Information Research Weblog

I was able to finish reading Howard Rheingold's 'Smart Mobs' (a review will appear in Information Research in April) while going to and from Torun - January is NOT a good time for travel in Europe! A Smart Mob can also be described as a 'mobile impromptu social network' - a MISoNet perhaps and the idea occurred to HR when he observed the behaviour of mobile (cell) 'phone users in Tokyo. He builds on this idea to postulate a future in which mobile telephony and mobile, wearable computing will enable the impromptu information sharing that results from network creation. He also looks at the implications for new wireless technology for rural communities and urban neighbourhoods, in providing access to the Net, and at the continuing battle between technology developers and the entrenched interests of commerce. In all, a good read, with many ideas to stimulate one's own. Check out the Web site.

Tom