The document discusses the evolving role of technology in society, emphasizing its transition from a mere tool to a pivotal social artifact that influences human identity and relationships. It highlights key trends such as increased dependence on networks, the unpredictability of market developments, and the rise of participatory web culture. Additionally, it outlines guiding principles for a future internet that is accessible, inclusive, and secure.

1. Networking humanity:
Tensions and Transitions
TOWARDS ATOWARDS A
Dr. Lara Srivastava
Professor, Webster University
Policy Consultant, infoDev/World Bank
Final Public Workshop, Brussels, 22 November 2010
image: PeterDuke

2. so what’s the big digital deal?
• speedspeed of change and innovation
• dependencedependence on the network
• unpredictabilityunpredictability of market
development and user adoption
• portabilityportability and mobilitymobility of
always-on digital information
and communication
(e.g. through broadband wireless
networks & device innovation)
• technological ubiquityubiquity as sensors,
nanotechnology and identification
technologies connect more
and more “things” to the network
(i.e. internet of things)
• rise of the so-called web 2.0,web 2.0, with passive consultation of
the network by users giving way to active participation,
collaboration and creativity
(e.g. social networking, wikis, MMORPGs, virtual worlds...)
image: peterduke

3. the new
techno-social paradigm
• technology goes from being a mere
tool to be used when required
to a pivotal social artefact
• it becomes an intimate aspect
of daily life, 24/7
• human identity is more often than
not formulated and transmitted in
the digital environment
• as a result, human relationships are
increasingly mediated by
technology
Hey it’s
persona
l!

4. who am I?
image: brittney bush

5. reflection
illusion Image: Sha Sha Chu

6. i n v e r s i o n
distortion Image: yourbartender

7. m u l t i p l i c i t y
fragmentation
Image: Onkel Wart

8. p r e s e n c e
absence
image: kyknoord

9. Image: Faithful Chant
v i s i b i l i t y
invisibility

10. Image: delaney/srivastava
r e c i p r o c i t y
voyeurismOBJECTS IN THE MIRROR
ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR

11. self–appropriation
self-alienation

12. FUTURE INTERNETFUTURE INTERNET
Guiding PrinciplesGuiding Principles
1. Available & Accessible
2. Diverse & Inclusive
3. Scalable & Sustainable
4. Open & Shareable
5. Green & Affordable
6. Reliable & Resilient
7. Safe & Secure
8. Private & Trustworthy
9. Appealing & Usable
10. Adaptable & Customizable

13. t h a n k y o u !
lara.srivastava@gmail.com
image: peterduke
We become what we behold.
We shape our tools
and thereafter they shape us”
Marshall McLuhan