Redefining Key Concepts

The meanings of ideas of democracy, equality, and choice have evolved, to say the least. These three key concepts, which complement each other, and are said to be the basis of many western civilizations, are increasingly getting controversial, as technology strips them of their once held beliefs. The Shirky article argues the same.

With the 're-feudalization of internet' (rebooting america), our choices are not truly free and random as true freedom of choice permits. Our choices are narrowed down by advertisments and marketing by giant companies that pursue their own interests, and do so by moulding our choices to what suits them best. These companies bombard us with ads once we visit a website that may suggest of our interest in a particular subject.

However, it can also be argued that such a phenomenon is part of the freedom that we ourselves have established and evolved through technology. Also, the free market economy endorses competition between companies, leading them to utilize every option that they may have to increase their clientele.

The Shirky article is correct in it's own right. The fact that our choices are not entirely chosen by us may seem unfair, and at the end of the day, is the result of our own previous choices.