One last thought

As a final post, I would like to say how interesting it has been to see the shift from real world school assignments and virtual school assignments. Umm what? Let me explain.

Let's go back to junior high (8 years or so ago). We were all online using MySpace and xanga, etc. We clearly knew how to work the internet, and yet homework and projects were given to us in the flesh rather than online. Essentially everything was done in the "real world"; we brought in cardboard posters instead of using PowerPoint; our responses and sometimes even our papers were handwritten; you catch my drift.

High school saw a shift towards more use of the internet. All of the sudden, we're doing virtual assignments, online research, sending and receiving emails...gone were the days of going to the library to find out information through books.

Fast forward to college, where everything (nearly) is done online. Insanity! I can't help but wonder what its like now for junior high kids and how their future will be. Food for thought!

Story Time

Earlier this year I was hoping endlessly that I could land one of my many dream internships as a content curator. 

One problem: the internship was virtual. The chances of meeting my bosses would be slim to none. I would be working alone and therefore miss out connecting with other interns or users. The fact that the virtual world has so many negatives came crashing down on me the harder and harder I pushed for this internship. Would I even be learning anything?

Suffice to say, I didn't get the virtual internship. And quite frankly, I'm glad. I think i would much rather intern in the real world.

An observation

You'd think that being an interactive media major, I would know how pervasive technology is in our life's. More than that, you'd think I'd know the frequent role social media and the internet plays in everyday life.

But I guess I don't,  Because that fact crept up behind me and gave me a bite on the tuckus. After a recent event in my life, it became clear just how much social media I use and how it can all be changed after one occurrence. One minute YOU'RE retreating something from someone, then the next minute YOU'RE blocking them on Facebook.  How easy is it to shut people out through the use of social media? How hard is it to run and hide from them when they're nowhere and everywhere at the same time?

Just a thought.

Will we ever find solutions to cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying has been a huge issue (or at least the media protrays it to be) since the birth of the internet. It appears that there has been an increase of suicide rates among the younger generation because of this cyberbullying phenomenon. My take on the matter, like everything else, is kind of right down the middle.

I acknowledge that bullying exists, whether it is virtual or real, and it hurts no matter what. The internet makes bullying easier for offenders and more damaging for victims. Cyberbullies can, in most cases, hide behind their online persona, while victims are left being attacked by an entity that they might not even know. Cyberbullying is an issue without a doubt, and Amanda Todd's story (among so many others) is proof of that.

However, I feel that the media only sheds light on the issue when something MAJOR occurs. They don't acknowledge the other instances of bullying that might be going on online. There is also just as much bullying taking place in the real world, and I think that unfortunately it takes a backseat to cyberbullying.

The  issue in general is bullying, and ultimately punishment is necessary. With that being said, I don't think the school system should be getting involved. I think that parents are the ones who need to be teaching their kids NOT to bully others. If they start there, think of how much bullying could be avoided? Parents need to parent, not the schools. The schools can obviously do their part in promoting kindness over bullying, but overall parents hold the responsibility of teaching their kids how to act properly.

What's Up With That? (Cybervetting)

Cyber-vetting is a huge thing nowadays. Whether you're the one vetting or the one being vetted, you have an opinion on how wrong or how right it is. Lori Andrews moves for us to establish a Social Network Constitution, and though she has good intentions, I have to respectfully disagree with her and her proposal. 

As I had said in class, YOU are the one responsible for the way you portray yourself online, whether it's on Facebook, Twitter, etc. If you are doing something questionable (and of your own choosing, especially), then you should know how to gauge its internet-appropriateness. If you're a preschool teacher, you probably can deduce that it's a poor idea to post pictures from last night's rager. I'd like to think that companies have a right to check a prospective employee's Facebook so that can maybe get a better idea as to who they're hiring. If they have a picture of them-self with a pound of weed, then you probably don't want them to work for you, and you found out ahead of time!

Now I know that some will argue that it's a free country and that people should be able to post whatever they want, whenever they want. My response to that? Cool, go ahead! But if you know it may tarnish your reputation or get you in trouble, then either don't post it or make your account private. Professor Macek even brought up the idea of having two separate accounts, one for work and one for your personal life. That's a phenomenal idea. 

All I'm saying is that if you want to post something that might be seen in a negative light, just know how to keep it contained or private. That's precisely why all of my social media accounts are private and I only allow certain people to connect with me. I don't do anything questionable, but I just feel better knowing that I can let myself speak about my character and qualifications rather than my Facebook page. 

A Difference of Opinion

This week in class, we talked about utopian and dystopian views of the internet. Of the four articles that we read, each of the authors had valid points to make. However, as a "child of the internet," there are two points that I seem to stand opposite of.

The first is the idea that online literacy is a "lesser kind." I could see how the use of seemingly simplified language like LOL, OMG, and WTF are sort of destroying literacy (I find myself using this kind of language, and although I can't help myself, I feel kind of dumb doing so). However, I feel that there are areas of the internet where literacy is still live and well. I write for The Artifice, an online magazine for the arts. Here, any kind of literacy is frowned upon. Every article needs at least six approvals, and that's checking for content errors, grammar mistakes, and so on. This scrutiny, in my opinion, disproves some of the claims that literacy online is dead.

Beyond that, I disagree with the claim that the internet is ruining our ability to focus. In all honest, the internet has helped me to stay focused. I know that when I do good enough research or know what I want to be viewing, it takes a lot to break my concentration. If I want to be focused, I WILL BE, whether or not I'm online or not. I also find that the internet has helped me to learn how to multi-task. Right now, for example, I am working on the blog post, reading for class, and editing articles. The internet affords me the ability to do so many things that would just get messy and complicated in real life.

How do you all feel about these points? Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments if you'd like :)

Am I addicted to Google?

G.R.E.A.M. Google rules everything around me, literally. I should be ashamed to admit this, but I'm not. As sad as it sounds, I honestly don't know how I would function without Google.

I use Google for so many things. Google docs is where is make my to-do lists, make outlines for papers, save images, and so much more. I use gmail to send and receive mail from others. I use YouTube to vlog on my website and watch videos. I use the search engine for just about anything, whether its how to spell a word or how to make something at my house.

Why am I so addicted? Because it is so easy to access,  and what's better than being able to have access to your documents and files and information in general? I love that I can save something through google and then pull it up on my phone, iPad, etc. Maybe its the convergent media major in me, but instant and easy access is so wonderful.

I can see how some might think Google is addicting and an invasion of privacy. I'll admit that I've used google to find personal things about others. People can certainly become reliant on google for certain things. I honestly think it depends on the person though. Even though I use google a lot, I'm still grounded in reality. It's different for everyone.