Blog Post 2 - Facebook and Socio-Technical Imaginaries

Reviewing Sheila Jasanoff concept of socio-technical imaginaries introduces “imagined forms of social life and social order that center on the development and fulfillment of innovative scientific and/or technological projects” (Jasanoff & Kim, 2009) therefore, are a product of production within science and technology within our future. Thus, providing us an in depth understanding of social life and order within the foundation of a socio-technical imaginary. Through further understanding these imaginaries are a vision of the desirable future where there is a shared understanding of social life and progress. When referring to Facebook we are able to see an illustration of the socio-technical imaginaries as the platform is a place for facilitating connections and social bonds with one another. As Mark Zuckerberg points out it is “a service people could use to connect and learn about each other” thus, painting imagery of him as a dreamer. His main goal for this platform is to allow for individuals to reconnect or make connections with one another freely. Unfortunately though his dream of having a free space for connections had to come with more controls. Thus having to use advertisements and individuals information to keep Facebook a popular medium within the online realm. I believe that Zuckerberg's idea of connection operates as a socio-technical imagery because Facebook is able to have the “power to shape technological design, channel public expenditures, and justify the inclusion or exclusion of citizens with respect to the presumed benefits of technological progress” (Jasanoff & Kim, 2009). The utopia in which Facebook operates provides a service for individuals to either connect through common interests or disconnect with one another. Not only is Facebook a place for the individual but also hosts services for advertisers, business and consumers. As above-mentioned, Facebook is not a free flowing entity and this is where we begin to see actors within the e-commerce field whether they are selling the individual on a service or the individual has turned into a consumer. By providing these different nodes of connections Facebook remains a place for its purpose of connectivity.
I do believe that Patrice Flitchy’s understanding of utopia and ideology remain true while looking at Facebook's business practices. This is because Facebook clearly sets out to strive for a utopia through his social networking site but has to keep his business sustained while providing other services. In doing so, he has acknowledged that the internet has been created as a free and democratic space for individuals, this he cannot mislead any information to its users due to him going against everything he believes in.
In reflecting on the readings, I feel as though this is an effective rhetorical response to criticism due to Mark Zuckerberg reiterating that he has a goal for facebook to be a utopia, and it attempting to remain as free as possible. Unfortunately to remain autonomic he has to provide services on the platform while keeping personal data collected transparent.
While Facebook attempts to keep their information collection as transparent as possible a contradiction of information gathering was a criticism found within the article. Zuckerberg's comments on the uses of personal information and the relation to advertisements on the platform. However, in their policy statement and in his awkowledgemetn some information is collected. Thus, leaving the user with questions on what isn’t being related back to the person on their information being taken.

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