Re: CS-234 Discussion

Usenet, an early online discussion platform from the 1980s, made parts
of Licklider and Taylor’s vision of computers as communication tools a
reality. It let people from all over the world share information and
join communities based on common interests, all without a central system
controlling everything. However, while it helped connect people, Usenet
didn’t have the easy-to-use interfaces or live interactions that they
had imagined (it is purely text-based). Problems like moderation challenges,
spam, and flame wars also made it different from the structured, productive
exchanges they hoped for. Usenet was a starting point, but newer systems
have come closer to their vision of smooth, real-time communication (e.g.
instant messaging, social media, etc.).

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.