Digital Disconnect

Ann made a good point in a post-561-class conversation about the digital divide that persists in this country. We've come a long way in getting Americans connected with broadband, but more than half of our citizens still do not have broadband access. A good portion of those without access tend to be poor and minorities. There are imperfect alternatives for these people of course -- less expensive dial-up options, free-access facilities such as the public library -- but none is quite the same as being digitally connected with everyone all the time.

Thinking about the premise of this class in consideration of the mediated reality today, what are the implications innate in this digital divide? Especially in terms of the public sphere, social networking, and other cultural, political, and economic trends today?

Mediated Caroling

I was watching this commercial this morning for Hallmark or some kind of greeting card. A couple opens a door to a group of neighbors, supposedly caroling. Instead, the group hands the couple a holiday card, which when opened plays the song the carolers were going to sing. Rather than actually singing, the carolers just sway to the music. The canned sound of the card fills the evening air as the gratified couple smile and hug each other. Yet another tradition now replaced by mediation. Is it the same thing?