Unlike in the past, there are now two kinds of people in the world: those who own and run the networks, and those who merely use them.
Niall Ferguson, in his book "The Square and the Tower," highlights a pivotal distinction in today’s society. He points out that we have moved away from a world where everyone had similar access and influence, creating now two clear categories of individuals: those who possess and control the networks that shape our modern interactions, and those who are simply users of these networks. This shift has profound implications for power dynamics in the digital age.
The evolution of network ownership signifies a new era of relationships and social structure. Unlike historical contexts, where power could be more evenly distributed among broader groups, the concentration of network control in the hands of a few alters how influence and information flow. As a result, the landscape of authority is reshaped, necessitating a reevaluation of how we navigate and engage with these networks.
