Locked Appliances are on the rise, protecting users against looming threats in this digital age. The competition between locked appliances such as the IPhone, versus generative platforms, including PC`s and Android, is one that concerns the choice of freedom over security. For me, security against the modern dangers on the Internet is more attractive than the possibility for me to create. In this day and age, is protection really that bad against the deep hole that is the Internet?
We as users are retreating back to becoming consumers, rather than pure prosumers with the IPhone. I love Zittrain`s reference to the IPhone as an IBrick (2008.) However, we need to remember who the primal buyers of this technology are: Normal People, Tradies, Uni Students, Sales Assistants, and people in between. The IPhone gives people, a camera, phone, G.P.S and a notebook all in one. These people, including myself, just want up to date technology to survive in this ‘age of information’.
Yes, the boundless possibilities of the Internet are astounding and invite people to explore their freedom of self expression and speech like never before. But for me, this comes at such a cost. Whilst civilized, self respecting people use the Internet for good and not evil, violent games, child pornography, invasion of privacy and security issues damage and hurt people via the Internet. This cannot be controlled. Is this competition really an issue of seizing consumers freedom or protecting them against the Internet`s Machiavellian grasps?
As Zittrain (2008) claimed, “IPhone is a product of fashion and fear.” For me, locked appliances are a product of simplicity, security and sensibility.
Zittrain, J. (2008) “Introduction”. In J. Zittrain The Future of the Internet And How to Stop It (p. 1-5) New Haven: Yale University Press. http://yupnet.org/zittrain/archives/6
journo2day 