The Human Voice of the Internet

I'm reading the Cluetrain Manifesto. It is an interesting and rather provocative book that forecasts the end of the current business paradigms. The authors argue that this radical change is caused by the internet, which is bringing back something we have lost a long time ago, authentic human conversations. I haven't finished the book yet, but I want to share a part of the thinking I have had on the subject so far.

The internet is helping us having true human conversations they say. After thinking about it, it actually makes a lot of sense.

Neutral Context Conversation

When we are having a conversation on the net (via IM, chat, blogs), it is taking place in a neutral environment. It is easier for all participants to feel at ease. More important, when we speak on the internet we know who can listen. When chatting with someone on MSN Messenger, there are only two participants. No one can overhear anything. This enables us to say what we have and want to say without restrictions. When blogging, the posts can be read by many people and the blogger speaks accordingly. The neutral context is also created because the computer acts as an impersonal intermediate between the participants. This often eliminates a little bit of shyness and allows for more emotional discussions.

Democratic Platform

No one owns the internet. There is no org chart, no hierarchy. If you can access it, then you have the same rights as everyone else. This allows people to broadcast their ideas and opinions freely. The user's anonymousness causes a small detachment between the speaker and its ideas and the fear of critics is somehow reduced. Since this is often what prevents people from expressing new ideas, the internet is a great place for innovation.

Less Cultural Constraints

Everyone knows how to and how not to behave in different situations. For example, when at the office, people should be professional. This defines, amongst other, how to dress and interact with colleagues and clients. It also restricts what you can and can't say. Similarly, in any culture, some subjects are taboo. Not on the net. You can say whatever you think no matter how shocking and provocative it is (what defines shocking or provocative is relative to each culture, it is not universal).

Interest Based Friendships

On the internet, friendships are created when people's interests match, not when they happen to be at the same place at the same time. From interests based friendships emerge passionate conversations. Furthermore, since time and location are not an issue, individuals can now have a vast and very complex social network.

The Option to Ignore

You don't like a web page; don't read it. You don't want to chat with that guy you meet in high school; block him from your contact list. No more boring conversations. People can now choose to ignore...and stay polite.

The internet is a scary place. It is scary because, as the manifesto says, it is a very powerful platform for expressing our own human voice.