The
blogosphere is a domain which enables individuals to voice their opinion on
particular matters using a blog as a platform. It generates a certain amount of debate, feedback and
comment regarding issues that are prominent in our society. This depends on the
type of blog. Blogs can come in the form of fashion, music,
inspirational, health and diet, fitness, sporting,
political blogs- the list is endless. They're topical regarding matters of
interest in society. This is a outlet for people around the world to both
consume, produce, and discuss worldly issues in a space.
The following video gives insight into the blog process, how it works and how it is successfully being utilised in political campaigns, becoming a significant tool of communication.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj1_WgWLHrM
The video highlights the use of blogs in political communication, supporter connectivity and debate, which is entails aspects that could be a likened to the public sphere. The public sphere as defined by Habermas is ‘the space of communication of ideas and projects that emerge from society and are addressed to the decision makers in the institutions of society’ (Castells, 2008). It includes all forms of communication that through some medium reaches publics to create discussion, such as the media journalism, newpapers, magazines, television, word of mouth conversation and the internet. As the internet and new media are becoming increasingly popular as a device for information consumption, they are beginning to make an impact on the public sphere. Blogging, a form of new media, in this sense relates directly to participatory journalism, an idea that is already held within the public sphere, where communication of news is two-way. Kathy Gills (2004) notes that
'today’s practice of blogging embodies these concepts of journalism. Not only does it provide many viewpoints on shared experiences, but it often also serves as a collective databank used to jog the faulty memories of those who write or report for major media. It is the latest in a series of technologies that have changed the face of both mass communication and social networks.'
Thus, with the public sphere stemming to online sources, the blogosphere is becoming a significant factor of the public sphere and even creating its own domain of communication.
The following video gives insight into the blog process, how it works and how it is successfully being utilised in political campaigns, becoming a significant tool of communication.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj1_WgWLHrM
The video highlights the use of blogs in political communication, supporter connectivity and debate, which is entails aspects that could be a likened to the public sphere. The public sphere as defined by Habermas is ‘the space of communication of ideas and projects that emerge from society and are addressed to the decision makers in the institutions of society’ (Castells, 2008). It includes all forms of communication that through some medium reaches publics to create discussion, such as the media journalism, newpapers, magazines, television, word of mouth conversation and the internet. As the internet and new media are becoming increasingly popular as a device for information consumption, they are beginning to make an impact on the public sphere. Blogging, a form of new media, in this sense relates directly to participatory journalism, an idea that is already held within the public sphere, where communication of news is two-way. Kathy Gills (2004) notes that
'today’s practice of blogging embodies these concepts of journalism. Not only does it provide many viewpoints on shared experiences, but it often also serves as a collective databank used to jog the faulty memories of those who write or report for major media. It is the latest in a series of technologies that have changed the face of both mass communication and social networks.'
Thus, with the public sphere stemming to online sources, the blogosphere is becoming a significant factor of the public sphere and even creating its own domain of communication.
Reference List-
Castells, M 2008, ‘The New Public Sphere: Global Civil Society, Communication Networks, and Global Governance’, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 616, no. 1, pp. 78-93
Gills, K 2004, How can we measure the influence of the blogosphere, University of Washington, retrieved 2 September 2013, <http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.124.2509&rep=rep1&type=pdf>
Blogosphere 2007, YouTube, IAMAW Grand Lodge, 14 August, retrieved 2 September 2013, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj1_WgWLHrM>
Hi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteYou used your images well with the blogs as it helps pinpoint your argument. You also used a video link as an example. I like the way you structure your sentences and quotes as it is related to the topic that you chose. Very nice also with the references scholars that you have provide for the readers to see. Although in the future, it would be nice if you show your own experiences so it ties to the topic to help make your argument even stronger. Good read though!
Cheers,
Rio