Introduction:

          The purpose of the book is to provide a counter argument against the individuals who feel that emerging technologies will only cause isolation. Not only do others argue that technologies cause social isolation but also does not benefit the community in any sort of way. There are individuals who feel that the Internet prevents people from communicating with others from the outside world. They also feel that technologies prevent from engaging ourselves in reality and that emerging technologies cause individuals to socially isolate themselves from the outside world.

 As explained throughout the book by Wellman and Rainie, new technologies and the internet provide social, emotional, and economic needs through the individuals seeing a diverse range of people. According to Craig S. Watkin's article, The Very Well Connected: Friending, Bonding, and Community in the Digital Age, they claim that “ninety-three percent of the young people we survey own a computer. Even more of them….own a mobile phone. Today, the ability to be connected to others . . . expands our sense of place…and reshapes how we experience community . . . we call the young and the digital, the world’s most connected generation ever. (p.47)” This allows more perspectives to flow and more participation in more than one group of networks.

The Social Network Revolution

When thinking about which revolution initiated the changes in the information society, the Social Network Revolution came first. Rather than analyzing how individuals want to perceive themselves through the internet individually, characteristics of the whole group is more focused upon. During the Social Networked Revolution, a wise spread of connectivity occurred such as increasing affordability of telecommunications, the easily spreading peace and information, changing in family roles and responsibilities, increasing the flexibility in the work world, and decreasing racial dimensions helped pushed the Social Networked Revolution.

Together, all of these helped the society to be more open minded and communicate with the outside. This shows that individuals are closely networked and connected with each other rather than being socially isolated to themselves (p. 45).

The Internet Revolution

Over time, the internet has changed in several of ways. For example in 1993, the internet had a simpler browsing web page similar to Google. However, it did not mean the easiest or the quickest way to communicate. This only lasted till the introduction of Netscape, email, and other web pages came out. Email helped the flow of communication flow quicker as well as Netscape improved the browsing speed online. In return, online communities were developed and people began to bond more with others. Atsushi Akera argues that the internet provides online spaces that are similar to communities. Examples of this include Ebay, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia (p. 423).  

This made communicating online even more accessible and important. Internet users will be able to look up what the need very fast and yet, stay connected with others around them. This gives the individuals power over the internet because they decide what is seen online and can also choose to use it to benefit them buy sharing information with one another or abuse it (p. 61).

The Mobile Revolution

The Mobile Revolution is the most recent revolution that contributes to the Triple Revolution. The mobile Revolution allow others to be connected through wherever they care and at any time. An example of this is the different kinds of smart phones that are coming out. This also includes the new technologies like texting or snap chatting. Users also receive more privacy when using their phones because they won’t have to worry about their messages being read by anyone else when texting it to someone (p. 90).


“Ninety-three percent of the young people we survey own a computer. Even more of them, 96 percent own a mobile phone. (p.47)" - Craig S. Watkin

How Networked Individualism Works

Communicating information on the internet can also be beneficial to relationships online or with people that are distant. Families are now emerging to adapt to the idea of using new technologies to effectively communicate. For example, families now use cell phones to text or call to reach each other. Technologies in work places help enhance the work place while aiding in tasks that are more complicated to do with bare hands. Through new technologies, information is constantly flowing. At times, people may begin to feel that they have an important contribution to the online virtual world. This doesn't mean they forget about reality.

This video is an example of Networked Individualism. 

Future of the Internet

Overtime, the internet and technologies will continuously be emerging. Rainie and Wellman argue that using the internet to benefit the user is what the user decides. The internet cannot make them feel socially isolated if they choose to actively participate online. People must learn to adapt the internet and not look at it as a negative asset. It Is a very powerful tool that one can benefit from.  

"Humans primarily are attracted to the web for social experiences that it offers. (p. 63)” - Craig S. Watkin

Conclusion

The Triple Revolution consists of multiple revolutions working together to constantly improve the emerging information society. The combination of all three revolutions contributed to the ways users can communicate efficiently. Not only can they communicate efficiently but also innovate new ways to communicate with one another. 

I agree with the authors that net technologies such as the internet does not cause people to be socially isolated. It all depends on the person if they choose to be socially isolate or not from society. Instead of looking at the bad things they do, look at the good things they have to offer. New technologies will constantly try to enhance and improve communications and relationships which is always a good thing to do. However, at times there are unnecessary technologies because too much may be too overwhelming and a lot of technologies can also start to do our work for us rather than us doing our own work.

Overall, Barry Wellman and Lee Rainie has persuaded me to believe that technology does not cause the individual to be socially isolated. Internet and technology promotes new ways to communicate in many beneficial ways. This in return, helps the information society continuously thrive in success in work places, families, or other relationships. If one cannot contact other in person, there is always an alternative way – the internet.

“It’s not the technology that has us hooked on the internet. It’s all the facebookers, bloggers, etc… that keep us coming back to use the internet as a part in our daily lives.” –Barry Wellman and Lee Rainie.