What Dreams May Come

[thenickmurrayblog]

Hello Google Glass, Goodbye Privacy

Glass is just the next step of marketing and advertising jumping out of our computers and into our faces.

Google Glass is only in the beginning stages of, but as Josh Lowensohn writes in his article, Google Glass Now on Sale to All in US, but still in Beta,...

[jess14ferreira]

Privacy is a long gone aspect of society thus why worries about that now? In a world where things are finally coming to terms with our needs it’s time to embrace these changes. It’s time to enter the technology band-wagon, and worry less about rather we are being watched or not. Regardless of the Google Glass or simple non-smart phones from the early years we have been targeted since day one. We are interesting creatures why not make a show?

Instead of worrying about losing privacy we need to worry about acting accordingly. Making sure our actions are contributing to the common good. And that we are making life interesting, because regards, we are watched 24/7;

"digital networks making sharing cheap and potential participation nearly universal"(Shirky 111).

Might as well enjoy the convenience right before our eyes. This is per se an opinion of a skeptic who’s tired of dealing with pros and cons of a possible technological emergence. It’s soothing to accept that change will happen because that is an inevitable fact. And as “human being” all we can do is make this change worthwhile.

Google wants to make our lives more convenient. Embracing it is the best thing we can do.

Instead of making it exhausting to our sense of being controlled, let’s all just go along with it. And make positive changes. If our privacy is gone let it be. And instead focus on being the best version of you can be. Maybe then we won’t be as "entertaining". We won’t be such easy target of frauds and malicious actions on the web.

Instead we will use these convenient tool to our advantage. Sharing is valuable (Shirky). And since we live in a digital mediated culture, we might as well embrace these values. This way we will be one big group of human activists, who are proud of being watched, because we have nothing to hide.

We share kindness and feel no need to hide that. So watch us be great people. Watch us use technology for the good. And watch us make a better future than we may encounter if all we do is focus on what to do to keep ourselves hidden under a rock.

Works Cited:

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: Creativity And Generosity In A Connected Age. 1st ed. New York: The Penguin Press HC, 2010. Print.

[jess14ferreira]

More imagination, Less replication!

 ONCE AGAIN, by providing easier access to its latest digital gadget, technology goes beyond our imagination. The Google glass is back in stock and available for everyone!

We're entering a reality where convenience lays right before your eyes. The Google glass provides eases to photography, text messages, access to the web, maps, etc...Everything your smartphone does the Google glass can do the same, but instead as a tool mounted to your face. It may seem like a surprising innovation. But is it really?

So we wonder, IS THAT ALL?

Based on the author Pamela Lund, in her book “Massively Networked” the future holds much better benefits than a mere head-mounted digital gadget. In the midst of expectations what are the surprising changes that may come to exist?

“Engaging in a perpetually changing reality successfully requires an entirely different strategy than relying on a static set of stories—it requires actively engaging the imagination” (Lund, 18).

Innovations require more creativity, not a replication of something that already exists.

“Combining the collective power of imagination can accelerate the process of creating new frameworks that are just right for the world we want to lie in; as a result, we can more quickly leave ordering narratives that no longer work very well behind” (19).

Technology revolution mediates in our fast changing culture. And today we want more than a smart phone or easy access to the web.  Our perspective as human being has the chance of being expanded increasingly “If you pay attention to what is happening around you and learn how to make the best use of the tools and your talents” (21).

“The internet is re-creating people in technology’s image” (McChesney, 12). We are no longer humans. We are cyborgs; whose creativity has aligned with technology.  “Every surprising bit of new behavior has two common elements: people had the opportunity to behave in a way that rewarded some intrinsic motivation, and those opportunities were enabled by technology, but created by human beings” (Shirky,101).

Technology advancements are incredibly fast and a commonplace in todays world. We are accustomed to this reality though we may fail to imagine more. What else can we dream for? 

"WHAT DREAMS MAY COME"

I would like to imagine an fantasy world. Envision myself inside a made up reality.  Kind of like an avatar, but instead experience it first hand; live and colors. Not as a gamer, or someone looking from the outside. But As someone living an alternate reality. With a simple combination of technology and human imagination I would like to spend a few hours in the land of my dreams that does not yet exist. "Through fantasy imagination, you can extend element from commons  experience in novel and unexpected ways" (Lund, 15). Perhaps get inside a movie. Interact with animals; flowers; or even fall into the rabbit hole; eat a cupcake and grow into a giant. Drink milk and shrink into small creatures. Whatever it may be, can the Google glass do that? Not yet.

But according to Lund, we can create anything we want with our imagination. So its time we start to actively engage with technology, and create our own reality.

We want more than just convenience! We want to go beyond a fixed reality. Beyond the same environment. More than the same old colors; the same type of people; the same experiences. We want different than what we have.

Google glass, step your game up. We don't want "Android-powered headset that links up with our smartphone to show alerts and run apps" (Lowensohn). We want to create our reality.

  Works Cited:

Lowensohn, Josh. “Google Glass Now on Sale to All in US, but Still in Beta.” The Verge. The Verge, 13 May 2014. Web. 14 May 2014.

Lund, Pamela. Massively Networked: How the Convergence of Social Media and Technology Is Changing Your Life. San Francisco: PLI Media, 2012. Print.

McChesney, Robert W. Digital Disconnect. New York: New, 2013. Print.

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators. New York: Penguin, 2010. Print.

[jess14ferreira]

Online habits vs. Family quality time

Study says that, "Nearly 60 percent of American families with children own two or more computers. More than 60 percent of those have either a wired or wireless network to connect to the Internet."  (Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project)

Digital Age changes the relationship of parents and their children. Family conversations happen less often. The talks are rare, short and simple, and straight to the point. What happened to sitting at the dinner table talking for hours about how our day went? What about good old family Sundays?

Growing up is a critical stage of life, and as kids grow up, mutual communication starts to fade.  Kids of todays world are growing up in a world where they can choose when to interact and with whom to interact. And as a result are losing the essence of communication. Spending more time alone using their gadgets, and less time around the family.

 Kids chose online conversations instead of talking face-to face. They are always busy with instant messaging and social networks, excluding whatever is outside their digital circle. As a result, parents who are not virtually connected to their kids are excluded from their "circle". And in the long run they are pushed away from each other.

According to Clay Shirky, author of Cognitive Surplus, the new view of technology is a combined space combined with the real world. Serving as a distinct form of media expression tied to social action, where kids have are given a publicly space to be heard.

"Although so much of what kids are doing online may look trivial and frivolous what they are doing is building the capacity to connect, to communicate, and ultimately to mobilize" (Shirky).

Shirky's opinion is due to his idea that people should use gadgets for beneficial purposes. He is in fact right. But often times technology is misused. And replaces important aspects of life, such as  relationship face-to-face relationships.

Works Cited:

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: Creativity And Generosity In A Connected Age. 1st ed. New York: The Penguin Press HC, 2010. Print.

Williams, Alex. "Quality Time, Redefined." The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 Apr. 2011. Web. 02 May 2014.

[shannonenl368]

Tons of web devices are being used to get students actively engaged in scholarly pursuits. Whether it’s online talks or smart blogging, high schools and colleges alike are latching onto these methods to get students involved.

But what effect does this process have on schooling and the web as a...

[jess14ferreira]

Students experience learning differently. And at a young age they are already preparing for a digital kind of life.

Technology significantly influences education. It provides much broader learning due to so many resources. And a whole new level of contexts that are more suitable to such fast changing time.   Teaching kids in today’s digital society has met its ups and downs due to technology. But also has challenged teachers to go beyond their comfort zone and teach about a cultural aspect that probably was not around when they were kids.

 The speedy flow of information prepares kids of this generation for a whole new world that they will encounter once they leave school; a world during a digital age. A world much different than the world us young adults of this generation were brought into.

Students frequently use technology in schools, and are taught to use these gadgets in a beneficial way. Kids learn life long lessons in regards to such fast emerging age. They learn how to have freedom of expression with responsibility.

They also learn to: -Have a balanced interaction with sources of information. And to preserve their intellectuals and not rely so much on fast information.

Young students need to learn not only HOW MUCH technology is changing. But how to get into the digital band wagon to benefit their future.

"it is not the technological tool that is important, but the instructional approach" (Gerstein) 

  Works Cited:

Gerstein, Jackie, Ed.D. "Emerging Technologies and Their Application to Middle School Classrooms." User Generated Education. N.p., 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 01 May 2014.

[jess14ferreira]

Electronic Tattoos, Making human farm Animals

Technological revolutions provides gadgets that are essential part of our lives, and eventually part of humankind. Clay Shirky, author of Cognitive Surplus, says that “our social media tools aren’t an alternative to real life, they are part of it.” (37).

Gadgets are becoming part of our everyday lives. For instance: Our cellphone device; which we carry around everywhere we go. Well unless we accidently leave them behind. And that is only because they are not attached to us... But what if they were attached to us? What if there was an electronic device attached to our bodies 24/7?

Though it may seem like things we see in movies; even the most futuristic innovations can happen at any time.

Google plans on introducing a novelty that may have a permanent remark in our lives. Literally… And that will radically transform the way we think about human identification. Electronic tattoos: A cue that will provide a whole new generation of technologic innovations.

Electronic tattoos will wirelessly transmit resources. Not only will they have the ability to send information but they will be controlled by a remote computer, or smartphone. The ultra-thin and flexible piece will be attached to the human skin for human identification.  It will have the ability to monitor our vital signs, interact with our mobile device, and even communicate directly with our mind.

Technological Revolutions have begun to re-define our human essence. Human aspects which we should not take for granted are losing their worth. Machines devices are taking over our lives. And we are turning into mere puppets. We are only meant to serve as guinea pigs and experiment every new thing they create. We are losing autonomy as well as all our rights.

Soon humankind will live under permanent control. Forced to submit to regulations.  Programed to be under dictating systems. And puppets of those who control capital.

In order to reverse this situation, we need to get out of the system! Perhaps we move to a cave and live as cavemen. Or instead, realistically speaking. Perhaps we decide to gain back our natural rights as human being. We start to think for ourselves to make our own conclusions. Deciding based on our own judgment, what is good and what is bad to the well-being of society. Perhaps, with our critical sense we were naturally given, we learn to consider the facts and measure possible outcomes of every new things that comes up.

We need to go back to our interior human motives before it's too late.

Works Cited:

"First Electronic Tattoo Printed Onto Skin : DNews." DNews. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: Creativity And Generosity In A Connected Age. 1st ed. New York: The Penguin Press HC, 2010. Print.

[jess14ferreira]

Technology Re-defines Humankind Without Our Consent: We can fix that!

Technology culture is an emerging aspect that plays a big role in our lives by shaping our identity.

As we enter a digital age and an unknown near future we come acrossconstant change. And as individuals living in such modern country like the U.S, these oncoming innovations are part of our daily lives. So much that we barely notice big changes anymore. And we simply accept these changes as long as we can rely on their convenience.

We are blunt to the constant changes. We accept things as they come naively and not ever question their impact in our lives.  The present and near future of the digital age goes unnoticed while we are distracted by latest gadgets.

"We become so caught up in the newest fad and what it can do for us, we forget about living... We must realize what is important to the human experience before we lose it to data and programming" (shannonenl368).

Technology has provided tools that showed to improve our human abilities exceeding the limits and essence of humankind. "Researchers all over the place are trying to create new ways to make us more efficient by adding robotic parts" (shannonenl368). Are we going to far, and giving up our essential human values for the sake of futuristic dreams?

Human identity consists of ethical values which provides the ability to think a certain way, and have a distinct sense of the world. Ethics are the moral values that guides our behavior. It influences our awareness and perception of the world we live in. And is a foundation of human identity that allows us to hold the true essence of a human being.

Technology continues to emerge: Our human identity is getting lost in a digital cluster. Machines has replaced human intervention in several aspects. And potentially it will make us turn into cyborgs. If that hasn't already happened.

I enjoy very much living in a world where I'm surrounded by humans not cyborgs. I believe there is beauty in the human essence.  Maintaining our values is key to assure our human identity. And it allows us to possibly take part in making a positive impact towards our own favor. 

“Personal value is the kind of value we receive from being active instead of passive" (172).

Value of Being Active: Skepticism

Exercising mindfulness based on our ethical standards is what makes us human. Not only for our own sake, but for the future sake of humankind existence we must practice daily use of ethics. So it's important that we participate in the digital age demonstrating our ethical abilities. As critics we will be able to understand the impact of technology in our lives. And know how to discern its pros and cons to avoid having it negatively influence our human identity.

Our Responsibility as Skeptics: To make sure technology improves human life, and not replaces it. Because only us, human, can protect our role in the digital age. The present and the near future is in our hands.

What are you going to do?

      Works Cited:

Lund, Pamela. “Your Masively Networked “Toolbox”” Massively Networked: How the Convergence of Social Media and Technology Is Changing Your Life. San Francisco: PLI Media, 2012. N. pag. Print.

MacKinnon, Rebecca. Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom. New York: Basic Books, 2012. Print.

Jordan, Shannon. "Interaction Satisfaction: The Gap Between Man and Machine Is Closing." Shannon Jordan. N.p., 10 Apr. 2014. Web. 27 Apr. 2014

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: Creativity And Generosity In A Connected Age. 1st ed. New York: The Penguin Press HC, 2010. Print.

[patrickhawes-defrias]

The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality platform, invented mostly for video gaming that was founded via Kickstarter. However, Facebook now owns this platform. The obvious question many have right now is “What’s a social media company going to do with virtual reality?” As journalist Vincent...

[jess14ferreira]

Virtual identity is commonly used by video gamers, or perhaps SIMs lovers. But it doesn’t stop there…

Video Games is challenging its traditional forms. Proving human the chance to braces their skills through their avatar self. Based on the book Massively Networked, We can create a virtual version of yourself that may later be ported into a life-like virtual or robot avatar.

Virtual Reality offers a situation that links with the user’s daily life. It engages more of the user’s senses in a virtual world. Creating an environment where the gamer can safely perform actions that will enable him/her to overcome barriers.

A 2009 Super Bowl commercial features virtual reality.

It showed an urban landscape filled with people using their tech gadgets. All of a sudden those people are transformed into their version of avatars they use for online gaming…Could this be happening to us?

Truth is; Virtual identity is an escape that many prefer. And it is a common reality provided by the rising technology. It is increasingly popular due to our constant use, and may one day be the future.

 Works Cited

"Coca-Cola Avatar - Super Bowl XLIII Commercial 2009." YouTube. YouTube, 01 Feb. 2009. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

Lund, Pamela. “Your Masively Networked “Toolbox”” Massively Networked: How the Convergence of Social Media and Technology Is Changing Your Life. San Francisco: PLI Media, 2012. N. pag. Print.

[allisonhanna8]

For most students, toggling between social media sites, Wikipedia entries, and homework assignments is normal. But students rely on the Internet too much. The Internet distracts students and prevents deep learning.

Quick Information doesn’t build wisdom

In “Digital Distractions a Problem for...

[jess14ferreira]

Technology entered the education system causing change in schools' style of learning.

Whether the change is good or bad, it depends on how we use it.  The digital age is constantly emerging and replacing great aspects of life. And in order to assure positive influences we need to use this in our advantage.

Due to the new wave of electronic devices, schools moved towards digital learning. And Today The context of education has a more flexible approach. Students all over the world are able to learn using motivating and actively engaging tools.

Pros: Technology in schools provides convenient use on a budget. And replaced much of the need for papers and expensive books. It provides ways to stay in touch outside of class. And enables discussion forums and other ways to interact outside the class setting. It enables changes to class delivery style. Providing hybrid and online models.

And so much more… But the fact is that modern society is changing fast. So we can’t prevent technology to make its way in schools. But we can make work in our favor if we use these tools constructive ways.

  Works Cited:

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators. New York: Penguin, 2010. Print.

[jess14ferreira]

YouTube Benefits Society

As the world changes it becomes more accessible and practical for people to interact with media.

People are introduced to all the great things that the internet can be used for. Most use the internet for personal reasons. And don't realize the importance of effective internet use. And thus internet gets the negative image of being a harmful tool.

  Internet Builds Knowledge

Digital networks are amazing tools that make sharing of information easy. It welcomes broad participation, where people connect with strangers, and forming groups based on similar interests. Through network tools, people are given a space to speak to and potentially influence a wider audience.

"Social media provides a platform for creating and sharing at a low enough cost" (86).

Example: YouTube

A site used to share video content for free.

An entertaining network that keeps people involved and connected.

But, just like anything else, YouTube can be, and is often misused.  With so much resource and just one click away, it can keep someone busy for hours. Wasting time looking up random videos  and etc...

There are plenty vague entertainment found on YouTube. However, there is also a lot of helpful and educational material found as well.

YouTube Benefits

Informational videos prove that the internet is not all so bad. And when looking for useful information YouTube can in fact be very helpful.

Often times YouTube users share with the public videos with worthy material such as:

Lessons

Tips

Discussions

Tutorials

Inspirations

Advice, etc...

“We must combine our surplus free time if it is to be useful and we can do that only when we are given the right opportunities" (97).

Truth is, the bright side of the digital age does in fact exist. And only we can make the best of today's technology, into a better future. The internet is a great tool if used for useful purposes. It is important to participate and understand that making good use of our time online can be beneficial. 

"To participate is to act as if your presence matters, as if when you see something or hear something your response is part of the event" (21).

    Works Cited:

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators. New York: Penguin, 2010. Print.

[jess14ferreira]

Digital Privacy is a Lie.

  As we enter the Digital Age we increasingly dependent on the Internet for all aspects of our lives.  A lot more convenience, but a lot less privacy. According to McKinnon, freedom has been one of the many unsolved problems of the Digital Age.

The free and open Internet often leads to less freedom of individuals.

Rebecca McKinnon is the author of Consent of the Networked. A book that focuses on issues of the Internet freedom throughout the world. And emphasizes the overlapping concerns of privacy, censorship, human rights, and transparency.

The title of the book “Consent of the Networked” relates to those with power, and those whose rights are being affected by those in power. The gap between freedom and cyber power in the Digital Age is filled with problems. It is subtly taking control of our lives.

Corporate sovereigns of cyberspace such as Google and Facebook,  make decisions without our consent that affect our freedom. Companies exercise invasion of privacy and manipulation of information.

The big question is: WHAT should be done so that the government can support the rights of internet users???

 McKinnon says that we need a public movement, more peopleengaged to protect the internet. She talks about  ‘Net Freedom’, a structure that respects rights, freedom, and liability.  And she makes strong remarks about the role of internet users, and the need for a movement against these online restrictions.

It’s important that we understand how the government is exercising their power. And that we make the internet a place that will be beneficial instead of being a problem to our human rights.

We need to get up and defend our rights. The internet's obscure manipulations are becoming clear each day. And McKinnon leaves nothing unsaid about this issue. "It's time to fight for our rights before they are sold!"  We need to figure our ways in which digital technology will work in our favor, not against us.

 I understand how important the internet is to our lives. But let us remember that we were just fine before all this chaos.  We need to start going online less and personally connect to the world more.  And most of all, we need to make sure we are not acting like puppets that can be controlled be the government.

Works Cited

MacKinnon, Rebecca. Consent of the Networked. New York: BASIC, 2013. Print.

[oliviavgauvin]

The commodification of the internet has led to a commodification of the right to privacy. Now, the creator of the World Wide Web is calling for a bill of rights for internet users, because our rights should not be subject to market forces. Privacy: why should we care? 


The fact that privacy...

[jess14ferreira]

  ~This post I re-blogged is interesting because it clearly explains where we are heading in terms of human rights and how much our lives are exposed by “Internet Giants”.

Technology has pushed boundaries of human innovation. Creating   a source of information that facilitated all our lives in many ways. It seems like such great tool would provide the good more than the bad. We all tend to focus more on the pros of the internet. Because of course, in order to strive one must be optimistic. But no so optimistic that they become blind.

The Pros and Cons of the internet are in fact many. And it is important to be skeptical about such powerful aspect.

PROS of the internet:

 -It Provides ways to supply benefits such as health, education and etc.... -Enables achievements. -Enables the potential social and economic development. -It is filled with a free flow of information. -Freedom of expression, opinion, and association. -Provides convenience and accessibility.

Sounds amazing! But, we can’t forget to look at the other side of the spectrum; the negative parts of the internet. To be specific, HOW the internet affects our Human Rights...

The internet has taken away quite a few of our rights as human being. That is, if we can still call ourselves that in today’s digital age...

Internet CONS: The internet challenges our human rights.

"The companies controlling our digital networks represent pivotal points of control over our relationship with the rest of society and with government" (McKinnon, 165).

Privacy is gone!  Blame it on the increase of corporate power; the internet.

  Works Cited:

MacKinnon, Rebecca. Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom. New York: Basic Books, 2012. Print.

[jess14ferreira]

Emerging Future: Two Opposing Thoughts

The future is unclear. We don't know what to expect. Some of us are hopeful to live in the world of our dreams. Others are skeptical.

We all think about the future, imagine, evaluate possibilities, make plans, and etc...  Authors Robert McChesney and Emily Lundtalk about how the digital revolution will change the future.

 McChesney is the author of Digital Disconnect. He points out the differences between what we hope for our future and the reality. His perspective on the digital age lies within a balanced thought of skepticism and optimism.

He says we are facing a digital revolution and we need to be both skeptical and optimistic towards this change. He suggests we need to take the best of what each side has to offer. I agree!

 “We are being led toward a world dominated by narrow self-interest, greed, corporatism, and insensitivity to the greater good of humanity and to the planet itself”(14).

 Lund is the author of Massively Network. She talks about the convergence of social media and technology. She is optimistic about the future of technology, saying it will make all our dreams come true. "We can come to create the lifestyle, future, and the reality that we want".

 "Personally I think this is wishful thinking...Not yet the reality though".

 Based on the emergence of technology in today’s society, I fear what the future may bring; a time where 'humans' will become machines. And personal face to face interaction will no longer exist. People will be spoiled with tools, and self-sufficient; where one person won’t need another person. Instead all they will need is a machine.

 "Eventually, at least in theory, all humans could be connected to one another at speeds approaching the speed of light, able to send and receive all manner of communication with instant access to the entirety of human culture" (McChesney 3).

We live in a time where cultural aspects have come together through social media, influencing each other. Also, the digital revolution of the internet is RE-DEFINING human civilization.

Internet will empower people and make democracy successful, which is what we all hope for. The reality is that, which is that large corporate monopolies and the government are working together and taking away the promise of the Internet we all hope for.

 ~Are we walking into a future of an open vista (freedom)? Or a limited space (confined and controlled)?

 Both authors make good points. But personally, I prefer McChesney's perspective. I rather have a balanced thought of reality and hope than to only see one side of the equation and ignore all odds.

 WE are responsible for our future! It is important to be hopeful and skeptical. By taking these cautions we will not be deceived. And we will finally we make sense of what is happening today.

 Then, we can ask ourselves the question...

 "What Dreams May Come?"

    Works Cited:

Lund, Pamela. Massively Networked: How the Convergence of Social Media and Technology Is Changing Your Life. . 1st ed. PLI Media, 2011. Print.

McChesney, Robert. Digital Disconnect: How Capitalism Is Turning the Internet Against Democracy. The New Press. Print.

[cwebber99]

According to McChesney’s “Digital Connect”,

"Any history of the past three decades will give prominent, if not preeminent, attention to the emergence of the the Internet and the broader digital revolution. In the second decade of the twenty-first century, signs point to its being a globally...

[tgoyette]

This is something that worries me, truly.

What dreams may come?

Google Glass, Oculus Rift, and soon to be countless other augmented reality devices are becoming more and more integrated with our lives. Soon, they will overrun them, and even the simplest task may need the assistance of tech in order to complete. 

We live in  a capitalistic society, which  highlights a notion of endless greed,and the relentless pursuit of profit by any and all means- which in other cultures would be considered insanity. - 217

Because of this, companies will forever be trying to force feed a potential consumer new products, often creating products that become obsolete within a few months, or years if lucky. 

Advertisement has already, and will continue to, flood our every day lives in desperate bids for a consumers attention. With the coming augmented reality boom this problem will only multiply.

Why is this a problem?

I fear that one day we will spend so much of our time enjoying a virtual reality in the stead of our own that we will inevitably boot ourselves out of existence. Imagine a world where machines do everything for us, yet the roads are barren, and so are the fields that we are supposed to be out frolicking in, and the lack of new symphonic sound in the air is maddening. Where is the cultural boom that was supposed to happen once our tech took care of the rest?

I’ll tell you where, the muses of the future are locked away in their cubic studio apartment, trapped in a corner like a junky, tweaking out to something other than drugs: virtual reality. 

Why leave the house when you can have everything you could ever desire from the comfort of your own home?

Is it happening?

The short answer, yes, and here’s how. It used to be, back in the day, that people would actually enjoy talking to each other. Humans are social animals, and in our quest to be better connected and available to the mass public, i.e.: billions of people that none of us will ever meet or even hear about, that we have created a system in which we have alienated ourselves from our natural social construct.

“People thought that the internet would provide instant free global access to all human knowledge. It would be a noncommercial zone, a genuine public sphere, leading to far greater awareness, stronger communities, and greater political participation.”-218

Though the intent was well placed, the realization of that dream had swiftly turned into a nightmare. While it it true that nearly everything a person could learn is available somewhere on the internet, the problem is we underestimated man’s most impress trait; the endless capability to find distractions.

The more we become connected in our virtual realms, the further we drift from humanity.

Now, we avoid eye contact in an elevator, sitting near someone in class is only an option if all other seats are taken, even lunchtime meetings with real life friends are often spent staring down at a smart phone, only looking up to acknowledge one anothers existence to show a funny picture that was found or, dare I say it, take a selfie.

We have become out devices, and lost a large piece of what it is that had made us such a special species to begin with.

What’s the worst that could happen?

The worst, would be the slow decline, and extinction of mankind. We will be so consumed by the guilty pleasures of an alternate reality, say, for example,  a virtual lover with the tech to make you feel “just right-” with the added benefit of being able to be turned off, literally.

What then? Without reproduction those who have become a slave to their pretentious realities will die off, little more than a spec and a clip of data- their entire lives played out, recorded, and only a molecule in the cloud other’s realities. 

“The internet and the broader digital revolution are not inexorably determined by technology; they are shaped by how society elects to develop them. Reciprocally, our chosen way of development will shape us and our society, probably dramatically.” - 216

It’s true, and being a product of our environments the digital revolution will change us as it turns to a digital evolution. Our bodies will grow more and more used to the ease that our tech will bring that we may end up a different life form entirely, our modern day selves looking and behaving like how we now see the neanderthals. We are mow creating tech that will make our lives so easy, that we will be replaced by the very things that were built to sustain us. 

We become worthless.

Ponder this:

www.vimeo.com/8569187/

What happens when everything we touch, everything we do, is aided by this type of tech? Will we Devolve?

Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease

60

Word Count

824

Works Cited

McChesney, Robert. Digital Disconnect: How Capitalism Is Turning the Internet Against Democracy. The New Press. Print.

[bmcleodumd]

Yik Yak is a new chat application aimed at kids 17 and older. The age gate does allow for kids younger than 17 to join, though. An article by CNN describes it as “a location-based app that creates an anonymous social chat room where up to 500 nearby users connect through GPS tracking on their...

[jess14ferreira]

A smart phone app that allows users to post anonymous messages:

    No account

    No username

    No password

    Simply anonymous

The new ‘Yik Yak’ app consists of random posts by anonymous users. Messages can be read by the 500 other "Yakers" that are in the nearest to the writer’s location. Most social networking has the intention of providing:

Good and healthy ways of publicity,

easier ways of publishing polished information,

and expanding their network in a positive manner.

High schools Issues Warnings with Yik Yak This app does not hold ethical standards of social networking. In fact, itb has been held responsible for major chaos in schools.  Example: Increase of incidences of cyber bullying. Anonymity gives an ease of honesty to "Yakers." Users are then vulnerable to derogatory and harmful comments, leading to potential violence and threats to the public.

LA Times says, “In Mobile County, Ala., a 16-year-old and 14-year-old were arrested after three schools essentially shut down for a day because of threats posted on Yik Yak" ~It is no secret that the cons of this app are higher than the potential pros.  Personally I don't agree with this current mass of social networking. I think it's becoming over the top.

And in this case, it is becoming dangerous!

Works Cited Dave, Paresh. "Yik Yak Anonymous Message Board App Causes Uproar at Schools." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 08 Mar. 2014. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

[jess14ferreira]

Journalism Crisis

Capitalism has taken over the internet due to the growing of online advertising. Based on Robert Mcchesney's 'Digital Disconnect', the state of commercial journalism is weak...But is it dead? The internet is a threat to journalism, but it is not the end of it yet. In fact, commercial journalism is changing and becoming more dynamic with time. Today's Crisis: Journalism is harmed as the networks grow. "Blame it on the INTERNET"

“The bad news is that the internet has taken the economic basis away from commercial journalism, especially newspapers” (172).

Today we have full access to whatever we want 24/7 though the web.  We are constantly provided with millions of loud advertising that knows exactly what we want.  But, HOW do they know what we want???

They target us based on:

Our Personal appeals, location, networks, etc...

...a bit too invasive don't you think? Digital journalism provides convenience. But, it consists of cons that we be aware of.

So what are we?

    Consumers; who are constantly exposed to online 'spoofs'.

    Falling for a variety of content; potentially collecting fake news.

    Vulnerable; to potential lies of the web.

Where do we stand?

    We are losing access to good information.

    We don't know what to trust.

    We are objectified by the web, and losing our privacy.

Works Cited

McChesney, Robert W. Digital Disconnect: How Capitalism Is Turning the Internet Against Democracy. The New Press, 2013. Print.

[patrickhawes-defrias]

[jess14ferreira]

patrickhawes-defrias:

WAKE N’ BACON

Smartphones have been revolutionized; serving to every purpose. They are capable of  doing things that before required multiple devices. And now everything we need fits in one pocket. All we have to do is download some apps and we’re good to go! 

The same goes to the Old Fashioned Alarm Clock…

We rely on our smartphones in every step of our day. From the instant we open our eyes in the morning until we get out of bed we have already rolled over and reached for our phones.

From the very fist seconds of our day our phones are there for us to:

Wake us up

Check the weather

Find out what our friends are doing

Wish a good morning to our entire social network,

And now, it even allows us to wake smelling the delicious aroma of bacon!!!

Fantastic huh?

I LOVE BACON! So much that I eat it not only in every morning for but anytime of the day, anywhere, and anyhow.  Bacon makes mornings so much better.

But I'm not so sure about this APP... Pleasing to my smelling senses but not to my taste buds...Don't see anyone would like that.

If being able to actually eat the bacon was part of the design then of course I would be the first one to purchase it.  Until then, I’ll just stick to my “Motivational Music” alarm clock which benefits my mornings a lot more. 

***There are SO many actually important areas technology needs to focus more on… this  one is just silly.

Why not come up with more valuable innovations instead of whether or not we get to smell bacon in the morning?

"Hey Oscar Mayer, How can bacon help end cancer?"

  Works Cited

May, Pat. “Mmmm, Bacon: iPhone Alarm-clock Plug-in Wakes You up to the Smell of Bacon.”MercuryNews.com. N. p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014.