W5 / Chapter 6 / Lee Hayoung

The Benevolent Dictator

Wikipedia tends to deviate from discipline as it allows openness and freedom to many people. But that doesn't mean anarchy. Among the many people gathered, there is an authority that has been given more credibility. They are leaders within the public content community who show spontaneous and merciful personalities and act exemplary. As Wikipedia emphasizes individual autonomy, there is also an open possibility that its leader can leave the community at any time if it does not meet his or her will. It was interesting that a power relationship was being formed even where people were free to do so. Of course, this power relationship does not lead to any negative oppression, but I thought once again that the power relationship itself is inseparable between human society and power. Without a reliable model leader, would Wikipedia go to a state of anarchy? Will individual autonomy result in evil without a good leader?

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