My Book Review Outline

Wholesome Media

I.“In “Infotopia”, Crass R. Sunstein talks of the development of, and effects of new media on today’s society.
Main theme- importance of minds sharing their pieces of information to create a whole.
II. New media is defined by Sunstein as the “rise of new methods for obtaining information”, that results in the collaboration of minds from around the globe. When shared, topics are refined to create a current database.
III. new media discussed:
Wikis- secure web pages that are freely and immediately edited by anyone with access.
Blogs- personal pages where people can share their thoughts and ideas, kept in a chronological setting- online diary
open source software- ensures open source material is freely available to others who use it, including as many minds as possible.
markets- opinions are exchanged in return for rewards
These spring from the importance of aggregating information and deliberation.
IV. Sustein starts off his writing in a positive inclination toward the advances in new media, but makes sure to provide the reader with both advantages and disadvantages of these new movements.
Good- collaboration, communication, advance in knowledge, building of security, economy
Bad- misinformation based on fear, insecurity, lack of research, group pressure mentality, over confidence,
V. This book is a good reference for basics of new media, outlining the major benefits and problems we face technologically and socially.
It can be extended into an interesting social study.

Bibliography

Infotopia: How Many Minds Produce Knowledge by C.R. Sunstein. Oxford University Press, 2006