Of user-generated content, ego trips and responsible journalism

I was sent a link to this article this morning which talks about how the web is creating online ego monsters indulging in solipsism. At the first glance it made some sense.

Yes, the anonymity of the web does lend itself to (some) people making exaggerated claims about their achievements or compensating for possibly real world limitations by indulging in virtual world fantasies. But the article took an extremely one sided stance about the issue.

''There is something about the web that brings out the ego monster in everybody… Even in their quieter modes, denizens of the web seem to lug around huge egos and deeply questionable assumptions about how interesting they and their lives might be to others.''

There are blogs out there which bring forth social, political issues people are facing forgotten parts of the world which people would otherwise have not noticed or bothered about. Collaborative blogs that have offered critical and timely help in times of crisis. Blogs discussing art, poetry, literature, business and what have you. There are blogs functioning as online help lines – yes there is only so much one can help through an online medium but it at least offers people a platform to vent their feelings and know that many others in the world go through the same issues. But Mr. Kinsley decided to leave aside ALL of these areas and talk about sites that are only host content that is personal in nature. Fair enough! Nothing wrong with that…Except – please tell me how does some one posting about his life making him an ego monster?

The web has provided a platform for people to share their experience as they go through life. So many people post pictures, videos and write about their daily life on public sites. It’s an effective way for them to reach out to their families and friends, all at once rather than sending multiple emails loaded with pics and cluttering up everybody’s mailboxes.

What I consider most important is – that people’s opinions and thoughts expressed on the web through blogs and sites have brought about some objectivity to issues. When earlier we lapped up content dished out by main stream media and other so-called authoritative sources, now there is greater choice available to the reader. User generated content offers the much needed reality check. Just read through the comments at the end of Mr. Kinsley’s article and you’ll know what I am talking about.

Sites like MySpace help people connect with others, much like Orkut or Friendster or online chat rooms of yesteryears. People go there looking for fun, companionship, titillation or an ego trip. People also build serious interest groups and learn from each other. You just get what you are looking for and Mr. Kinsley’s post is a case in point!

Signed
Ego Monster!