Module 5

1. how might the metaphor of an ‘ecology’ impact on the way you think about, understand or use the Internet?

When we think about the term ecology we think about the terms environment, evolution and interaction. Each of these terms can be related to the internet and help us understand that the internet is an environment of its own which enhances and encourages interaction and is constantly evolving and developing. 

2. how are the concepts ‘information’ and ‘communication’ understood within the framework of an ‘information ecology’? 

The concepts of information and communication come hand-in-hand with one another. Without communication there would be no information and vicaversa. However within the framework of an information ecology there is the notion that we are beginning to delve into a period where we are experiencing an information overload. In turn this is affecting the way in which we communicate.

3. why don’t we talk of a ‘communication ecology’? 

We can not talk about a communication ecology simply because communication is something natural and that will always continue to exist and grow. Communication is also a tool rather than an outcome and this is why we refer to an information ecology rather than a communication ecology.