the network society

INTRODUCTION “Mobile and wireless technology will spread the network society to the most remote places and the deepest pores of the world” (Van Dijk 2006: 59). This blog will give reasons why it is believed that the mobile technology spread all over the world. Important elements such as the definition and characteristics of the network society, the roles of the mobile technology will be discussed. Real life examples will be provided as well. THE ROLES OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY (CIO council, 2012) stated that ‘mobile technology has become a key driver throughout information technology. The use of mobile technology provides opportunities for innovation, agility and flexibility in workplace.’ In other words, mobile technology introduces new things or new ways of doing things; it provides effectiveness and quick way of working in the workplaces. This means that it is easier for companies to consider mobile technology because it would make it easier for employers and employees to communicate (send and receive) or even research information in a short period of time. Mobile technology makes it possible to access all the market data required, using a mobile phone. It has also made it more effective to conduct business by the introduction to 3G technologies, which allows the capabilities of handling video calls, browsing the internet and sharing large files. Mobile technology enables one to get breaking news as it happens. This technology also plays a great role in the education sector by enabling people to get access the internet, even in remote locations using mobile broadband. This enables students and researchers in far areas to carry out their researches using mobile technology (Mobile Phone & Broadband news, 2008). This means that mobile technology has come to make life easier for companies, students and researchers; communication and information gathering has been made more effective. Mobile technology however focuses more on individuals which is the main component of the network society’s characteristics. DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF NETWORK SOCIETY The network society, according to Van Dijk (2006; 20), can be defined a social formation with an infrastructure of social and media network enabling its prime mode of organisation at all levels (individual, group/ organisational and societal). Increasingly network links all units or parts of this formation. The characteristics of the network society are as follows; the main components are individuals, which are heterogeneous. The scale of this society is both extended and reduced and the main type of communication is increasingly mediated. The phrase network applies to the societies that exhibit two fundamental characteristics. The first is the presence in those two societies of sophistication almost exclusively digital- technologies of networked communication and information management distribution, technologies which form the basic infrastructure mediating and increasing array of social, political and economic practices. The second characteristic of network society is the reproduction and institutionalization throughout those societies of network as a basic form of human organization and relationship across a wide range of social, political and economic configurations (Barney, 2004). REAL LIFE EXAMPLES For example Midrand Graduate institute (MGI) uses Facebook to communicate and provide information to students, in which students are able to access with their mobile phones. This makes it easier for MGI to pass important messages quickly and for students to stay informed. Other examples may be when lectures and students communicate with each other through emails concerning any module information or material; and when students or researchers use their mobile phones to conduct their researches. CONCLUSION Therefore mobile and wireless technology will indeed spread the network society to the most remote places and the deepest pores of the world. With technology improving and making communication fast and easier, mobile technology will continue to grow and spread all over the world. BIBLIOGRAPHY Barney, D.D. 2004. The network society. United Kingdom: Polity Press LTD CIO Council. 2012. Government Use Of Mobile Technology. Available: http://co.gov/wp-content/upload/downloads/2012/government_mobile_technology_barriers_opportunities_and_gaps.pdf [Accessed 05 April 2012] Mobile Phone & Broadband news. 2008. Advantages of mobile technology. Available: http://www.wapalize.co.uk/advantages-of-mobile-technology/ [Accessed 05 April 2012] Van Dijk, J. 2006. The network society. London: SAGE Publications LTD