Chapter 36

In this chapter,the ideas of Howard Rheingold are discussed. He is one of the leading observers of the role new technologies are playing in modern society. He uses the term "smart mobs" to describe a new way of life that uses technology and has not yet reached it's full potential within society. These "smart mobs" are made up of radio chips replacing bar codes, wireless internet hot spots in cafes, hotels and neighborhoods, the way buyers and sellers rate each other on internet auction sites and one of the bigger components, texting from mobile phones. The technical definition for a "smart mob" is a group of people who organize themselves for social and political purposes through their common use of cell phones and text messaaging. Rheingold describes an experience in his life where he witnessed many people looking down at their cell phones sending text messages, instead of talking into them. In many cases the sender of the text message did not even have to look at what they were typing, allowing them to multitask. However, the most impactful idea that can be taken from this experience and "smart mobs", as described by Rheingold, is the societal changes that this technological revolution will bring about. The more significant changes will be found in the relationships, enterprises, communities, and markets that this new technology makes possible. I believe technology is definitely changing the way people live today. Text messaging is a huge example of this as people have begun to form their relationships through digital media and have lost the face-to-experience. Technology has taken over a large part of our lives.