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ARTS1090 RESEARCH ESSAY: MANUEL CASTELLS

It is often noticed that the notion of society is often portrayed by networks of
electronically facilitated communication and by networks reinforcing economic and
social interactions globally. However, one must query, is this notion of an information
age simply a technological extrapolation of the modern Western epoch, or is it beyond
this industrial framework that emerges a worldwide independent social structure?
Throughout the article, Informationalism, networks, and the network society: a
theoretical blueprint, Castells elaborates on the essence of technological change which
established a new technological paradigm, redefining the barriers of time and the space
of flows within what Castells (2005) theorizes it as a network society. Although more
than a decade has elapsed from the publication of Castells work, his concept of a
network society still remains imperative due to the prevalence of technologically
mediated communication that encompass this whole notion of informationalism.
Analogous to a network society in contemporary media forms is the concept of the
Internet and social media, or more specifically the later exploration of microblogging
site, Twitter. Therefore, Castells work is frequently echoed in other research articles
that adapt Castells stimulating vision, critically analyzing the social implications of the
overriding mechanisms of space and time in the current era of globalisation.

NETWORKS, SOCIETY, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Manuel Castells is one of the worlds most profound communications and social science
scholars, particularly associated with research based on key themes surrounding
contemporary culture. Castells elaboration on this concept was initially published in the
first chapter of The Network Society: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. This book also
contained writings by 26 other scholars, combining to explore the dynamics of the
network society in its cultural diversity that results from the interaction between social
transformation and an industrial archetype founded around information and
communication technologies (ICTs). Castells published his ideas in 2005, a timeframe
within the 21st century that spurred rapid technological developments that influenced
this idea of a network society.

Castells defines a network society as a society whose social structure is made of
networks powered by microelectronics-based information and communication
technologies (Castells 2005, p.3). Castells (2005) claims this shift from an industrial
age to an information age is delivered by the arrival of new technologies. Nevertheless,
to begin with, networks were an extension of power that shaped the history of
humankind (Castells 2005, p.5), in which Castells metaphorically represented this
through the history of armies, dictators and bureaucracies (Castells 2005, p.5). So, how
does Castells concept link to evolution through time that provides a relevant
understanding of contemporary media forms? While this transcendence of the term
networks has traditionally been rooted to the historical vertical-hierarchical
organisations of the past (Castells 2005, p.4), it is suggested that the ability of networks
to introduce new knowledge with relative autonomy of the power centres, have
amplified over time with technological change, and more specifically, with the
progression of communication media (Castells 2005, p.5). Within these networks is
what Castells (2005) classifies it as a set of interconnected nodes (Castells 2005, p.3),
the participants that interact in processing and absorbing information. For example, a
macro-network is archetypal to the Internet whereby the nodes are the billions of

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websites that interact with one another; the World Wide Web essentially acts as the
platform for information sharing. It is clear that our society has transgressed past the
conventional definition to the point where Castells argues that technology provides an
innovative platform in distributing information, which requires multidirectionality and
a continuous flow of interactive information processing (Castells 2005, p.5). With the
continually changing social and global economic environment, networks have the ability
to adapt to changing environments (flexibility), change in size with little interference
(scalability), and can operate in an extensive variety of structures due to not having a
specific power centre (survivability) (Castells 2005, p. 5).

Additionally, the advent of nanotechnology and the convergence between
microelectronics and biological processes, Castells (2005) extends this idea of a
network society as the extension between human experience to the whole realm of
social activity, transcending barriers of time and space. This is what was explained as
Informationalism (Castells 2005, p.7), a term pinned to describe the social structures
that are characterized by the power entrenched in ICTs. Therefore, the idea of space of
flows and timeless time (Castells 2005, p.36) is essential in understanding how the
emergence of such technology has redefined the foundations of human activity. The
space of flows refers to the technological possible of simultaneity without having direct
contact (Castells 2005, p. 36); transcending to the whole nature of contemporary media
and the growing power of wireless media to connect the world globally. Castells (2005)
connects this concept by explaining the dominant functions in a network society such as
media networks, financial markets and transnational production networks that are all
structured around the space of flows. It is made of nodes and networks, where
information distribute and interrelate to ensure the time-sharing of practices are
processed within that space. This elucidates to todays reality of the archival nature and
diverse temporalities of current media technologies. The concept of timeless time in a
network society annihilate linear time, or clock time that was dominated within the
industrial age of organizing tasks and work. Thus, Castells (2005) explains that a
network society is not restricted by time in its ability to communicate, rather that the
multiple space of places negates linear time, encouraging the simultaneous notion of
information sharing. Therefore, because this notion of information sharing is global,
this integrates a multiplicity of cultures (Castells 2005, p.38). A somewhat convoluted
concept is crystalized as Castells (2005) mentions it is more that the fragmentation of
historical cultural diversity can still communicate with one another. This whole
mechanism is underpinned by the free sharing of knowledge and discovery (Castells
2005, p.40) and the power by which innovation and the synergy obtained by sharing
information. Essentially, a network society brings the information and resources that
create a culture centered on the value of communication and sharing, ending the past
apprehension of the multiple backgrounds.

THE CONCEPT OF A NETWORK SOCIETY IN RELATION TO CURRENT RESEARCH
Is Castells thesis that we are experiencing a transformational phase in social
development, as networks, still primarily significant in todays reality? It is through
such research that is made possible to discover that a network society has the intrinsic
quality in expressing the streams of information that is ultimately constructed by
dynamic cultures, advancing our current understanding of contemporary media. It is
strikingly obvious that technology has pervaded all aspects of social life in the
contemporary era. This has led to the strong developments in individual experiences

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that change the dynamics of social organisations. This whole notion of Castells network
society is explored through Gruzd, Wellman and Takhteyevs 2011 article, Imaging
Twitter as an Imagined Community, the microblogging network Twitter as a key
example of Castells concepts. Twitter was created a few years after Castells publication
on a network society, therefore can be seen as a developed example in this context.
Twitter can be represented as a network, whereby the user accounts are the nodes that
deliver and absorb information with the website acting as the platform on which
communication is shared. Castells specifically analyses on the developments of
information delivery, in which Twitter encapsulates how new communication
technologies can create new social connections and maintain present ones (Gruzd et al.
2011, p. 1). It is often characterised within such networks, the presence of the
homogenous time, in which the community have a shared temporal dimension (Gruzd
et al 2011, p. 9). This is connected with Castells timeless time as the paradoxical
archival and simultaneous nature of Twitter allows the stream of constant updates and
information of popular topics and headline news. Twitter evolved to be a common
interactive platform that can be accessed on various microelectronic technologies,
whereby it is collective in the sense that all Twitter users understand Twitters norms,
language and structure and all public accounts are reachable- despite users coming from
different geographical cultures (Gruzd et al 2011, p.19)

Furthermore, the global culture within a network society represents encourages the
integration of diversity and multiplicity of cultural identities (Castells 2005, p.38). In
the contemporary context, Blacks study Online Fan Fiction, Global Identities, and
Imagination (2009) articulated the accelerated movement of globalisation and raised
profound ideas about the notion and impact of online communication. Castells
encourages that technology leads to a culture of protocols of communication enabling
communication between different cultures (Castells 2005, p.39) on the foundation of
experiencing the same synergy from information sharing. Black (2009) observes this
correlation by investigating the prospective effects on the identity of adolescents from
cultural groups who are inadvertently exposed to diverse cultural perspectives via the
Internet. This coined the terms of transmedia or media mixes (Black 2009, p. 398)
that encapsulates the global flows of products that simultaneously immerse and
influence youths. Black developed Castells theory in relation to how ICTs have
provided emerging opportunities for adolescents, especially fans, from across the globe
to meet, share, discuss and develop their textual innovations in online archives and
writing communities (Black 2009, p. 398). This is highly relatable in contemporary
media, as the powerful phenomenon of popular culture today has created the mass
exposure of celebrities and fans. It is argued that media networks construct language
socialization whereby the article interviewed Almon, a Chinese student who migrated to
the U.S, utilizing social media to create an online textual identity (Black 2009, p. 399)
By embedding himself within a network society Almon developed English skills
through the participation of online spaces and social networks that related to personal
interests and popular cultural affinities (Black 2009, p. 400). By using a hybrid variety
of English and Romanized Chinese, Almon regularly communicated with a multilingual
group of peers who shared similar interests, adopting a newfound sense of articulacy
and connection. Therefore, in Blacks article, Castells notion that technology networks
has the capacity to communicate with each other despite coming from different
backgrounds (Castells 2005, p.39), has advanced in the sense of increasing convergence
of cultural identities within todays culture.

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Interestingly however, Roger Smiths 2013 article Castells, Power and Social Work
seems to argue that the homogenous nature of such technological and social networks
could destabilize the traditional forms of communication and social organisations.
Technology and mass media can connect people at different locations, transcending
geographical borders and contributing to a sense of shared experience (Smith 2013, p.
1550). Although networks have created a greater sense of connective-ness and
awareness of global issues, it could potentially have negative implications as traditional
cultural norms can be prevailed by current economic, social and moral standards (Smith
2013, p. 1551). He metaphorically described modern networks as having an
increasingly transnational flavour (Smith 2013, p.1550)- emphasizing a sense of global
homogeneity. Thus the rapid corporative nature of businesses has a prominent position
within society that was made achievable by technology that can perform tasks efficiently
and profitably as well as economic networks that lead to greater vulnerability from
increased connections. Since technology is advancing, there is seemingly a greater bias
for adopting technology that could ultimately affect employment. Controversially, the
article explores that this could lead to a sense of uncertainty about job security and
employment opportunities, increasing economic pressures within families that have
shown disruption between traditional social relationships. This development is akin to
Bittman, Brown and Wajcmans 2009 piece The mobile phone, perpetual contact and
time pressure that highlight the emergence of a new social structure intensified by the
use of ICTs. Then perhaps Castells early notion of the network society exposed through
the diffusion of wired infrastructures for commercial computation might actually
change from this newer conception of the network society, redefined as a result of rapid
advancements of wireless consumer devices for individualized communication. The
article focused specifically on how mobile communication now represents the
personalized, shared capacity to access global communication networks from any place
at any time, similar to Castells concepts of space of flows and timeless time. However,
issues are raised in regarding the nature of network societies as in the modern norm a
person with a mobile phone must always be seemingly available, yet also implying the
proliferation of demands from ones social and work life and less dead time (Bittman et
al. 2009, p. 674). Firstly, it is argued that because we are apart of a network society,
the new social standard with its capacity for perpetual contact can lead to technology
such as mobile phones to extend work beyond the workplace, into the places and times
usually reserved for families and leisure (Bittman et al. 2009, p. 675). Analogous to the
ability of space of flows whereby information can now be accessed simultaneously,
further reflect Castells notion of timeless time whereby technology can also influence
work at any time and beyond standard office hours. Linda Duxbury in Bittmans article
coins the term work extending technology (Bittman et al. 2009, p. 676) to reflect the
trend of increasing labour intensification which remain significant in our economic
network of competitive corporate businesses. Duxburys studies were dissected within
the article to explain that the intensification of work is the result of managerial practices
enabled by technology and our growing dependence on it. In conjunction to Castells
redefinition of a network society, the core question is explored in both articles- on
whether the creation of networks and redefinition of time and place brought by
communication technology connect us to one another or whether it could essentially
disconnect us in reality.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF A NETWORK SOCIETY

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The intrinsic social value concerning the notion of a network society is one that will
continue to be progressively more relevant as information communication technologies
become increasingly prevalent and powerful. Analyzing the perception of the network
society that reflects an individuals greater connectivity through flows of information,
place further emphasis upon Castells concept that accounts for the development of
platforms and new ways of communication. Castells article can help us understand the
metaphorical relationship that society has with technology, the interconnection of nodes
within networks that encourages flows of information between people. This can be seen
through the example of Twitter and how users absorb and provide information through
the network platform, a contemporary exemplar that is archetypal to other media forms
such as the Internet, Facebook, YouTube and mobile applications (Gruzd et al. 2011, p.
1). Contemporary media forms increasingly encourage a network community or
society, with the core aim of connecting individuals to reflect the new social norms of
always being observant of current events. As described by Black (2009) earlier in the
piece, the impact of global communication fostered the movement and growing
convergence of different cultures. This allows us to understand our relationship with
media and how it essentially affects our every day life- reflecting our reality of increased
multiculturalism and tolerance of various interests and backgrounds. The network
landscape is flexible, scalable and survivable (Castells 2005, p.6) therefore this
adaptable concept will continually allow us to have a fundamental understanding of
contemporary media forms. It is not that we are threatened to adopt such information
communication technologies, but rather the realm of the human experience that
benefits from developing broader relationships and improving standards of living in
accessing different information and knowledge globally.

In all, it can be determined that through the experience of communication media, the
exposure of network societies and flows of information is portrayed. Castells main ideas
portrayed in The Theory of the Network Society is still applicable in contemporary
society, however his notions were reflected in the former wired infrastructures for
commercial businesses and primary microelectronics during Castells time of
publication. His concept has shown dramatic development after a decade later, in the
sense that new forms of network societies have been created from rapid advancements
of wireless consumer devices such as smart phones and tablets which in turn developed
a new technological paradigm; social media websites and applications (Bittman et al.
2009, p. 670). As such, while the prevalence of such technology continually develops and
innovates, Castells concept might need to be developed in the sense of how it can affect
our modern social values and work ethics which have also changed with the evolution of
technology (Smith 2013, p. 1550). Despite changes in social standards, work
relationships and technological advancements, Castells 2005 article Informationalism,
networks, and the network society: a theoretical blueprint still present relevant
theories and understanding of contemporary media forms.

Word Count: 2747

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References

Bittman, M, Brown, J & Wajcman, J 2009, The mobile phone, perpetual contact and time
pressure, Work, Employment & Society, vol. 23, no.4, pp.673-691, accessed 22 April 2015
from JSTOR Database, ISSN; 09500170

Black, R 2009, Online Fan Fiction, Global Identities, and Imagination, Research in the
Teaching of English, vol. 43, no.4, pp. 397-425, accessed 22 April 2015 from JSTOR
Database, ISSN; 0034527X

Castells, M (ed.) 2005, The Network Society: A Cross-Cultural Perspective, e-book,
accessed 21 April 2015, <http://sociology.sunimc.net/htmledit/uploadfile/system/
20100512/20100512 150452580.pdf>

Gruzd, A, Wellman, B & Takhteyev Y 2011, Imagining Twitter as an Imagined
Community, American Behavioral Scientist on Imagined Communities, vol.55, no.10, pp.
1-30, accessed 22 April 2014, <http://illinois-online.org/krassa/ps450/Internet%2
0studies/Gruzd,%20Twitter% 20as%20community.pdf>

Smith, R 2013, Castells, Power and Social Work, The British Journal of Social Work, vol.
43, no.8, pp. 1545-156, accessed 23 April 2014 from JSTOR Database.