as the semester closes,.

I thought I would do a reflection blog on this semester in my atec 2321 class. Rushkoff was right about a lot of things. Identity, Choice, Time, etc. It's amazing how much media effects our lives. Both in positive and negative ways. This semester I realized how I myself depend on my laptop, cellphone, and the internet. There was one day in March when there was no internet for an entire day and taking care of tasks such as doing homework online or checking my email or going on facebook and online shopping. When i couldnt reach someone by text message or call I would turn to facebook and that option was not available. It is a vital tool in communication, but throughout the course we had discussed how computers and phones have clouded our ability to have more face to face coversations and interactions. This class has helped me see how media has progressed throughout the years and I am definitely more knowledgeable.

Does the internet discourage complexity?

This week in class we discussed the complexity of the internet. For me, it really depends on how you use the internet and what sources you utilize. For example, some Wikipedia entrees only skim the surface making it difficult to look at topics into depth. If I were to do a research paper on the Holocaust or World War II, I would use a library database rather than Wikipedia. Some websites focuses on the small picture.

Rushkoff points out that information habits have changed.

One such example Rushkoff gives is the example of Romeo and Juliet. Many students read Sparknotes or Clifnnotes rather than reading the entire thing. Some note-websites could be analyzing the book as something different that you would if you had read it yourself.

Rushkoff also pointed out that it could deny a person from learning throughout the way. When I read a book, I learn how to search for certain points. The internet deprives us of this opporutnity to learn. With the internet you can just type in a phrase or word into google search and you can get your answer without having to interpret anything.

who needs books anymore?

It's amazing to see how far technology has progressed throughout the years. I remember back in elementary school everything was handwritten and all readings were tangible. Then came the kindle and the ipad. Personally, I prefer having the tangible book because one, it doesn't hurt my eyes as much as staring at a screen for an hour, and two, I prefer being the one to touch and turn the page. With the kindle, I believe you just scroll down to get to the next page. With the tangible book I can also put a bookmark in to save my spot. Now I haven't used a kindle or an ipad to read a book but I'm guessing you can't put a physical bookmark in it. It is true that it is probably cheaper to purchase an ebook to have on your kindle but think about it, you have to purchase a kindle and a book to read something electronically. To read a book online you have to purchase a laptop or desktop to read an online book. However, with just a tangible, regular , old book, all you have to purchase a book. Thus saving hundreds of dollars on an electronic device. But then again, with society now-a-days, everyone owns some sort of electronic device whether it be an itouch, ipad, kindle, laptop, etc.

What I also noticed is that people don't go to the library to borrow books anymore. They usually go there to just study and take advantage of the quiet room. Now that can just be my observation here at University of Texas at Dallas. Some other factors could be in play when it comes to the tangible book or the electronical book. It's maybe a matter of price. Renting a book could be cheaper than purchasing either a book or an ebook.

The truth on the internet

People always hesitate on what information they should put on their Facebook or Twitter or email account. Should we give our true identity? Should we limit the information we post online? Or should we have our own seperate identity. For me, especially on Facebook, I try not to put every little detail about myself. For example, if it asks me for my birthday, I will put the month and the date, but not the year. I won't put my home address or phone number on there nor my social security. Of course, to keep from being stalked, spammed, or having my identity be stolen. Which is common sense. It's common sense not to put your social security number unless it is really needed or someone can take your identity. Sometime I even lie about what year I was born. I feel like more "creepers" would stay far away from me if they thought I were older. Though, some may think otherwise. So How truthful should we be on the web? 

On another note, final projects were given out in class and we were to choose a tool of communication such as a cell phone or Facebook or social network website, and analyze it's impact on how we communicate. My group had myriad of ideas and it was hard to choose just one. I believe we settled on smart phones. One such would be the iPhone. An ipod, apps, phone, internet, and gps. All in one device. Of course it impacts how we communicate. Is it even necessary to talk to someone IN PERSON?

mash ups

You know what I think about mash-ups? Music mash ups to be more specific. It's away of bringing back music from previous years and keeping them fresh. Such as "The Billie-Jean of the End" which is a mash up of Michael Jackson' "Billie Jean" and Nine Inch Nails "The Beginning of the End." Mash ups are like a way of not forgetting songs like Michael Jackson's famous work.

Openness, #atec2321

Last class we discussed the Openness chapter in Rushkoff's Program or Be Programmed. It's true that personal things aren't so private anymore. Relationship status', your location, etc, are all on the internet. I came across this article on google http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/may2009/ca2009058_754247.htm when I searched "openness on the internet". And I thought it was rather interesting.

#atec2321

Will Twitter change the way we live? Today in my ATEC 2321 class we discussed about the impact Twitter and other social networks have on our lives.I think with social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc, it makes communicating so much easier and faster. If you can't reach someone on their cellphone, you turn to Facebook to send them a message. Instead of the old school journal writing, we use blog sites such as blogspot, livejournal, etc. However, with these easier ways there are also some negative things about Twitter and Facebook. Confrontations and face to face conversations are dwindling. Rather than telling someone how you feel about a certain subject, you could just send them a message. Also, numerous people without a Facebook or Twitter could feel excluded, and out of the loop. The media is programming us, and taking over our precious time. If you're not spending time commenting on people's walls, tweeting, or blogging, you're playing Facebook games such as Farmville or Backyard Monsters. I myself am a victim of this. i spend so much of my time on the computer and when I'm doing homework I end up getting on facebook and playing Tetris Battles or Backyard Monsters. The internet is like a black hole that sucks up our time. Rather than doing homework or physically talking and hanging out with my friends, I'm playing games. I never thought about cutting down on my social networking time to be honest. I still get things done, but when I'm not on I'm thinking about, "oh did I get a wall post?", "did I get a facebook event invitation?". I find that Facebook is in my subconscious. How do social networks affect you?