Reading this packet about networks was very interesting. I
found it fascinating that although our society is very dependant upon
information and technology, we are primarily run by networks. These networks
are found in person-to-person interactions and in online interactions. I never
realized how important and how influential networks can be!
As I think about my own life I am coming to realize more and
more how much I am affected by the networks I am apart of. My religiousity,
eating habits, clothing style, vocabulary, political views, social media
habits, etc. are all affected by the networks I associate with. Yes I am my own
person, but so much of me is influenced and determined by my networks. That is
a thought I have never had before!
Networks are thriving now more so than they ever have
because they are real-time. In an instant I can log online to any of my social
media sites and within minutes, I have been influenced by the thoughts, words,
posts, and opinions of those in my network. It is crazy to think about how
influence-able we as humans are.
The passage from Rough Stone Rolling was extremely
enlightening. Even though many of today’s technological advancements weren’t
yet developed in the 1800’s networks were still very strong. We saw this in the
number of people converted to the church through their personal relationships
with others. “The first to be baptized were Joseph’s family and close friends:
Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, the Whitmers"-Rough Stone Rolling. It goes on to discuss that these people
were religious visionary sympathizers, they were all part of a network that
were sympathetic to that. The chapter then goes on to show how many people were
converted because of relations to the Knight family. And then later on it shows
how one relation Parley Pratt had with Sidney Rigdon ended up converting an
entire congregation. The early church used, and still uses today, networks to
preach and convert! What a powerful thing to see the gospel in action with-in
networks like that.
This is so awesome! I agree with everything you said. The networks we have with each other influence us more than we often are able to notice. Our small groups of interest can lead others to the same interest. I also never thought about the gospel being network related, but it all makes sense when you think about it like that. When people know someone who is a member, they are more open and willing to accept the message. It is harder to talk to a stranger and get them to listen. The effects of networking leads to how our world functions.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about vocabulary, eating habits, etc that could be affected by our networks. You're right when you say that even the smallest things are affected. I ate out WAY more when I was dating someone rather than when I was single- social events run our lives. Your post reminded me of the statistic in class about jobs given out by friends in the 1st or 2nd degree. People generally have a 40% increase of getting a job if it's through a 2nd degree friend- even jobs can be affected. Well written!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Interesting to think about vocab. Average American learns 10 to 20 works per day between 18 mos and 18 yrs (total 60,000 words). But only 4,000 words account for 98% of conversation! Why the other 56,000? Scientists think maybe largely for courtship and mate selection!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you mentioned that networks are thriving now more than ever because they are real-time. It is true how influence social media is and how quickly it can influence us. Also great insights and thoughts about the gospel and the networks it has developed.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when realizing just how much my social circles influence my life! It is really incredible that nearly everything in our lives, if not everything, is related to our social interactions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thought that networks are thriving now more than ever. I think the relationships people value in their networks will only continue to be more and more valuable.
ReplyDelete