Discussing Web 2.0

 I thought I'd do a quick blog post about Web 2.0 as I've just been going over it and thought it best to post while everything is fresh in my mind. I could talk about the positives and negatives of web 2.0 forever but I'll try to summarise my thoughts and beliefs. 

Web 2.0 is arguably the biggest and most popular form of global communication. Social media platforms are bigger than ever. These platforms are ever changing to meet out demands and although they can be wonderful they can be very harmful both within and outside of our practice. With such a vast flow of knowledge at our fingertips it'd so easy to become consumed and fall down a rabbit hole of information. However, it is up to us to really tune into our emotional intelligence to decide what is valuable or not. 

In this current climate in particular I think we would be lost without Web 2.0. Our practice for many of us has come to a complete holt and our only way of pushing forwards and continuing our development is through the use of Web 2.0. Whether its zoom classes, sharing choreography of Youtube, enhancing our professional networks through Facebook or simply blogging like this, It's all contributing to our practice and development. Interaction with others via Web 2.0 and the use of Web 2.0 for learning is integral for our practices. We use Web 2.0 to create (choreography, music, classes) and to consume (watching videos, reading blogs, sharing petitions).

But what happens to those without internet access?

Where do they stand?

Does this put them at an unfair disadvantage?


This could be argued for many reasons as Internet and all the platforms it provides aren't necessarily always a source of positive outcomes. The internet can lead to a lot of negativity within our field. I'm very guilty of constantly comparing myself to others. I always fear to share my creative creations in case I'm met with negative comments and harsh judgement. With so many professionals sharing their work I feel inferior to them. But is this a problem with myself or a problem caused by the internet? 

Web 2.0 allows you to be whoever you want to be, it is specifically designed for users to add their own data and content and have full control over everything. This can be excellent for some Artists for self promotion and showing the best version of themselves, but is that real? I saw a quote on Instagram that said

'Live without pretending'

However with Web 2.0 an modern day pressures I guess we're all in some way guilty of 'pretending' sometimes and showing what might not be truly authentic. 

Largely I do believe Web 2.0 is a great thing, I don't feel like I would be where I am in my career without it. But there are many ethical considerations which we must focus on too. 

What do you think? 

Comments

  1. Ellie Owen16 February 2021 at 08:28

    Hi Niamh,

    I feel like this was the perfect time for me to read this blog! I have ethically reflecting on Web 2.0 today as my study and this has sparked new questions that I hadn't explored.

    I really liked the way you explained how important Web 2.0 is especially at the moment due to our practise coming to a halt. The vast amount of classes available to us and informative Q&A's on our industry is amazing and warming to see our industry working together.

    Personally I think Web 2.0 is a really beneficial and valuable platform. However I do find myself at some point each day wasting my time on it, endlessly scrolling looking at things which aren't benefiting me. I could use my time more wisely by instead engaging in a hobby ie reading a book or listening to a podcast.

    Ellie x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Niamh Eccleston-Tuohy18 February 2021 at 04:04

      Hello, I think we are so lucky to have Web 2.0 and therefore all of these classes, Q&A's and much more at our fingertips. I do worry though as I know for most including myself this time has not been easy financially and that people may be missing out and at an unfair disadvantage through no fault of their own. However this is a vicious cycle as performers must charge for their services in order to earn and be successful and further their knowledge in turn.

      I'm guilty of the endless scrolling so I'm trying my best when I am doing so to either put my phone down or at least look at something valuable x

      Delete
  2. Sophie Burrows17 February 2021 at 08:56

    Hi Niamh,

    I love the questions you have raised within this blog. With the current global situation I don’t know how I would have been able to continue my practice without the internet, access to music, instant videos and classes - also I think many people would have struggle through lockdown without our industry being instantly available, for example being able to watch west end shows through YouTube or interact with others through Web 2.0. But it poses the idea that we are at an advantage as not everyone has access to these platforms.

    I agree that there are both pros and cons to social media, and it’s an interesting thought to see who is at fault for the cons, the platform it self or because of how we use them.

    Personally I think that we have to take opportunities with both hands and using Web 2.0 is a massive opportunity to grow, learn and network with others. However, I think you have to be very careful about how much space it holds in your day to day life and how it effects your own thoughts especially if they become negative or unproductive.

    Sophie x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Niamh Eccleston-Tuohy18 February 2021 at 04:08

      Hi Sophie, I completely agree! We are at such an advantage and I believe its taken this pandemic for people to really realise the importance of the Arts. Web 2.0 can be so positive for peoples mental health too as it provides distraction.

      Exactly, I had a lengthy discussion with my boyfriend about Instagram as I was complaining it was having a negative impact on me yet I wasn't doing anything about it and therefore I'm at fault.

      I couldn't agree more with your statements and look forward to connecting with you further x

      Delete

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