Technology and Globalization Overview

I based my presentation on John B. Thompson's article "The Globalization of Communication."

He defines globalization as a growing interconnectedness of different parts of the world, a process which gives rise to complex forms of interaction and interdependency. He goes on to explain that globalization occurs when 1) activities take place in a global community, 2) activities are planned and conducted on a global scale, and 3) activities involve some degree of interdepence among each other.

He focuses on the social organization of symbolic power of media and how it contributes to and has been transformed by globalization. He discusses the history of globalized communication starting with the Roman Empire postal system with the developments along the way until the Digital Age which we know today. Along with the technological developments that occured the social aspect also has great significance due to establishment of international news agencies and regulation of electromagnetic spectrum regulation by governments.

The patterns of global communication today involve 4 aspects: 1) emergence of transnational communication conglomerates that were proactive in international news and development of better technologies, 2) social impact of new technologies ex. satellites, 3) the flow of information and communication products within global market and 4) the different accessibility potentials in various markets around the world.

He presents the localized theory of appropriation which has 3 facets: 1) media products get molded to the traditions and values of the location they are in, 2) individuals are able to get a glimpse of what life is like elsewhere and 3) it is a source of tension and potential conflict when media products clash with traditional cultural values.

Im not sure if Im going to be able to cover all of this during my presentation but I will do my best. If yall think it will be an information overload tell me and I will cut down on it. This is just the main thoughts during the paper.

Blake Alldredge