Society 2.0: from the democratization of media communication to the socialization of production

Abstract

The advent of the Internet and online social networks unleashed a transformation of the social structures organized by the web, mobile technologies, and the ubiquitous access to information. During 2004 and 2014, the proliferation of communication tools made possible social participation in the production, editing, and distribution of content and information, disrupting mass communication media. Manuel Castells (2010) argues that the consumer becomes at the same time an active creator capable of contributing and sharing multiple visions of the world in which he inhabits. A huge economic crisis and innovation technology pushed millions of people to rely on the web to capitalize on their creativity to create companies, services and products through entrepreneurship and collective collaboration via crowdfunding and the sharing economy. The rise in Internet adoption and mobile devices form an infrastructure combined by the connection of digital devices with the Internet, redefining the relationship between people, technology and cities. The growth of participatory culture and the rise of content creators are opening new opportunities for a second stage of digital disruption with the potential to transform other industries.