The hierarchical and centralised structures of the internet are limiting human interactions despite the massive forms of change being experienced in the world. The social attributes of the current media are bound by complex regulations from the legal, technological, political, and commercial sectors. In fact, the government has been involved in the shutdown of various websites including Wikileaks. The current centralised structure affects the users’ interaction because it allows corporations, government agencies, and domain owners to act as gatekeepers against all media contents. The paper focuses on an internet revolution that is moving away from the centralised to an open and decentralised peer-to-peer platform.
According to De Filippi (2014), the Internet has never been free because of numerous regulations from the central authorities that comprise governments and corporations. Despite the growing social needs, the internet has not been providing adequate solutions. The world is experiencing massive transformations in the social, cultural, corporate, and political sectors. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for communication freedom. Researchers are pushing towards a culture of openness, sharing and cooperation, and designing better communication infrastructures. According to Rheingold (2003), society should move towards cooperation and communication. In fact, the researcher claimed that the social attributes change according to human perceptions. Bauwens (2012) also observed that one of the best ways to improving the communication infrastructures was applying the theory of micro-politics, which focuses on the adaptability of change at micro levels.
According to Bauwens (2012), one of the requirements of building a better communications infrastructure is openness. Some of the areas that have experienced growth and transformation using the openness platform are education, research, and publishing. The open platforms should include all the communication designs, hardware, and manufacturing techniques to allow users to design and create personalised and decentralised features. Some of the characteristics that promote openness include FabLabs that enable users to contribute innovative technologies and designs. According to Gershenfeld (2006), fabrication labs are some of the best places for unleashing creativity and innovative ideas.
Sharing is the other attribute required in enhancing internet communication. Although the current culture emphasises in making profits, the shared responsibility will promote ownership. In fact, one of the best examples of sharing is the ‘Occupy Wallstreet’ movement. Sharing replaces completion with ownership. Sharing extends to one of the most significant concepts of collaborative commons. According to Rushkoff (2011), collaborative commons would apply to information and communication because the resource is not scarce. In fact, the concept of sharing and contributing towards a free communication infrastructure would enhance the sustainability of information.
Additionally, a common platform would improve the concept of communities. De Filippi (2014) considers the mesh network suited for creating information communities. The centralised nature of the current infrastructure limits the participation of users to defining their interests and diversity. In fact, it empowers external agencies with regulating mandates. The new communication model should consider the social, economic, and political differences. Additionally, it should allow users to contribute through fabrication labs and other innovation centres. Decentralisation of the internet would increase the users’ freedom. Additionally, it would enable users to participate in collaborative activities.
In conclusion, the current communication infrastructures are centralised and chaotic. They limit the users’ participation in creating innovative and collaborative interaction. There is a need for a new model that will promote openness, sharing, collaboration, and participation in the design and manufacturing of communication infrastructure.
References
Bauwens, M 2012, Marjorie Kelly on the Emergent Ownership Revolution. Web.
De Filippi, P 2014, It’s Time to Take Mesh Networks Seriously (And Not Just for the Reasons You Think). Web.
Gershenfeld, N 2006, Unleash your creativity in a Fab Lab. Web.
Rheingold, H 2003, The Smart-Mob Revolution. Web.
Rushkoff, D 2011, The Evolution Will Be Socialised. Web.