The concept of ‘networked individualism’ is evolving, with the internet enabling individuals to forge connections beyond their immediate surroundings. This is leading to a shift from group-centric societies to network-based societies. This new form of social organisation is characterised by fluid, ad-hoc networks that are not tied to a specific location.
In contrast, the ‘cooperative commons’ model is based on shared resources and collective decision-making. It is characterised by the pooling of resources and the shared management of these resources. The commons model is not new, but the internet has allowed it to scale to a global level.
Both models have their strengths and weaknesses. Networked individualism allows for greater flexibility and personalisation, but can lead to isolation and a lack of community. The cooperative commons model fosters community and shared responsibility, but can be slow to adapt and may stifle individual creativity.
The future may lie in a hybrid model that combines the strengths of both. This could involve a network of cooperative commons, where individuals are part of multiple, overlapping commons. These networks would be flexible and personalised, yet also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Go to source article: https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/is-the-next-phase-networked-individualism-or-cooperative-commons/2016/02/17