Difference between revisions of "Collective intelligence"
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In his book, ''[[Convergence Culture]]'', [[Henry Jenkins]] writes that, "None of us can know everything; each of us knows something; and we we can put the pieces together if we pool our resouces and combine our skills." (Jenkins 4) By pooling together knowledge from several different sources we achieve so called [[collective intelligence]]. [[Wikipedia]], as well as our own MiddMediawiki, are examples of products of collective intelligence. Collective intelligence occurs in our [[Convergence Culture]] where information is transferred between mutliple media forms, between different people and across multiple industries. Collective intelligence often entails an [[interactivity|interactive]], [[participatory culture|participatory ]] rather than a passive media culture, where users and engaging actively with each other and the material. | In his book, ''[[Convergence Culture]]'', [[Henry Jenkins]] writes that, "None of us can know everything; each of us knows something; and we we can put the pieces together if we pool our resouces and combine our skills." (Jenkins 4) By pooling together knowledge from several different sources we achieve so called [[collective intelligence]]. [[Wikipedia]], as well as our own MiddMediawiki, are examples of products of collective intelligence. Collective intelligence occurs in our [[Convergence Culture]] where information is transferred between mutliple media forms, between different people and across multiple industries. Collective intelligence often entails an [[interactivity|interactive]], [[participatory culture|participatory ]] rather than a passive media culture, where users and engaging actively with each other and the material. | ||
| − | One example of collective intelligence is the ''Survivor'' spoiler sites that fans developed around the popular television show. Together, they collaberated by drawing from each individual contributor's expertise until they were ultimately able to gather an astonishing amount of top-secret information about the show. As Jenkins notes, spoiler communities "are held together through the mutual production and reciprocal exchange of knowledge." (Jenkins 27) | + | One example of collective intelligence is the ''Survivor'' spoiler [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoiler_%28media%29] sites that fans developed around the popular television show. Together, they collaberated by drawing from each individual contributor's expertise until they were ultimately able to gather an astonishing amount of top-secret information about the show. As Jenkins notes, spoiler communities "are held together through the mutual production and reciprocal exchange of knowledge." (Jenkins 27) |
Pierre Lévy is a prominent scholar who discusses the notion of collective intelligence as exercised through the Internet. Lévy calls on-line communities using collective intelligence "knowledge communities" and he argues that the big business fear that such communities will interfere with commerce are failing to see the long-term positive effects of this development, arguing that as we begin to share more and more information we will also inevitably share ideas of what commodities to circulate/purchase etc (Jenkins 27). | Pierre Lévy is a prominent scholar who discusses the notion of collective intelligence as exercised through the Internet. Lévy calls on-line communities using collective intelligence "knowledge communities" and he argues that the big business fear that such communities will interfere with commerce are failing to see the long-term positive effects of this development, arguing that as we begin to share more and more information we will also inevitably share ideas of what commodities to circulate/purchase etc (Jenkins 27). | ||
Revision as of 19:49, 14 May 2008
In his book, Convergence Culture, Henry Jenkins writes that, "None of us can know everything; each of us knows something; and we we can put the pieces together if we pool our resouces and combine our skills." (Jenkins 4) By pooling together knowledge from several different sources we achieve so called collective intelligence. Wikipedia, as well as our own MiddMediawiki, are examples of products of collective intelligence. Collective intelligence occurs in our Convergence Culture where information is transferred between mutliple media forms, between different people and across multiple industries. Collective intelligence often entails an interactive, participatory rather than a passive media culture, where users and engaging actively with each other and the material.
One example of collective intelligence is the Survivor spoiler [1] sites that fans developed around the popular television show. Together, they collaberated by drawing from each individual contributor's expertise until they were ultimately able to gather an astonishing amount of top-secret information about the show. As Jenkins notes, spoiler communities "are held together through the mutual production and reciprocal exchange of knowledge." (Jenkins 27)
Pierre Lévy is a prominent scholar who discusses the notion of collective intelligence as exercised through the Internet. Lévy calls on-line communities using collective intelligence "knowledge communities" and he argues that the big business fear that such communities will interfere with commerce are failing to see the long-term positive effects of this development, arguing that as we begin to share more and more information we will also inevitably share ideas of what commodities to circulate/purchase etc (Jenkins 27).
Collective Intelligence Beyond Entertainment
It is possible to understand collective intelligence as the closest that our society is getting to democracy. People are able to have a voice as individuals while forming part of a broader community that challenges established systems. But if this is the most revolutionary phenomena happening around our political system, why is that most of the collective intelligence works in the service of TV shows, games and movies and less around politics, wars, and topics of such sort?
Internet is changing the relationship between the individual and media, from a passive one to an interactive one. Through the Internet, consumers have acquired a medium to actively voice their concerns, which can potentially affect the way entertainment and laws are made. It is a vehicle for the citizens and the consumers to express themselves and affect the policies of the makers, whether they are politicians or entertainment industries.
The drawback of collective intelligence is that is a model being used more actively to criticize and have a say in the entertainment industry than in politics. Politicians continue to play as they always have and we can’t say yet that citizens play an active role in the way politics are made. Politics have always been greatly influenced by media. Thus, it is through media that the individuals can express their voice and have an active role within their governments.
Jenkins talks about how advertisers and industries care about what their committed consumers have to say about their products. Will politicians care about what citizens have to say about their decisions? They care about news on them, but what about when people will use collective intelligence to unfold the truth behind laws being passed in the senate? Will politicians listen or shuttered?
An individual alone can’t do much in Internet or standing with a sign in the street. But Internet helps the individual connect with people who share similar points of views and interests, it is easier for people to communicate and gather through the Internet. Now, we have to encourage the use of collective intelligence for ends beyond entertainment which affect our society and the way we live.
References
- Jenkins, Henry, Convergence Culture, New York University Press: New York, 2006.
