Shannon's Blog

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New Media: Governance in Virtual Gaming

There is no question that there are differences between virtual reality and actual reality. You can’t be physically hurt or abused in virtual reality. There are several cases however, in which the physiological impacts of virtual realities are evident in the real world.

As virtual realities mirror real world experiences it is no wonder that real world problems can arise. Dibbell explains that like the case of Rape in Cyberspace “every set of facts in virtual reality is shadowed …the “real-life” facts.”(1998). While this rape did not have physical contact, the emotional implication to the victim still existed. As Dibbel detailed the woman whose character was attacked she wept as she wrote online of her disgust for her aggressor (1998). 

As Woodfood explained and Sheldon comically illustrates, theft in virtual games also has an emotional impact on the player (Woodfood, 2012). As my brother, who helpfully explained the inner working of WoW to me, told me that theft is a constant occurrence in the game, with some accounts worth hundreds of dollars.

These virtual realities rely on user self-governance that clearly, as the cases above suggest, is not sufficient. Suzor explains, “There are significant limits to self governance.“ (2010, p1825). With the internet’s anonymity it is alarming to think that virtual games with over 8 million users have no concrete way of governing their players.

  Comments

Jonathon’s blog offers a really interesting viewpoint. I totally agree that the Internet is advancing faster than the legal and governing systems in place can comprehend. The issues of the online world have issues that are far more difficult to control- users can hide behind their computers, so holding them accountable for their actions is far more difficult than a real life robbery.

Nadine also offers another avenue for thought surrounding freedom of speech. While I also have no interest in virtual realities or games, for many it is a fundamental part of their lives. The Internet offers many platforms for people to speak their mind and escape their daily routine. The implementation of larger governing bodies, in comparison to self-governance by users has the potential to impact the right to freedom of speech. 

References:

Dibbell, J. (1998). A Rape in Cyberspace. Retrieved from http://www.juliandibbell.com/articles/a-rape-in-cyberspace/ 

Suzor, N. (2010). The role of the rule of law in virtual communities. Retreived from http://nic.suzor.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-NS-RuleofLaw.pdf

Woodford, D. (2012) KCB206: New Media: Law, Policy and Governance: Week 9 [Lecture Slides]. Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_81726_1%26url%3D

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New Media Transgressions: Privacy on the Internet

The interrelationship of public life and private life has existed for decades; however with the emergence of new media has progressed to an entirely new level (Thompson, 2011, p50)

The issues of privacy on the Internet are not only relevant to public figures, but anyone with an online presence (Leong, 2012). Social networking sites such as ‘Facebook’ provide a platform in which the exchange of personal information is as easy as a click of a button.  

As seen from this clip on’ The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, and from the countless accounts of people being fired over a post they made on Facebook, it is clear that what you post online can be seen by people that you didn’t anticipate and therefore using social media should be done with extreme caution.

As Deputy-Chief Magistrate, Jane Mottley explains, “Incalculable damage can be done to a person's reputation by the irresponsible posting of information through that medium,” (2012).

In addition, stories such as Ruth Jeffery's demonstrate that people need to be aware of online consequences even if they themselves are not providing content.

Only since exploring new media transgressions have I come to realize the extent to which the Internet can negatively impact someone’s life. While yes it can be out of someone’s control, it’s important to be informed and cautious, so we can try to keep the distinction between public and private as clear as possible.

Brodie’s blog also offered further discussion into the matter of privacy. The fact the people are so opening sharing such private information is also very concerning to me. It myself am quiet reserved with what I share on Facebook but it is increasingly clear that people are more open to disclosing private information. I think online safety education is a key aspect to the new world of media and should be introduced immediately.  

Further discussion can also be seen in Jonathon’s blog 

References:

Leong, S. (2012) KCB206 New Media: Internet, Self and Beyond: Week 8 Lecture [ Lecture Slides]. Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/

Thompson, J. (2011). Shifting Boundaries of Public and Private Life in Theory Culture Society 28(4), pp. 49-70. Available on Queensland University of Technology Course Material Database. 

Sydney Morning Herald. (2012, April 22). Ex-lover punished for Facebook revenge. Sunday Morning Herald. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/

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The New Workplace: Working in/ with New Media

Reliance on technology in everyday life is increasing; which is paralleled for businesses and the workplace (Leong, 2012).

In the modern world, the boundaries of time and space have been removed; making a super efficient global economy (Castells, 2009).

New information and communication technologies have compressed years into seconds (Castells, 1999). Additionally employees can work from anywhere and connect to anywhere. At my workplace I have conferences on Skype, my work emails on my phone and remote access from my laptop.

 Zittrain explains sites such as Liveops, a virtual call centre, allow the entire work process to be done at home. The benefits for stay-at-home mums, people with disabilities and the elderly are undeniable, allowing those who otherwise would not be able to work an opportunity to earn an income (2009).

The 9-5 office environment has changed, so what does that mean?

Constantly being connected can result in an increasingly poor work/life balance, as there is even less time for switching off (Leong, 2012). Many aspects of the new workplace are unsustainable and there is only so long people can work before they run out of steam; resulting in less productivity rather than more. With these new working constructs, there should also be changes to maximum working hours, holidays and sick leave to ensure more balance. 

Kathleen’s blog discusses another interesting take on new media’s influence on the workplace, posing the question ‘will technology take our jobs?’ I agree that there is cause for concern as it does seem that we are becoming progressively more reliant on computers and technology. Since the industrial revolution the emersion of technology has replaced several aspects of human labour (Leong, 2012).With advancements in technology showing no indication of slowing down, technology continues to be used throughout the workforce.  I don’t think there will be a stage in which technology overrules the importance of humans in the workplace, but I can certainly see that technology has changed, and will continue to change the way in which we work.

As Luke has discussed there are lots of benefits for those who choose to embrace and work with new media.  I definitely agree that the internet is a great platform to make money and a career out of. But with such clutter on the internet (especially with sites such as YouTube), how do you separate yourself from the crowd? I would love to become a YouTube sensation or similar, but with 60 hours of video uploaded every minute it is easy to see how making a career in new media can be more difficult than it first appears (YouTube) .

   References

Castells, M. (1999). An Introduction to the Information Age  in  H.  Mackay & T. O’sullican (Eds),The Media Reader: Continuity & Transformation (p398-410). London: Sage: 398-410. Retrieved from The Queensland University of Technology Course Materials Database.

Kronosukmarketing. (2010, Aug 12). The Workforce is changing rapidly- How will you manage? [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XIQkDldpmI&feature=related

 Leong, S. (2012) KCB206 New Media: Internet, Self and Beyond: Week 7 Lecture [ Lecture Slides]. Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_81726_1%26url%3D

Youtube. (n.d) Statistics. Retrieved on April 23, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/t/press_statistics

Zittrain, J. (2009, Nov 29). Minds for Sale [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw3h-rae3uo&feature=youtu.be

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 Health and Well-Being Online 

In contrast to traditional conventions, new media has once again empowered the individual and taken away society’s reliance on government systems (Lewis, 2006).  In this week’s reading the reoccurring theme of self-managing our health and well-being was prevalent and I found it quiet enlightening (Lewis, 2006).

With 80 percent of Internet users looking online for health information, it is the third most popular online activity among all those included in the Pew surveys (2011). In a separate survey 54% of participants seek health information for others (2000). Expanding on the concept of self-management it is clear the internet can also be used as a tool to help others, even to create online communities to share advice and experiences. A great example of the benefits of such communities can be seen here as Hannah shares her struggle with mental illness.

I believe one of the hardest aspects of illness and disease is the feeling of being powerless and alone. The Internet not only provides a platform to allow patients to research treatments themselves but it also allows friends and family to support their loved ones by researching  and understanding their illnesses better. In such hardship being able to sympathise or even empathise with someone can make the world of difference and that is exactly what new media is allowing.

Another perspective about new media and health and well being can be seen here as the issues surrounding self-diagnosis are highlighted. This is a really relevant point and I totally agree that there are several negatives with such an expanse of information available online. Often authors can be unknown and may have no credibility to be sharing health advice. I am very sceptical when looking up health related advice online, I do think however that it is great to look at different perspectives and options once you have consulted your doctor.

 Azerinna has suggested in her blog the idea for a unified database of credible health information sites. While we are moving away from relying on governing bodies, a unified database has the potential to be an indispensable tool for the public. It can allow us to be informed without having the risk of becoming misled by untrustworthy sources of information. 

References

Fox, S. (2011, Feb 1) Pew Internet Project: Health Topics. Retrieved from     http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2011/PIP_HealthTopics.pdf

Fox, S. (2000, Nov 26) ) The online health care revolution: How the Web helps Americans take better care of themselves. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2000/The-Online-Health-Care-Revolution.aspx

KruResearch. (2011, Jan 26). Healthcare Out loud [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBmvBS9D6HU&feature=player_embedded#!

Lewis, T. (2006). Seeking health information on the internet: lifestyle choice or bad attack of cyberchondria? Media, Culture & Society, volume 28, issue 4: 521-539. Available on CMD.

TheSite (2010, Oct 11) TheSite.Org- Advice and help online [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u-CYou9FYo

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New Media: Beliefs, Politics and Ethics

Aoqui has said that democracy is “an essential aspect in the process of achieving development and human rights,”(2010, Para 1) and as Leong (2012) stated  this week, democracy relies on informed citizens. New media provides a medium in which information is easily and quickly accessed and re-distributed.

In several recent cases new media technologies have played key roles in changing public opinion, issues and legislation within governments. In 2001 millions of text messages sent in protest by citizens lead to the removal of corrupt Filipino President Joseph Estrada (Shirky,2011). Similarly websites like AVAAZ  “empower millions of people from all walks of life to take action on pressing global, regional and national issues, from corruption and poverty to conflict and climate change.”

With so much information available it is hard to determine the fictional from the factual; it can vary from credible to entirely misleading. As Hamelink states “...new digital technologies have immensely expanded the human capacity to manipulate sounds and images,” (2006, p117). Furthermore the anonymity makes lying very easy and difficult to detect (Hamelink, 2006, p117).

  While it is apparent that there is a vast amount of information on the internet available for people to become better informed citizens, the quality of the information is hard to moderate and in turn can actually lead to many being misinformed.

   Similarly ‘Waiting for the New’s’ blog post demonstrates the importance of being critical with what content we are exposed to on the internet. I totally agree with the notion that ‘deception communication’ is exceptionally easy on the internet, and the internet can be a tool to create a more desirable, less actuate self image.

Another interesting perspective can be seen here, where the more positive aspects of media are explored further. There are also several relevant points that are made and I  happen to agree that the the ability to participate in collective action is a one of the most positive outcomes of new media platforms. I think that the means of communicating problems and expressing possible solutions has changed to enable interactivity and development of these ideas, on a far lager scale.  

  Aoqui,C .(2010, April 30).The Importance of Democracy [Blog Post]. Retrieved from     http://wphr.org/blog/2010/04/30/the-real-importance-of-democracy/

Avaaz.(2011). Suceess stories from the Avaaz movement worldwide. Retrieved March 24, 2012, from http://www.avaaz.org/en/highlights.php 

Hamelink, C.J, (2006) “The Ethics of the Internet: Can we Cope with Lies and Deceit on the Net?” In Ideologies of the Internet, p115-130. Retrieved from the Queensland University of Technology Course Material Database.

Leong,S.(2012). KCB206 New Media: Internet Self and Beyond: Week 4 [Slides]. Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_81726_1%26url%3D

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New Media: Creating and Connecting

The social possibilities of new media have become increasingly prevalent in the world of entertainment. Using new media technologies has allowed people from different countries, societal groups and cultural backgrounds to interact.

Nardi (2010) explains that interactive games like World of Warcraft enable players to adopt new identities and socialise in an online community “…it’s an exemplar of a new means of forming and sustaining human relationships and collaborations through digital technology.” The social skills gained from these interactive games can then be exercised in real life situations which may be enhanced by the rich socio-cultural contexts in such games (Reeves, 2008).

Similarly by not only consuming but creating and distributing media, further social possibilities exist.  YouTube sensation ‘Star Wars Uncut: Directors Cut’ (2009) was made possible by creator Casey Pugh who asked ‘thousands of Internet users to remake “Star Wars: A New Hope”... 15 seconds at a time,’ which enabled fans to unite worldwide. Like-wise Eric Whitacre’s virtual choir shows that being bound by a common goal can now mean creating a collaborative piece of art (2010).

As new media evolves, so too does our ability to adapt and utilize it. New media devices and practices have enabled our society to embrace the power of the collective and possibilities of new social practices.

For further reading click here

 References

Pugh, C (2009). Star Wars Uncut: Director's Cut [Video file]. Retrieved from           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ezeYJUz-84

Reeves,B.,  Malone, T ., & T, O’Driscoll (2008, Febuary 18).Does your leadership development strategy include World of Warcradr?. Harvard Business Review Online. Retrieved from

http://blogs.hbr.org/hbr/hbreditors/2008/02/does_your_leadership_developme.html

  Whitacre, E (2010, March 21).Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir-‘Lux Auramque’[Video file]. Retrieved   from             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7o7BrlbaDs 

  Nardi, B. (2010). My Life as a Night Elf Priest: an Anthropological Account of World of Warcraft: Excerpts in First Monday. Volume 15, No. 7.Retrieved from

http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3064/2574

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New Media

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