Infrastructure entails the organization of structures that help run a product in some way. Whether it be machinery, civic developments like highway systems, basic communication forms, or even a kitchen stove, almost everything is reliant on some form of infrastructure. The new phenomena of media infrastructure take an interestingly new approach to the concept of infrastructure, redefining what is considered to be part of the infrastructure. Media, in the form of apps, for example, are reliant on their users in order to function. Thus, humans have therefore become “the base of their operations” as noted in the reading. I think this concept is quite interesting yet frightening at the same time, because as the public not only is a driving factor with keeps media platforms moving but the public is also seen as the gain and essentially “digital capitalism”. Users maintain the life of apps, and they are determinate by the productivity and success of their creators. For example, social media platforms such as TikTok are globally recognized, and therefore entice those areas without smartphones (also known as the O3B- other three billion) to get them. Thus, not only is the public a piece of media infrastructure digital but also physically for smartphone companies and wireless services as well. The spread of infrastructure on which media is reliant (ie. cell towers and phones) will most likely become the next way of infrastructure expansion followed by the push for more media infrastructure in the form of the O3B.
2 thoughts on “Infrastructure- Kjellen”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I think that, much like the definition of “new media,” the concept of technological infrastructure is continuous and evolving. Said here you mentioned, that humans are the infrastructural backbone for online technology, such as apps, softwares, programs, etc. It’s interesting that the infrastructure of such a prominent thing in today’s society, such as technology, is as ambiguous as it being humans. I find that such an interesting construct because humans are constantly evolving and changing, and technology, to an extent depends on humanity for it’s own evolution and construction, as well as production and promotion.
I never thought of humans/consumers being a type of infrastructure for companies. However, it does make sense. Consumers are the backbones for which products are marketed towards. Companies study consumer preferences so that their products will be the most appealing to people. This means the data that is collected about them is surely part of the company’s infrastructure. I also agree with you that in the near future, the spread of physical infrastructure is likely to bring the internet to the O3B and will increase the market for smartphones/computers.