1. Reference

Global Civil Society and Digital Communication Networks
November 28th
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

2. Why it is important for me

Manuel Castells is one of the most important communication scholar in the world, his analysis of the network society is one central pillar for the sociological discourse developing for my work.

3. Notes

Castells talked mainly about the civil society, how there has been a displacement from local civil society that was a continuation of the nation-state (trade union, churches…) towards more ad-hoc organizations made possible by ICT. This horizontal movements are based on networks of trust, the people have a personal connection with the network. This trust is used to bypass the government and it’s and embryo for something new.

Castells analyzed the Obama campaign and his use of network of trusts (remind me of Cialdini “liking” part of his persuasion techniques) and new technologies.

There was also mention to the change towards horizontal mass-self communication, and the relation with traditional mass-media.

Castells also commented that ICT allow massive urbanization and the creation of huge metropolitan areas based on sprawl, mentioning the great Los Angeles conurbation. I personally disagree with the physical possibilities of Los Angeles car-based-style sprawl, and do not think that cities will develop toward that. There could be a good discussion of Castell’s global / local paradox around that.

Panel discussion: Castells on the left, Marko Turpeinen next to him.