I would have to disagree, especially after this weeks readings.
I begin by bringing up the Gustafsson piece which is about social networks and viral politics. I take a quote from page 9 " It is not correct to describe or define social network sites or social media in general as the opposite of traditional or main stream media." I feel that social media has been able to add on to traditional media in many facets but most definitely in the theme of this weeks readings about protests and viral movements.
In Gustafssons article as well as all of the articles from this week, they both discuss how social media has been able to aid movements and protests to help spread the word to the followers of the different movements mentioned.
I love the idea brought up by Gustafsson which is the Small World Pattern. It notes that social networks aren't held together by the bulk of people who just have a few hundred friends but it is supported by those who have tens of thousands of connections. I believe that is very true, people use social media to connect with others such as friends but also to connect to ideas and problems that they identify with.
In the article by Penney and Dadas about the Occupy Wall Street Movement they describe the way that Twitter allowed people involved in the movement around the country to connect and be in the know with what is going on in real time. On page 16 they discuss Warner's idea of a counterpublic which "enables a horizon of opinion and exchange; its exchanges remain distinct from authority and can have a critical relation to power." I love how they also discuss the concept of audiences. I feel that this ties in a lot of ideas we have previously discussed and helps to bring to light something that I know I haven't thought of as a positive use of social media before.
Using social media can enhance traditional media and help those who are not (as Gustafsson says) influencers, have an idea and voice to be heard.
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