The Network Society

 “Mobile and wireless technology will spread the network society to the most remote places and the deepest pores of the world” (van Dijk 2006: 59)

 

 

Based on my findings, I highly agree with van Dijk’s statement. The network society is well underway and is already reaching many places, connecting people even in the most remote areas.

A network society is according to (http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu), “a society where the key social structures and activities are organised around electronically processed information networks. (https://globalsociology.pbworks.com) states that the network society consists of networks which construct a culture of virtuality in the global flows that transcend time and space. Through electronic communication networks, human experience becomes detached from time and place. Individuals can communicate instantly across the globe.

Over the years, the use of mobile devices has grown tremendously. Connectivity makes it easier for people in remote areas to get access to information.

“Information and communication technology (ICT) contributes to the development of countries, and more specifically in rural Areas, reaching population with low levels of income and literacy” (http://live.wordbank.org).

 

In the near future, mobile and wireless technology will be used throughout the most remote of places through Energy Harvesting Drives. They provide power in many elements of the telecom network, saving costs in electricity supply. “Powering mobile phone based stations with wind or solar power allows telecom networks to expand beyond the limits of the power grid. Energy harvesting is also being used to charge the phone handsets, using power and even kinetic energy from a bicycle” (www.digikey.com).

Through my findings, I’ve come up with the conclusion that through the use of Energy Harvesting techniques, spreading the network society to the most remote places has already been proven possible.

 

 

Sources Consulted

Digi-Key Corporation. 2013. Energy Harvesting drives mobile technology in remote areas [online]. <Available>http://www.digikey.com/us/es/techzone/energy-harveting/resources/articles/energy-harvesting [accessed: 16 April 2013]

Global Sociology. 2013. Network Society or Surveillance Society [online]. <Available>https://globalsociology.pbworks.com/w/page/14711234/Network%20Society%or%20Surveillance% [accessed: 16 April 2013]

Globe Trotter. 2013. The network society and organisational change [online]. <Available>http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people/Castells/castells-con4.html [accessed: 16 April 2013]

World Bank Live. 2013. Information communication technology for development [online]. <Available>http://live.worldbank.org/information-communication-technology-devolpment [accessed: 16 April 2013]