### 2. Expectations for a symbiotic networked society

## (1) Prospects for a symbiotic networked society

If, based on the social media analyses described above and based on the future direction of network environments and ICT usage, we were to sketch a vision of the ICT society that will emerge as social media use progresses and as it becomes part of people's everyday lives, we could characterize this society as an advanced ubiquitous networked society in which people, acting as the primary agents, support each other, which is inclusive of citizens from all walks of life, and in which ICT creates value by mediating interpersonal collaborations and resolving problems. Taking this a step farther, we could call such an ICT society with these characteristics a "symbiotic networked society." Although the symbiotic networked society is characterized by the positive factors given above, we have discovered challenges that need to be dealt with from our social media analyses. For example, it is clear that many current social media users are concerned about personal information theft, illegal use of personal information, privacy, and other personal information matters. Also evident is that some non-users are eschewing social media because of fears of personal information abuses and privacy worries. Another concern with the growth of social media is that, although N-to-N information delivery will become commonplace and individuals will be able to publish information and collaborate over the Internet, it will be impossible in the flood of information to sort out credible or appropriate information. And as social media is used more and proliferates throughout society, it is very probable problems, including unforeseen problems, will crop up that will impact our lives and will require corresponding measures. To extract the maximum potential from social media and to minimize the negative aspects associated with its use, we will need current and future debate on points of contention accompanying the use of social media and we will need both technical measures and ongoing efforts to find a social consensus on these challenges.

## (2) Expectations for a symbiotic networked society

A symbiotic networked society refers to a society in which social media and ICT has naturally integrated with society and that connects to the real world in a form that uses cyberspace connections and ICT to solve concerns, enable interpersonal support, and include a wide spectrum of citizens, or it can refer to a society with expectations for these to be realized. $ ^{49} $ In other words, a symbiotic networked society is a society in which the benefits of ICT, which has penetrated all aspects of society, are enjoyed by the broadest cross-section of citizens and in which citizens can lead rich, fulfilling lives. Users must be at the forefront of efforts to address the challenges discussed earlier, negative aspects associated with social media use must be minimized by addressing, as needed, problems that emerge in the future, and citizens must be able to have a tangible sense of the benefits of social media and ICT as we aim to realize a symbiotic networked society. Japan, in particular, with its recent experience as the victim of the Great East Japan Earth quake, now needs interpersonal support, interregional support, the formation and revival of bonds, the resolution of personal concerns, and the resolution of local community issues. Thus, it is here that we need ICT to help enable mutual support, form and revive bonds, solve personal concerns, and resolve local community issues as we aim to realize a symbiotic networked society.