Network media & Anonymity

Networked media has come a long ways in our generation, and the advancement of this device is arguably one of the best things to happen to our world, but it also tends to be one of the worst. Network media can be described as anything digital media mainly used in computer networks, such as the internet. The internet can defined as the global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite to link billions of devices worldwide. Day in and day out, we wake up and face the world, and every direction we look in, we are faced with this media. Whether it is Google, Facebook, the news, or an action as simple as shooting a text to your best friend – it all involves network media in one way or another. The whole concept of network media involves anonymity, which basically means acting anonymous. The internet is a great example of this, and it embodies everything about anonymity. Take this email screenshot for example:

 This is a classic example of trolling. This is something that David would not do in person, nor do if he knew Jane personaly. He is acting under anonymous conditions, because there is really no way to trace who someone. He intentionally acts like a smart ass, to irritate the bank lady. This concept can be taken further, to describe anonymity & network media on other platforms. For example, you open Facebook. Your local news station just posted something news worthy for once, and you open the comments and notice trolls everywhere. These trolls, acting under anonymity, are firing away at random people also in the comment thread, just to get replies and attention. Because they are talking behind a computer, acting under anonymity, they feel powerful and almighty. Internet trolls are a great example of this concept, and you can find many more examples here. 

At the end of the day, network media is everywhere you. It definitely makes life ten times simpler, but at the same time it can really grind your gears.