century. The data is created by the users and made available to the services as a matter of course.

definition

Connectivity developed with the advent of the Internet, which is permanently accessible almost everywhere thanks to smartphones , first with the introduction of Web 1.0 and later Web 2.0 . With the advent of Web 2.0, new media such as social network systems (e.g. Facebook , Twitter , Google+ ), websites that enable access to user-generated content (e.g. YouTube , Myspace , Flickr ), as well as game sites ( e.g. FarmVille , Candy Crush Saga ) have become an essential part of everyday life. This led to a change in the understanding of connectivity and shifted the initial focus from a purely technical side of the term to a techno-sociocultural character.

Connectivity is now understood as a “social process”, since it is not just about networking objects such as computers, but above all about networking people with one another. In addition, connectivity shapes and changes everyday life all over the world, often without people being aware of it.

Social networks help to stay in contact despite great distances and to share as much data as possible. Thus, with the help of communicative connectivity, “cross-border communication processes” occur. Web 2.0 enables communication in real time and this can be counted as one of the most important components of connectivity. This type of communication has become an integral part of everyday life. Consequently, the term connectivity can also be used to describe the “change in cultural spaces and places” that is associated with ongoing digitization.

Language as the origin of connectivity

Connectivity is based on language, since language is an instrument for humans that is used for communication. A traveling person was of great importance in the early days of connectivity, as the basis of connectivity was the 'physical aspects'. In the Middle Ages, these travelers were referred to as "human media" because they established communicative networks between people in a wide variety of areas. The “human media” are becoming less important due to the increase in knowledge and the distribution of it to institutions such as universities and monasteries. This means that the physical encounters of people in the course of media history are of less and less relevance in terms of connectivity. The Internet is dependent on the 'physical foundation' of the cable network, but the current dependency cannot be compared to the previous one.

Connectivity culture

“Culture of Connectivity” is the term that Dutch scientist van Dijck introduced to define the contemporary intertwining of online and offline practices and the ubiquity of social media in modern life. The researcher explained the emergence of this culture as the process that developed in a fairly short period of time and indicated the change from networked communication to “exercised” sociality, from a participatory culture to connectivity. In addition, the development of this culture was one of the components of the change processes that took place in the private, corporate and public sectors.

Structural aspect of the network

Networks or networks are systems whose underlying structure is a set of nodes that are connected to one another by means of connections (edges).

In terms of media connectivity, the network forms the structural basis of connectivity. Manuel Castells definition of the term network describes “open structures and able to expand without limits and integrate new nodes, as long as they are able to communicate within the network, so as long as they have the same communication codes - such as values ​​or performance goals.” If you look at one Circle of Friends as a network, this is infinitely expandable, as long as people can be found who represent the same values ​​and communication can take place among each other.

Structures of social networks articulate along certain codes. They are not just there, but are (re) articulated in an ongoing contextualized process. This makes it possible for a person to be part of different networks. Network and connectivity cannot be defined as independent terms in the context shown here. Connectivity is the result, the network the basis.

Process of communication flow

The communication flow describes the global distribution of information, how information gets from A to B. The global flow of communication enables us to follow current cultural, political and social conditions all over the world and to react to them. Information emanating from an information source can consequently be disseminated and, if necessary, further developed.

Critical examples of connectivity

Facebook

Facebook can be used as a good example of how connectivity is established and used through social media. Van Dijck mentions three concepts that are implemented on the technological side of connectivity and lead to the connecting structure of the platform and the creation of its additional social and cultural dimension. These concepts are platform, protocol and interface.

Several scholars, such as Van Dijck and Gillespie, mention in their work the ambiguity of the term "platform", which promises openness, access and neutrality to help people establish social connections and participate in online activities. In reality, however, a more complicated structure of the media was created, mostly for profit purposes and to improve control among users. As far as the protocols and interfaces are concerned, the algorithms behind the platform are intransparent and are presented to the user as intermediaries to keep in touch, to be connected and to encourage them to make these connections. Connectivity is therefore becoming a new type of social capital derived from the working principles of the platform.

Instagram

In addition to Facebook, Instagram can also serve as an example of social media connectivity. The focus here is primarily on the visual aspect, because Instagram users aim to publish videos and photos. The creation of comments and the liking of pictures only serves as a secondary function here. The focus is on reaching a specific target group through short and appealing visual entries.

Instagram enables people to be in social exchange and get social recognition in the process. A recognition that can be achieved quickly and easily through the connectivity in social networks, or even at the push of a button. Instagram can lead to a different and more personal relationship between users than in social networks that do not focus on the visual aspect. But companies can also quickly gain reach through Instagram and gain awareness through public channels. In addition to companies, more and more people are taking the path as influencers , who particularly maintain an intensive exchange with the outside world. Instagram thus enables simple, fast and limitless connectivity.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Paul James, Manfred Steger: 'Globalization and Global Consciousness: Levels of Connectivity' (2016) . ( https://www.academia.edu/28466384/Globalization and Global Consciousness Levels of Connectivity 2016 [accessed January 22, 2020]).
  2. ^ Light, Ben; Cassidy, Elija: Strategies for the suspension and prevention of connection: Rendering disconnection as socioeconomic lubricant with Facebook . In: New Media & Society . tape 16 , no. 7 , 2014, ISSN  1461-4448 , p. 1169-1184 , doi : 10.1177 / 1461444814544002 ( sagepub.com ).
  3. ^ Van Dijck, José: Facebook and the engineering of connectivity: A multi-layered approach to social media platforms . In: Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies . tape 19 , no. 2 , 2013, ISSN  1354-8565 , p. 141-155 , doi : 10.1177 / 1354856512457548 .
  4. ↑ Youngs, Gillian: Digital World: Connectivity, Creativity and Rights . Routledge, 2013, ISBN 978-1-135-02199-3 ( google.at ).
  5. ↑ Van Dijck, José; Poell, Thomas: Understanding Social Media Logic . In: Media and Communication . tape 1 , no. 1 , August 12, 2013, ISSN  2183-2439 , p. 2-14 , doi : 10.17645 / mac.v1i1.70 ( cogitatiopress.com ).
  6. ↑ Schuldt, Christian: Connectivity: The networking of the world. Zukunftsinstitut, accessed on January 28, 2020 .
  7. ↑ Schuldt, Christian: Connectivity: The networking of the world. Zukunftsinstitut, accessed on January 28, 2020 .
  8. ^ Van Dijck, José: The Culture of Connectivity: A Critical History of Social Media . Oxford University Press, 2013, ISBN 978-0-19-997078-0 , pp. 228 ff .
  9. ^ Van Dijck, José: Facebook and the engineering of connectivity: A multi-layered approach to social media platforms . In: Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies . tape 19 , no. 2 , 2013, ISSN  1354-8565 , p. 141-155 , doi : 10.1177 / 1354856512457548 ( sagepub.com ).
  10. ↑ Youngs, Gillian: Digital World: Connectivity, Creativity and Rights . Routledge, 2013, ISBN 978-1-135-02199-3 ( google.at ).
  11. ↑ Schuldt, Christian: Connectivity: The networking of the world. Zukunftsinstitut, accessed on January 28, 2020 .
  12. ^ Brühl, Johanna: Connectivity. 2016, accessed on January 22, 2020 (German).
  13. ↑ Schuldt, Christian: Connectivity: The networking of the world. Zukunftsinstitut, accessed on January 28, 2020 .
  14. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 159-160 . ( worldcat.org ).
  15. ↑ Schuldt, Christian: Connectivity: The networking of the world. Zukunftsinstitut, accessed on January 28, 2020 .
  16. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 160 . ( worldcat.org ).
  17. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 162 f . ( worldcat.org ).
  18. ^ Media and publics in the Middle Ages (Faulstich). Retrieved January 22, 2020 .
  19. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 162 f . ( worldcat.org ).
  20. ↑ James, Paul; Steger, Manfred: Globalization and Global Consciousness . In: Robertson, Roland; Buhari-Gulmez, Didem (Ed.): Global Culture: Consciousness and Connectivity . 2016 ( https://www.academia.edu/28466384/Globalization and Global Consciousness Levels of Connectivity 2016).
  21. ↑ Castells, Manuel: The rise of the network society, the information age. Economy. Society. Culture. Volume 1 . ISBN 978-3-658-11322-3 , pp. 569 ( worldcat.org ).
  22. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 162 ( worldcat.org ).
  23. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 163 . ( worldcat.org ).
  24. ^ Hepp, Andreas: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis . VS, Verl. Für Sozialwiss, 2008, ISBN 978-3-531-16277-5 , p. 165 ( worldcat.org ).
  25. ^ Van Dijck, José: Facebook and the engineering of connectivity: A multi-layered approach to social media platforms . In: Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies . tape 19 , no. 2 , 2013, ISSN  1354-8565 , p. 141-155 , doi : 10.1177 / 1354856512457548 ( sagepub.com ).
  26. ^ Tarleton, Gillespie: The politics of 'platforms' . In: New Media & Society . tape 12 , no. 3 , 2010, ISSN  1461-4448 , p. 347-364 , doi : 10.1177 / 1461444809342738 ( sagepub.com ).
  27. ^ Van Dijck, José: Facebook and the engineering of connectivity: A multi-layered approach to social media platforms . In: Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies . tape 19 , no. 2 , 2013, ISSN  1354-8565 , p. 141-155 , doi : 10.1177 / 1354856512457548 ( sagepub.com ).
  28. ↑ Social networks: An overview of the most important social media platforms. Retrieved January 22, 2020 .
  29. ↑ Lüüs, Sven: On the hunt for self- confirmation . Retrieved January 22, 2020 .
  30. ↑ Bauer, Tina: Diversity on Instagram - The creative basic rules and advertising options for marketers. Retrieved January 22, 2020 .

literature

  • Castells, Manuel: The Rise of the Network Society: The Information Age. Economy - society - culture. Volume 1, Edition 2, Gabler, 2017.
  • Hepp, Andreas, Ed .: Culture - Media - Power: Cultural Studies and Media Analysis. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden, 2008.
  • James, Paul; Steger, Manfred: Globalization and Global Consciousness: Levels of Connectivity. In: Robertson, Roland; Buhari-Gulmez, Didem: Global Culture: Consciousness and Connectivity, 2016.
  • Light, Ben; Cassidy, Elija: Strategies for the suspension and prevention of connection: Rendering disconnection as socioeconomic lubricant with Facebook. In: New Media & Society. Volume 16, No. 7, November 2014.
  • Tarleton Gillespie: The politics of 'platforms'. In: New Media and Society. Volume 12, No. 3, 2010.
  • Van Dijck, José: Facebook and the engineering of connectivity: A multi-layered approach to social media platforms. In: Convergence: The international Journal of Research into New Media Technologies. Volume 19, No. 2, 2013.
  • Van Dijck, José; Poell, Thomas: Understanding Social Media Logic. In: Media and Communication. Volume 1, No. 1, 2013.
  • Van Dijck, José: The Culture of Connectivity: A Critical History of Social Media. Oxford University Press, 2013.
  • Youngs, Gillian: Digital World: Connectivity, Creativity and Rights. Routledge, 2013.

Web links

Balci, Yesim: The changed communication in the digital age. January 24, 2018. (politik-digital.de [accessed January 28, 2020])