In class we discussed several laws associated with
Internet communication and the value of networks. Of the laws we discussed, I
found Metcalfe’s law to be the most interesting. Metcalfe believed the value of
networks should be determined by the number of connections that can be made
within that network. For example, if there is a network of ten people, there
are ninety connections possible within that network. The more people you have
within a network, the greater the number of potential connections and the
greater the value of the network. This law is often criticized based on the
idea that people do not connect and share with everyone the same. Critics
believe that people connect with certain people more often than others. However,
YouTube is a perfect example of Metcalfe’s law. On YouTube, people have the
chance to interact different people each and every day. Through subscriptions
and channels, people are able to filter the content they see. However, there
are still millions of connection possibilities available on YouTube’s network.
Viewers usually don’t focus on one person’s content. People using YouTube often
look at several different kinds of videos posted by people with whom they have
no prior connections. Therefore, possible connections should still have value
within the network. This is why I agree with Metcalfe’s law, and believe the
number of possible connections should determine the value of a network.
In five years, I believe YouTube will be the world’s
most valuable network. More and more entertainment programs are abandoning
traditional television and moving towards online streaming. Soon, I believe broadcast
television will be a thing of the past. Television networks will become
channels on YouTube, posting shows, news, sports, and other events online. Live
streaming will replace live broadcasts. People will be able to access YouTube
for all their information needs at any time using smart phones, tablets, and
computers. If this comes true, YouTube will become our daily center for
information.
I have to side with the critics on this one. I don't fully agree with Metcalfe's Law, although it makes sense, I personally don't like to connect and share with anyone I don't personally know.
ReplyDeleteI see your point with YouTube and although it's a good one I don't use that sight much, so I can't say that I think it will become our center for information. However I do think if it's not YouTube it will be a sight similar to it.
I guess in a lot of ways I'm dating myself. Ooops.
To be honest, I did not really agree with Metcalfe's Law when we were discussing it in class because I, too, sided with the critics. It did not seem practical to assume that all the connections were equal. However, I really like your take on challenging the critics. Youtube is a pool of millions of different users, and sometimes I find myself watching a video posted by a user that I probably would have nothing in common with. Elizabeth, I agree that Youtube probably won't become my center of information either, but it perfectly exemplifies the different points that Metcalfe's Law is trying to illustrate.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Garrett, I think that Metcalfe's law is the best when determining the value of networks. The way I interpreted it was that as long as there is a general increase in the number of connections, the value will always increase. So, when thinking about the global network, there are so many users that the value has nothing to do but increase. I like that you pointed out that it doesn't matter if the connections are varied between users, as long as the connections are there.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that Metcalfe's law is completely the way to determine network value but I do see how YouTube can be a huge place to network. I find myself just click on video after video after video and then wondering what video I started with. It is a great way to network and form numerous connections. Connections are very vital and definitely determine network in some ways.
ReplyDeleteI also found this law very interesting. It plays along the same lines as Reed's Law. They both rely on social media to make them prominent, in my opinion. I thought it was interesting that you used YouTube. Society is getting to that point where reading is more of a hassle then just watching a short video.
ReplyDeleteI also chose Metcalfe's Law because it made the most sense to me. To me this law is like sending out a group email; the message of the email will be more effective because it is seen by more people. I too see us getting more of our information from social media sites...not sure if YouTube will be the most popular though.
ReplyDelete