I found the comparison between RW and RO culture as discussed by Lessing in “Cultures of Our Past” very interesting because we live in a time that is simultaneously defined by both.
Social Media makes it easier for anyone to participate in RW culture than ever before. People can easily “add to the culture they read by creating and re-creating the culture around them” by stitching together videos, reposting with new text, commenting, and creating completely new content outside of social media apps (pg. 28). The world is wide open to amateurs- anyone can start a business, get into photography, design on Canva, mix music, or self-publish a book for little to no cost. It seems to me that this has proved aspects of Sousa’s beliefs correct. Especially his ideas about the role amateurs play in producing culture. The resurgence of RW culture has lead to the creation of new cultures, sub cultures, mediums, and communities.
On the other hand, as culture consumption has become easier and easier, RO culture has also grown exponentially. Millions of people scroll for hours a day without contributing so much as a like or comment to the platform. According to some reports, 1% of social media users are content creators, 9% are engagers, and 90% are consumers. (Source) In my COMMS 101 class we discussed the implications of this at length. People who simply consume media are more likely to experience loneliness, feel sad after spending time online, and feel tired/unmotivated by these platforms. On the other hand, people who were active participants felt more content, fulfilled, and included in a community. There are obviously other factors to consider and always exceptions, but I thought this was an interesting observation that is consistent with scientific observations throughout time, as well as spiritual revelation about our divine desire to create.
Although it is too early in the development of social media to say for certain how and if we should interact, I think it is important and interesting to be aware of how consuming vs contributing effects each of us personally and the online communities we interact with. Taking note of these impacts can help us be more responsible members of society.
Photo Source: Afta Putta Gunawan, Web Source
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