Manuel Castells argues that this constant need for information is only met by a technological paradigm in society. Technology organizes the world and gives people the information they need to stay connected to each other, organizations, politics, pop culture and current events. These connections allow people to share experiences that provide more meaning in their lives.
The reading on how the Church was organized shows that people were connected and formed networks before a technological boom in society. It demonstrates how the early members of the church shared experiences. One line in the text says, "Belief in the Book of Mormon spread along family lines." In the 1800s, information spread much more slowly than it does today and it spread through first degree connections before it could reach others. Although this type of one-on-one communication worked for the people of Joseph Smith's day, it is not always realistic today.
Technology allows a speedy distribution of information that can reach first, second and third degree connections. Because the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, people need a structure that allows them to easily build and maintain their networks. They can find a structure through technology.
Loved this post! It is fascinating to me to think of how much the church has been able to grow with technology. Imagine if all missionary work was done through first hand connections? Technology helps in many ways when members share their testimonies and ways that the church has affected their lives on their social media sites. Keeping in contact with others through technology can also play a huge role in re-activating friends and family who may have fallen astray. Very interesting insight on the growth of networking due to technology!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Are there any ways that technology undermines the structure of our modern society?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I think sometimes this dependency on technology can be taken to a negative extreme. I was just talking to a coworker today about a new counseling program in the MTC for missionaries who are having withdrawals from social media. There can come a point where we are too dependent on these tech-based interactions that it becomes a problem with real person-to-person contact. As great as communication through modern technology can be, it's pointless if we don't remember how to build lasting, personal relationships in our daily lives.
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