The Machine is Us/ing Us

Michael Wesch, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Kansas State University, has made an interesting short exploration of "Web 2.0". I am not posting this for his technical explanation of the way things work online (web designers are railing against his oversimplified presentation of XML vs. HTML), or because I really support the term "Web 2.0". I'm posting it because, regardless of technical specifics and terminology, his basic points advocate some valuable ways for people to think about the internet. The separation of content and structure, easy connection, accessible technology, the web as a place for linking people and exchanging info, rethinking certain key elements for the future... these are all good things. If this video encourages people to be less intimidated by the web, then great.