Re: CS-234 Discussion

CS234 <cs234@lhmerino.dont-email.me> wrote:

This thread is intended for the students of CS-234: Technologies for democratic society
 
How does Usenet fit into the vision presented by Licklider and Taylor in
"The Computer as a Communication Device"?
 
Reflect on:
- Which aspects of their vision are realized through Usenet?
- What aspects have evolved differently from what they imagined?
 
Feel free to respond to comments made by your classmates as well.

In their article, LickLider and Taylor envisioned a network connecting multiple computers, alowing users to upload files and software that anyone in the newtork could access and
benefit. Usenet is however a bit different here, as it primarly facilates the sharing of information and discussions rather than software. This feature of spreading information and
making it accessible was also discussed in their article.
Nevertheless, Licklider and Taylor tended to view technological advancements through rose-tinted glasses, overlooking potential negative outcomes. For instance, they did not anticipate
the risks associated with malicious entities exploiting these networks. In the context of Usenet, this negligence manifested when companies began to use the platform as a free advertising space,
leading to widespread spam. This spam not only diminished the user experience but also contributed significantly to the decline in Usenet's popularity and user base.