The discussion of power law distributions is very interesting (p. 56). It's interesting to note that while there is huge variety of information and opinions shared online, sometimes it's difficult to locate them and many of them aren't shared widely. Because of this, it's difficult to discover a wide variety of quality opinions via serendipity. One has to consciously seek out diverse opinions to encounter them. The echo chamber that many folks exist in reinforces existing beliefs, and this certainly extends beyond social media to the web in general and especially broadcast media.
I also appreciate the discussion of digital inequality. The author makes the point that "Addressing digital inequality must take into account larger systemic and cultural divides that both create the inequality and reinforce it" (p. 58). This is a common theme in addressing any type of inequality. Many folks try to fix it by treating the symptoms, i.e. giving disadvantaged people computers or internet access, but they ignore or are unable to address the root causes that denied those things to that population in the first place. Yes, one can make the world a better place by address symptoms, but unless root causes of poverty and other forms of inequality are addressed systemically, other forms of inequality will continue to stem from those same sources, whether in the education system, transportation access, job market, intergenerational wealth distribution, or computers and internet access.
Interesting point about information access at the library; <geek warning!>
The author notes that 'content available' may be limited at the library (p. 59). I was reading reviews online of the Richland Public Library, and there were criticisms about Urban Dictionary being blocked. This review was from some time ago. Curious, I tried accessing Urban Dictionary from a RPL computer, and while it was not blocked, I noticed that the HTTPS certificate did not come from Urban Dictionary. I opened up the certificate settings and it was registered to Richland Public Library, which indicates that the library could see all the internet traffic to and from Urban Dictionary. Other secure sites that I tried did not show this kind of tampering.
This was a very well written piece! I especially agree with your second paragraph, because all too often major social issues are treated for the symptoms rather than the root of the problem. I think that we can start reaching those solutions once people become more open to having the tough conversations and not just the loud shouting of things need to change or governments handing people money.
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