Net Locality: Why Location Matters in a Networked World

Professors Gordon (The Urban Spectator: American Concept-Cities from Kodak to Google) and de Souza e Silva examine the evolution and intersection of location and communication—ironically studying the advent of the newest technology by means of one of the oldest forms of communication, the written word. Location and information have long been linked; in 1854 for instance, location was used to determine the cause of a cholera outbreak. Now with the help of modern devices and networks, locational information is more accessible. From finding a friend who happens to be in the restaurant next door to geocaching, technology has changed the way that people interact with their environment. "Governments can use location awareness to track how fast people are driving; some products are being marketed for individuals to track their spouses or their children; advertisers can easily use location information to target people with relevant ads." The authors are clearly enthusiastic about this technology and its possibilities, yet they do address privacy concerns. Particularly interesting is their discussion of the ways in which net locality impacts political engagement and local government, and how location awareness is effecting other cultures. Despite the relevance of the material, the authors' somewhat academic approach will limit their reach to those who are studying or harnessing these technologies. (May)