Monday, April 23, 2012

Blog Response to Clay Shirky’s “How cognitive surplus will change the world”



Clay Shirky describes his idea of cognitive surplus as a way for people to be able to connect on a worldwide basis. Shirky is very passionate about this idea and explains how it will help the world be a better place. Shirky explains the two types of cognitive surplus which are communal and civil. Communal cognitive surplus represents what people create themselves and share with the world simply because they want to. Civil is where the creators share their ideas or creations because they know they can help the world. Shirky uses the example of LOLCATS, funny cat pictures with witty captions, to represent communal cognitive surplus and the online site Ushadidi, an information sharing site, as an example of civil cognitive surplus. Both of these examples are used throughout the world, just with different purpose.


Shirky’s presentation is so enticing because he is so passionate about it. By allowing the audience to be aware of his passion for this subject it was easier to understand his points. He talked very calmly. He also used examples, such as the LOLCATS, that everyone knew about and that were easy to understand.

I really connected to this video because I also believe that if everyone is able to get together and share ideas that we will be able to change the world. Clay Shirky shows just how much these information sharing websites can help keep people informed or entertained on a personal or worldwide level. I believe that cognitive surplus is vital to the spread of information and will help change the world.

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