Communicating About Human Biotechnologies

Many groups now view online social media as a powerful way to organize social movements and engage audiences. As with most technologies and modes of communication, however, the tools themselves play a role in the of the coproduction of a message. For example, some ideas and content may fall more easily into communication grooves blazed and frames embraced by the philosophy of "web 2.0."

By asking the question "Does Google have biopolitics?", we will discuss some of the interesting tensions that arise when using new media to critically engage questions about biotechnology & ethics in particular. Even a brief explication of some of the challenges can only help us communicate more effectively and clearly, while at the same time being aware of some of the directions that new media may encourage.