Blog 3: Conflict in the Digital Age

Conflict digitally and online can be described as war conducted online. More simply put it encompasses things like viruses, worms, cyber espionage, web vandalism, propaganda, and equipment disruption. As you can gather from the names of the various methods that are all considered part of conflict, there is a varying level of danger and risk. Just the same, because we rely so heavily on the internet and all sorts of digital media equipment for the everyday functions of life, even the slightest glitches can cause significant problems. Anyone who has heard an announcement that starts with “We are sorry, but due to technical difficulties,” can attest to this. Viruses and hacking can be costly to us as individuals, but more significantly in the realm of government’s technology and things like air traffic control, issues like this threaten the security of entire countries.

Recently in Serbia, a gay and lesbian parade was called off due to the immense amount of pressure propagated by the country’s nationalists. The nationalists conducted a massive campaign to prevent the event from happening, and their favorite platform was Facebook. This of course proves the influence of the internet and social networks in organizing and promoting ideas. This can be viewed as one of the tools of conflict, propaganda.

This brings up the popular idea that the internet has created a means of breaking down the intelligence in government and politics. Some like Nicholas Negroponte have predicted the collapse of the nation state thanks to the internet. He believes that the availability of the internet allows activists to network, get their voice heard, and influence politics although they are just average citizens with strong viewpoints.

Although this uprising of powerful activists getting their way and denying the actual government the ability to make decisions that stand; there is another angle. Initially many people would view this idea of the people having more of a say as a positive happening, but there is also potential for a much darker occurrence. If the intelligent, respected individuals can create these powerhouses; so can the intelligent, criminals and fanatics. Gangs already have begun using the internet to intimidate one another by posting videos on YouTube. Countries like Russia and China, who have long been known for their effective cyber warfare, have learned the value of starting off small and on the down low. There attacks are effective because of their ability to organize significant “gangs of cyber-criminals”. Therefore, although we automatically think that all the political and social networks and groups that gain effectiveness online are good for the common goal of the people’s voice being heard; it is incredibly essential to also be aware of the potential dangers.