Network Laws

I think that Reed’s Law makes most sense in regards to evaluating networks because it scales exponentially with the size of the network. It recognizes the size of the network and it focuses on distinguishing relationships, providing meaning to networks by looking at how network affiliations use social networks and what kinds of groups formulate as a result. Unlike the other laws I think that this has a more substantial impact because it looks at multiple variables rather than simply gathering ratings or evaluating communication values through an undefined value. Unlike Sarnoff’s Law and Metcalfe’s Law, Reed’s Law works primarily in gathering insight on “meaningful” interactions, by looking at the causation of networks formed. What I mean by this is that Sarnoff’s viewership does not entail the value or success of traditional broadcasting, rather it is just a measure of reach. Simply reaching many people does not calculate value, it means there was a certain amount of exposure (doesn’t include significance). In regards to Metcalfe’s law, valuing assumes that there are different factors to which makes something better or worse in a relationship, this law simple follows the practice of a level playing field, making all networks equal. I think that within the next five years people will continue to get their information from smartphones and tablets. I think that the technology will heighten and that there will be quicker and more efficient applications to make it easier to obtain information, but I foresee smartphones and tablets holding their ground within the next couple years. Portability and reliability are major factors of consumer happiness so if these two factors are placed in one manageable device, which they already are, this will maintain its dominance as an information provider. I also think that people will remain using laptops, but that like with the smartphones and tablets, I think that computers will continue to be smaller, more portable, and have advanced programming to adhere to the users needs and desires.