TESTING

TESTING LABELS...

Hate Websites

I was pretty disturbed when I saw the documentary on these hate websites.  To be honest, I never gave too much thought of how the internet can lead to situations like these.  I wasn't shocked to see these websites (because by now, users should expect to find the unexpected on the internet), but it made me slightly sad that there are these types of people out there who are so closed minded and can so blatantly proclaim themselves as the greatest beings on earth.  Believing in themselves is fine, but when their actions start to affect other people (i.e. other races should die), then that becomes a problem.  

This is where one of the internet’s strongest characteristic (accessibility) does not do society a favor.  These internet websites provide an outlet for these types of people to congregate and encourage others to take action against those that shouldn't exist.  The internet allows them to preach their message to a greater mass of people because it is accessible by almost everyone.  It is an easy way to spread their beliefs without meeting many barriers.  These hate websites allowed for the organizations to recruit people without even meeting them in person.  It was disturbing to discover how these websites promoted the 'lone wolves' to take action and that they would be highly praised after committing inhumane acts.  The lone wolves would be able to gain publicity and fame when these sites glorify them and their acts. 

Some people argue that people should have the freedom to create and post whatever they want.  I think this is fine, but at the same time, if it is the messages and writings that they post online which are causing people to be victimized and die, then I’m not so sure that these people should be given the freedom of speech.  This freedom comes with a responsibility and I feel that these people abuse their power. 

In response to these hate websites, I think websites should be created to counter these actions.  Sites should be created that promotes diversity and informs people about the tragedies that occur from those who are closed minded.  

Hate Websites

I was pretty disturbed when I saw the documentary on these hate websites.  To be honest, I never gave too much thought of how the internet can lead to situations like these.  I wasn't shocked to see these websites (because by now, users should expect to find the unexpected on the internet), but it made me slightly sad that there are these types of people out there who are so closed minded and can so blatantly proclaim themselves as the greatest beings on earth.  Believing in themselves is fine, but when their actions start to affect other people (i.e. other races should die), then that becomes a problem.  

This is where one of the internet’s strongest characteristic (accessibility) does not do society a favor.  These internet websites provide an outlet for these types of people to congregate and encourage others to take action against those that shouldn't exist.  The internet allows them to preach their message to a greater mass of people because it is accessible by almost everyone.  It is an easy way to spread their beliefs without meeting many barriers.  These hate websites allowed for the organizations to recruit people without even meeting them in person.  It was disturbing to discover how these websites promoted the 'lone wolves' to take action and that they would be highly praised after committing inhumane acts.  The lone wolves would be able to gain publicity and fame when these sites glorify them and their acts. 

Some people argue that people should have the freedom to create and post whatever they want.  I think this is fine, but at the same time, if it is the messages and writings that they post online which are causing people to be victimized and die, then I’m not so sure that these people should be given the freedom of speech.  This freedom comes with a responsibility and I feel that these people abuse their power. 

In response to these hate websites, I think websites should be created to counter these actions.  Sites should be created that promotes diversity and informs people about the tragedies that occur from those who are closed minded.  

Technology and Social Interaction

I think the spread of technology has had a negative impact on my face to face interaction.  Although I hate to admit it, I feel more comfortable chatting through instant messages instead of through a web cam (of course I would always prefer to talk in person).  It allows me to “hide” behind my screen name.  For example, if someone made me really angry, the other person would not know if I replied with “hahaha” since she/he is not able to see my facial reactions.  I find it ironic how there’s a trend to use “smiley faces” to further express our emotions because typing out our responses is inadequate in expressing our feelings.  I like how instant messaging allows me to think about my responses before sending them.   I think the spread of technology allows people to multitask in the sense that they can become more social since they are able to chat with more than one person at once.  At the same time, I feel that some people might lose some social skills because they are only able to communicate through screens and not face to face.  I notice that some of my classmates in my engineering classes could be considered “antisocial” because they are so caught up with the technology.

I think it is fine to use the Internet to meet other people.  It does have a convenient factor which allows for everything to be accessible and available almost everywhere.  These online sites have the capacity to hold more data and help people find matches more easily.  I, myself, am weary of these sites because I know that risks that come with using these sites.  People can easily tailor a profile that is likeable and does not portray who they actually they are.  Some predators can upload information just to meet new people. 

I think connecting to others through online communities adds another aspect to our social lives.  It allows us to meet a broader range of people who are not bounded by geography or time.  I’m not sure if the relationships are as meaningful and intimate as meeting someone in real life.  I’m sure that we are able to carry relationships with people we meet online, but I don’t think they are as deep as actual face to face communications.  I can understand why some people would prefer virtual relationships instead of actual relationships because it can be so easy to create a world that is in their favor.  They can instantly change anything they don’t like and create anything at the tip of their fingertips.  Some people can get caught up in their virtual world that they neglect to nourish themselves.  For example, they could forget to eat or sleep, don’t even talk about talking with your family members. 

I think it’s important to remember to stay connected with others through real spaces.  Sometimes I feel that people get too caught up and addicted to technology that they neglect their real world.   

Social Networking and Privacy

I only use Facebook and not Twitter or FourSquare.  I use Facebook on a pretty regular daily basis since it allows me to stay updated with my social life and my friends.  I find it easy to connect to friends, especially those who live overseas.  My best friend who is studying abroad in London updated her status with the following: “Facebook really does make it easy to stay connect”.  I completely agree with that statement since I am able to follow up on her happenings through her Facebook updates and photo uploads.  I use Facebook to communicate with my friends who are in Vietnam (which is interesting because Facebook is blocked in Vietnam) because it is so much more convenient and less expensive than a phone call.  Talking on the phone would require a sync up respective of the time difference and a purchase of an international phone card. 

I find that every time I turn on my computer, I would log into Facebook to see if there are any new updates.  Each time I check my Facebook when I turn on my computer, I would probably spend a good 20 minutes to half an hour reading people’s updates and browsing through newly uploaded photos.  I also have a blackberry which allows me to receive Facebook updates throughout the day when I do not have my laptop with me.  Within a day, I probably spend about an average of 2 hours surfing through Facebook.  I may not spend 2 hours at once on facebook, but the numerous amounts of time that I check Facebook throughout the day with each time ranging from 5-15 minutes add up. 

I do not think I text that often since I only text when I have something to ask to tell a friend.  I don’t use text a form of “chatting” because I find it is slightly inconvenient in comparison typing on a laptop.  Every time I am bored, I would turn to my phone to find a source of entertainment to past time; often times, that would involve me scrolling through Facebook statuses.  

I think this cultural move toward social networking, constant access, and the loss of privacy is a trend that contains both positive and negative aspect.  One of its most positive impacts is “making the world a smaller place”.  These social networking sites allow the users to easily be connected to the rest of the world and to be constantly updated.  At the same time however, the constant update may result in a loss of privacy.  Because everything that is posted on the internet is available to the public, one must assume that the entire world can read their post.  This certainly is a drawback to the social sites, but the users can be careful and choose to not reveal certain personal information.  Another scary thought is the possibility of these sites archiving the information that we provide through their services.  I would not be surprised if identities can be replicated based on our Facebook profile.

A benefit of the relationship between our personal lives and technology is that we are able to share our joy and achievements with others through several clicks of the mouse.   We can instantly post pictures from our birthday celebration and graduation.  There are other drawbacks such as when employers would view Facebook photos to see if a candidate is fit for a position in the company.  The employer could certainly find criminating photos that would hurt his/her chances of getting hired.  Furthermore, for those that post their relationship statuses on Facebook, what happens when you break up with someone?  There comes the awkward part where you update your status to “single”. 

As for me, I have never really posted something have regretted because I am always weary of who might be able to read the information.  I stand more on the conservative side of using social networking sites because I know that the public can access any information that I choose to reveal, so therefore, I choose to not reveal that much information about me.  However, if I do happen to regret posting something, I would most likely choose to delete the post as soon as I can; although I know that the information has already reach at least one pair of eyes by the time I deleted it.  I am concerned about my privacy when using these tools which is why I don’t post that much information about myself.  For example, I would only post photos that I feel comfortable having the public viewing and having Facebook place into its archive.  

Your Media Diet

Sunday:

-woke up, briefly skimmed for any important emails on my blackberry before continuing with morning activities

-checked email, read the news, and completed homework and lab assignments on laptop, got distracted by surfing the web, watching youtube videos, reading blogs, going on facebook, and checking email (4 hrs)

Monday:

-woke up, scrolled through my blackberry email messages for anything that is of importance

-used Adobe Illustrator on computer to design compositions for Studio Arts class (2 hrs)

-came home from school and used laptop to complete assignments, check email, check facebook, read the news, check banking statements, read blogs, use Angel, and chat with friends (7 hrs)

Tuesday:

-woke up, scrolled through blackberry to quickly skim email messages

-attended programming lab (3 hrs)

-came home, used laptop to play music, read blogs, check email, read the news, go on facebook, and chat with friends, used Adobe Illustrator to fix details for project for Studio Arts class (5 hrs)

Wednesday:

-woke up, quickly checked email on blackberry

-came home from class and immediately turned on laptop to check and reply to emails, read the news, go on facebook, chat with friends, and check for assignments on Angel (6 hrs)

Thursday:

-woke up, scrolled through messages on blackberry

-attended programming lab (3hrs)

-came home, used laptop to check email, chat with friends, go on facebook, read the news, read blogs, check for assignments on Angel, access PowerPoint slides to study for midterm, and make a midterm study guide

                I noticed that every time that I am at home, I would turn on my laptop.  Although I may not be directly using it and would just leave it running in the background, I still keep my laptop on until I go to bed each night.  I have to admit that it is distracting to constantly have my laptop turned on while completing my assignments because I find that I enjoy the quick access of communication through the use of online messaging and facebook.  I also find the internet to be a valuable resource when I need to find information.  I wouldn’t say that I am addicted to the internet because I have gone trips where I didn’t need to be constantly checking my facebook or email, but since it is so convenient to have my laptop turned on, I might as well be connected. 

                I think my use of the internet (5-7+ hours per day) is normal for people who are around my age.  The internet makes it so easy to stay connected and updated with each other.  This doesn’t mean that we refuse to go outdoors.  I feel that whenever we are home, after going to class or hanging out with our friends, going online is just another activity to do, just like playing baseball.  It is a form of leisure that we can find relaxation in.  The internet provides a convenient platform for us to be constantly connected to our friends and to be updated with the social world. 

                As for the American society overall, I think it reflects how our society enjoys the convenience of being connected to one another and how everything is accessible at the tip of our fingertips.  It could even be considered a past time entertainment.  The users may choose to view television shows on their computer instead of watching it on the television since they would be able to watch the episode at a time that is most convenient for them.  Even I choose to read the news on the internet instead of through the newspaper itself.  If I feel that an article may be biased, then I could instantly search up the same topic through a search engine and see if other articles differ in opinion.  I definitely think our society chooses to engage in the internet because it is quite easy to use and offers unlimited entertainment and information.  Furthermore, since our society is overflowing with media, it is hard to completely stay away and not be engaged with the media. 

                A change I think I should change is to turn off my laptop when I am not actively using it so that I will not become distracted by the internet and focus on the work that I need to complete.  This will help me work more efficiently and save costs on the electricity and increase the lifespan of my battery.  I should also spend less time on the laptop because it is just worsening my eyesight.  I already have extremely bad eyesight so spending hours on the computer at a time is unhealthy.  Another way to address this problem is to take a walking break for every half an hour I use the computer.  The only problem would be that I would most likely forget to keep track of the time that has passed. 

                I feel that my social location definitely influences my media intake.  As a student double majoring in computer engineering and web design engineering, I am required to spend a certain amount of time in lab to complete assignments using the computer on a weekly basis.  Assignments and projects that are assigned often require the use of the computer.  This is not surprising because my majors originate from the invention of the computer.  Aside from my major, I also think that as a student, the internet provides a cheap and convenient way to stay connected with friends and to be entertained.  Staying engaged with the media through our cellphones allows us to keep up with our social life because it plays a huge role in it.  Since many of us may not have the necessary finances to participate in activities that require large amounts of money, the internet is the way to go.