I'm very glad to be living in this digital age we are in. Even if there are a countless number of consequences that come along with the territory (as we've certainly learned from this class) there are just as many benefits to even out the playing field. I know this sounds pretty obvious, but media can make great strides in connecting people all over the world.
So, I'm sure all of you know, or at least have heard something, about the current protests going on in Venezuela. And most of you probably got it from some form of social media.
Imagine if this crisis were happening before Twitter, or Facebook, or any of the other social media outlets that are available now. It's so much easier to not only find out about global issues now, but to play a role in them as well. Maybe you heard about Venezuela's situation from a Twitter update; well, now you can retweet it and spread awareness. The country doesn't have to protest alone.
Social media provides a better way to understand global issues as well--especially for our generation of news readers. Like I said, I think the majority of the news we pay attention to, we receive over social media, and these social media sites have learned to cater to us by giving us news in ways that are easy to understand. Sometimes it's through lists, and sometimes pictures alone do the talking, but Buzzfeed always delivers news in a way that is relevant to our generation's preferences. If it's information about Venezuela's anti-government protests that you want, Buzzfeed's got it--in a simply laid out yet comprehensive form.
Keeping up with global issues has never been easier; social media sites understand how to reel in that demographic that prefers to read news in a different way, which hopefully makes our generation more culturally informed as a whole.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Comcast is Making Moves
In response to Bennett's post on the Comcast-Netflix deal, I think he's right that things are going to change--and probably very soon, too. In order to continue our class's tradition of being wary of new developments in media and media technologies, I'd like to comment that this deal seems like it has set up a very dangerous precedent. Comcast is now no longer only charging us a bill, but now Netflix as well; meaning it is getting revenue from both sources. Well, how is Netflix going to adapt to this new cost? Will it get put back on Netflix subscribers who will then have to pay more per month?
It's a question worth considering, I think. There might be unforeseen consequences to these kind of deals. And with Comcast becoming an even larger powerhouse, who's to say that prices won't keep going up when there's no competition? I think this deal marks a dangerous precedent, and I'm waiting with bated breath to find out what the future of the internet will look like.
It's a question worth considering, I think. There might be unforeseen consequences to these kind of deals. And with Comcast becoming an even larger powerhouse, who's to say that prices won't keep going up when there's no competition? I think this deal marks a dangerous precedent, and I'm waiting with bated breath to find out what the future of the internet will look like.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Texting is a Cop-Out
I don't know about you guys, but it seems odd to me that the most-used form of mediated technology (texting) can be so distancing.
If you think about it, we don't really use that form of communication for very meaningful or serious conversation much of the time, but it's something we use almost all of the time. It seems like there could be some serious consequences for our society because of this. If texting is one of the main forms of communication today, and it's not exactly a forum for meaningful conversation, then how can we make those deep connections with others?
Really, for something that we use all of the time, texting can be kind of a cop-out. I know we discussed it a little bit in class, and I think someone said they actually did this (so sorry if it offends), but one of the commonly understood lowest things to do is to break up with someone over text. It sends the message that they didn't even mean enough to you to earn at least a phone call. I would rather receive a hand-written break up letter than a text because even if it isn't face-to-face, the physical act of writing something down and taking the time to form the right words to say is much more intimate and meaningful than a measly text.
It's just a little concerning to me to think that the form of communication we use so much in our everyday lives has the capacity to enable very superficial relationships.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The Dangers of Technology in the Classroom
Media technologies have changed the way we do a lot of things, and one of the most obvious to us college students--and potentially detrimental--is how they have changed our studying and learning patterns.
Barrett's post on how technology has changed the way she studies made me think about my psychology class last year. As the professor was introducing himself and going through his whole "first class of the year" speech, he warned us not to use technology while in his lecture because, apparently, it is literally impossible to multitask. While we may think we are listening to a lecture and absorbing the information while texting a friend or looking something up online, what's really happening is we are just switching back and forth very quickly between the two (or more) things that are holding our attention. He also mentioned that, like Barrett is discovering, physically writing down notes helps you retain more information than typing does.
I think it's much easier now to get lost in technology when you should be focusing; if you're typing notes on your laptop, that Facebook tab starts to look a lot more appealing. Everything's so much easier to access--and you look like you're still doing work while you're online shopping--unless of course you're the person sitting behind someone on their computer, in which case you end up getting caught up in whatever website the person in front of you is surfing. It doesn't just change our own attention habits, it affects others' as well! I can't tell you how many times someone in the row in front of me has gotten on some random website, and then I'm suddenly focused on what dresses they are planning on buying or this random person they decided to Facebook stalk. It's all about self-control, people, but sometimes we just don't have it. Technology is an enabler!
Barrett's post on how technology has changed the way she studies made me think about my psychology class last year. As the professor was introducing himself and going through his whole "first class of the year" speech, he warned us not to use technology while in his lecture because, apparently, it is literally impossible to multitask. While we may think we are listening to a lecture and absorbing the information while texting a friend or looking something up online, what's really happening is we are just switching back and forth very quickly between the two (or more) things that are holding our attention. He also mentioned that, like Barrett is discovering, physically writing down notes helps you retain more information than typing does.
I think it's much easier now to get lost in technology when you should be focusing; if you're typing notes on your laptop, that Facebook tab starts to look a lot more appealing. Everything's so much easier to access--and you look like you're still doing work while you're online shopping--unless of course you're the person sitting behind someone on their computer, in which case you end up getting caught up in whatever website the person in front of you is surfing. It doesn't just change our own attention habits, it affects others' as well! I can't tell you how many times someone in the row in front of me has gotten on some random website, and then I'm suddenly focused on what dresses they are planning on buying or this random person they decided to Facebook stalk. It's all about self-control, people, but sometimes we just don't have it. Technology is an enabler!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Can New Media Technologies Really Change Politics?
I wanted to pose a question to the class.
In one of my classes, we've been discussing popular culture and the idea that much of the discourse surrounding our new media technologies is centered around how democratizing and empowering they can be for "the people". So my question to the class is; do you really think this is true? Do social media sites and other new media technologies hold a significant amount of political relevance?
To me, it seems a little idealistic. I'm not sure that these technologies really allow a more democratized, participatory culture or create conditions for democracy. Take memes, for example. There are plenty of Obama memes out there that bash his policies and political beliefs. Sure, they get a point across--and maybe even one that is shared by many--but do they hold enough relevance to make a real difference?
Maybe I'm being cynical or don't know enough to make a valid argument. Do I need to be enlightened?
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
What About Ken?
So, in light of all the discussion about the recent Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, I'd like to bring up another point of view.
Maggie gives a valid argument about the frustrating and seemingly impossible standards that women are held to, and how Barbie dolls only perpetuate this culture that makes women feel--from a very young age--that they must look and be like this perfect version of a human. But what about Ken?
Sure, women are pressured by all kinds of media that send the message that they need to be skinny, pretty and flawless, but I think that men get the same kind of pressure. It may not seem as obvious, but I think that's because more women speak out about the unfair standards they are held to than men do.
So, again, what about Ken? It's not like you see any Ken dolls suffering from an unhealthy physique, or a receding hairline, or maybe even a hairy back if you wanna go that far. And look at He-Man. If that doll is the image of masculinity, then I don't know a single masculine guy. That is just a ridiculous and impossible standard to uphold.
What I'm trying to say is that I think we should take into account that women are not the only gender to be held under such scrutiny in society to be perfect.
It makes me wonder; if girls become self-conscious and develop eating disorders from flipping through magazines portraying what this "ideal" woman should look like, then what must men think when they see the same ads featuring the "ideal" man? It's not fair for anyone, really.
Maggie gives a valid argument about the frustrating and seemingly impossible standards that women are held to, and how Barbie dolls only perpetuate this culture that makes women feel--from a very young age--that they must look and be like this perfect version of a human. But what about Ken?
Sure, women are pressured by all kinds of media that send the message that they need to be skinny, pretty and flawless, but I think that men get the same kind of pressure. It may not seem as obvious, but I think that's because more women speak out about the unfair standards they are held to than men do.
So, again, what about Ken? It's not like you see any Ken dolls suffering from an unhealthy physique, or a receding hairline, or maybe even a hairy back if you wanna go that far. And look at He-Man. If that doll is the image of masculinity, then I don't know a single masculine guy. That is just a ridiculous and impossible standard to uphold.
What I'm trying to say is that I think we should take into account that women are not the only gender to be held under such scrutiny in society to be perfect.
It makes me wonder; if girls become self-conscious and develop eating disorders from flipping through magazines portraying what this "ideal" woman should look like, then what must men think when they see the same ads featuring the "ideal" man? It's not fair for anyone, really.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Passive Participants
I have a sort of shameless plug to post here, but really it's about the question of whether or not social media can actually make a difference. I sort of argued this point with my post about internet trolling, but it seems like it just continues to be relevant.
So, here's the deal. One of my friends is going to be a camp counselor this summer with me at Camp Kesem. For those of you that don't know what this is, it's a week long program for children ages 6-16 who have a family member with cancer. I was a counselor last year, and it was one of the greatest and most eye-opening experiences of my life. We make the camp free for the kids because they have to deal with so much at home, so it's up to the counselors to raise $500--which is the cost to send one child to camp. (PS here comes the plug) If this sounds like a cause you'd like to donate to, here is the link to my page:
https://campkesem.givebig.org/c/CK13/a/campkesem-nc-duke-unc-chapel/p/adquattlebaum
Last year, I didn't make any effort over social media to raise funds; I just e-mailed family and friends, and was able to raise enough money that way. This year, however, my friend took a different route and decided to post her appeal for donations on Facebook.
The other day, she came up to me and said that she got at least 50 likes on her Kesem fundraising status, and yet no donations. It made me think of those satirical pictures that show little kids starving and a bunch of people's thumbs ups surrounding them, as if "liking" things on Facebook actually makes a difference. Now, this isn't meant to guilt anyone into donating to my page, I just wanted to bring up the issue. It seems to me that Facebook sets up more of a passive relationship than an active one. It becomes very easy to be detached from a situation when you can scroll down a little more and that piece of information is out of your mind just like that. It's easier to simply "like" a cause than invest your time or money in it. Just some food for thought.
So, here's the deal. One of my friends is going to be a camp counselor this summer with me at Camp Kesem. For those of you that don't know what this is, it's a week long program for children ages 6-16 who have a family member with cancer. I was a counselor last year, and it was one of the greatest and most eye-opening experiences of my life. We make the camp free for the kids because they have to deal with so much at home, so it's up to the counselors to raise $500--which is the cost to send one child to camp. (PS here comes the plug) If this sounds like a cause you'd like to donate to, here is the link to my page:
https://campkesem.givebig.org/c/CK13/a/campkesem-nc-duke-unc-chapel/p/adquattlebaum
Last year, I didn't make any effort over social media to raise funds; I just e-mailed family and friends, and was able to raise enough money that way. This year, however, my friend took a different route and decided to post her appeal for donations on Facebook.
The other day, she came up to me and said that she got at least 50 likes on her Kesem fundraising status, and yet no donations. It made me think of those satirical pictures that show little kids starving and a bunch of people's thumbs ups surrounding them, as if "liking" things on Facebook actually makes a difference. Now, this isn't meant to guilt anyone into donating to my page, I just wanted to bring up the issue. It seems to me that Facebook sets up more of a passive relationship than an active one. It becomes very easy to be detached from a situation when you can scroll down a little more and that piece of information is out of your mind just like that. It's easier to simply "like" a cause than invest your time or money in it. Just some food for thought.
Netflix
I'd like to follow up on Charles' post about Netflix and the future of television. I absolutely can see Netflix becoming the future of television. It has all of the good characteristics of television without all the negative ones. Think about it. No commercials, no having to plan food/bathroom breaks, no waiting, and my personal favorite feature: it goes straight into the next episode of the show you're watching when your episode is over! You know me so well Netflix. It also gives you more options than television. This is great, because now that there are no more Blockbusters, it's become pretty difficult to find movies out there that aren't new (especially if you're like me and can't risk streaming movies because you don't own a Mac--not that I would anyway, right...)
Where else can we find those great shows that somehow have remained under the radar like Arrested Development? Maybe there are certain sites that I am not aware of that have complete seasons of shows, but certainly Netflix is the most well-known.
If not for everyone, Netflix is definitely the future of television for me. As a college student without a television, Netflix constitutes the majority of my television-watching experience. I'd vote for it any day.
Where else can we find those great shows that somehow have remained under the radar like Arrested Development? Maybe there are certain sites that I am not aware of that have complete seasons of shows, but certainly Netflix is the most well-known.
If not for everyone, Netflix is definitely the future of television for me. As a college student without a television, Netflix constitutes the majority of my television-watching experience. I'd vote for it any day.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Social Businesses
There is yet another reason for businesses to take advantage of social media, and it comes in the form of a contest!
Capitol One Spark is hosting a contest for America's most social small business. Not only does using social media help get your business's name out there, but now it helps you win contests (which, of course, puts your name out there even more). The winner of this contest gets a profile done on their business by Mashable.
The contest grades businesses on a few different social points:
- Twitter presence
- Facebook presence
- the use of images (like Instagram and Pinterest)
- the ability of the business to develop a brand voice through social media
We find out the winner on March 18! Until then, it should be interesting to note how small business' presence on social media changes or grows.
Capitol One Spark is hosting a contest for America's most social small business. Not only does using social media help get your business's name out there, but now it helps you win contests (which, of course, puts your name out there even more). The winner of this contest gets a profile done on their business by Mashable.
The contest grades businesses on a few different social points:
- Twitter presence
- Facebook presence
- the use of images (like Instagram and Pinterest)
- the ability of the business to develop a brand voice through social media
We find out the winner on March 18! Until then, it should be interesting to note how small business' presence on social media changes or grows.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
What Can We Really Do About Trolling?
It is a depressing fact that women with opinions on social media tend to have a much worse time than men, and the Ted talk we watched yesterday about social media trolling got me thinking about how we should deal with this.
It's hard to tell what the best response to trolls on the internet is. A counter-strike? Or silence? Steph Guthrie argues for the "don't feed the trolls" approach, and she makes a very valid argument. Through social media, we can become more connected than ever and join forces against bigots and misogynists and the like.
That being said, I can't help but wonder how much that backlash actually affects certain world views and the people that hold them. The guy that created that horrible interactive virtual game to beat up the woman obviously had not changed his opinions even after all the social media activity surrounding Guthrie's posts about his gross behavior. I don't mean to sound cynical. I'm not a feminist--obviously, I still find the threats and comments that Guthrie received horrifying--but I don't know if even the power of social media can change misogynist views like that man's.
I think it depends on the situation what sort of response (or lack thereof) would be best to deal with any type of online bullying or threats. There were people who went to my high school that I used to be Facebook friends with who posted racist or just ignorant statuses, and it got to the point where I realized that I had no idea why I was still Facebook friends with them when every one of their comments just made me angry. In that case, I knew I wasn't going to start an argument over Facebook, so I just de-friended them and that was that. Social media serves as a strong tool that can help people realize how many others are behind them in support, like Guthrie, but it makes me wonder what real change that can make in the world. I think there are always going to be people out there who hold ignorant and backwards views, and there isn't much we can do about that except take their comments with a grain of salt and focus on the rest of the morally sound world.
It's hard to tell what the best response to trolls on the internet is. A counter-strike? Or silence? Steph Guthrie argues for the "don't feed the trolls" approach, and she makes a very valid argument. Through social media, we can become more connected than ever and join forces against bigots and misogynists and the like.
That being said, I can't help but wonder how much that backlash actually affects certain world views and the people that hold them. The guy that created that horrible interactive virtual game to beat up the woman obviously had not changed his opinions even after all the social media activity surrounding Guthrie's posts about his gross behavior. I don't mean to sound cynical. I'm not a feminist--obviously, I still find the threats and comments that Guthrie received horrifying--but I don't know if even the power of social media can change misogynist views like that man's.
I think it depends on the situation what sort of response (or lack thereof) would be best to deal with any type of online bullying or threats. There were people who went to my high school that I used to be Facebook friends with who posted racist or just ignorant statuses, and it got to the point where I realized that I had no idea why I was still Facebook friends with them when every one of their comments just made me angry. In that case, I knew I wasn't going to start an argument over Facebook, so I just de-friended them and that was that. Social media serves as a strong tool that can help people realize how many others are behind them in support, like Guthrie, but it makes me wonder what real change that can make in the world. I think there are always going to be people out there who hold ignorant and backwards views, and there isn't much we can do about that except take their comments with a grain of salt and focus on the rest of the morally sound world.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Innovative Apps
Just in case anyone is looking for some new apps, here are a few that might make your life a little easier...or cuter...or both.
I've gotta say, my favorite is the one that tells you the best time to go to the bathroom in a movie. How has nobody thought of that yet!? It's just so practical. That is a universally understood plight: being in a movie theater and regretting that large coke purchase but not wanting to miss the best part of the movie. Brilliant.
For the travelers out there, the app Translate would be a must-have. It can translate over 70 languages for you!
And of course, who wouldn't want the weather app that softens the disappointment of horrible forecasts with a cute puppy or kitten? You have to get through the day somehow.
All jokes aside, it really is amazing how many different ideas there are out there that can make boring, every-day things easier or more fun and interesting. Innovative apps like these show how media provides an outlet for creative and useful ideas so that not just individuals, but multiple people can benefit.
I've gotta say, my favorite is the one that tells you the best time to go to the bathroom in a movie. How has nobody thought of that yet!? It's just so practical. That is a universally understood plight: being in a movie theater and regretting that large coke purchase but not wanting to miss the best part of the movie. Brilliant.
For the travelers out there, the app Translate would be a must-have. It can translate over 70 languages for you!
And of course, who wouldn't want the weather app that softens the disappointment of horrible forecasts with a cute puppy or kitten? You have to get through the day somehow.
All jokes aside, it really is amazing how many different ideas there are out there that can make boring, every-day things easier or more fun and interesting. Innovative apps like these show how media provides an outlet for creative and useful ideas so that not just individuals, but multiple people can benefit.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Overwhelmed by Technology
This post is a little bit more of an inner monologue kind of deal, but I just wanted to post it and see if anyone else is in the same boat as me.
So, since our first day in class, I've been thinking more and more about media and technology in general, and I'm wondering if anyone else is a bit overwhelmed. Personally, I'm just baffled by how people even find out about what's going on with social media, or even just new apps and games for your iPhone. I'm starting to feel a little curmudgeon-y.
It got me thinking, though. Why am I so behind-the-times all the time? I think a lot of it has to do with the ability to personalize and customize our social media and technology. We can customize our phones, how we get news, all of these new ways to put ourselves and our interests into our technology. Even your Instagram or Twitter page says a lot about who you are based on what you post.
I just don't like doing that. It doesn't interest me to make everything so personalized. Perfect example: I've had my same computer since I came to UNC and the background is still the standardized one it comes with. My room doesn't have much on the walls either; I just don't see the point in decorating until I'm living in an actual house!
I guess my point is, does anyone else feel bombarded by a seemingly endless amount of choices and new ways to customize our technology? Maybe I'm a little intimidated by the amount of possibilities out there...or maybe I'm just lazy?
So, since our first day in class, I've been thinking more and more about media and technology in general, and I'm wondering if anyone else is a bit overwhelmed. Personally, I'm just baffled by how people even find out about what's going on with social media, or even just new apps and games for your iPhone. I'm starting to feel a little curmudgeon-y.
It got me thinking, though. Why am I so behind-the-times all the time? I think a lot of it has to do with the ability to personalize and customize our social media and technology. We can customize our phones, how we get news, all of these new ways to put ourselves and our interests into our technology. Even your Instagram or Twitter page says a lot about who you are based on what you post.
I just don't like doing that. It doesn't interest me to make everything so personalized. Perfect example: I've had my same computer since I came to UNC and the background is still the standardized one it comes with. My room doesn't have much on the walls either; I just don't see the point in decorating until I'm living in an actual house!
I guess my point is, does anyone else feel bombarded by a seemingly endless amount of choices and new ways to customize our technology? Maybe I'm a little intimidated by the amount of possibilities out there...or maybe I'm just lazy?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Faithful to our Phones
We talked in class Monday about what we would do if we didn't have our phones while walking back from class. This brings up a really interesting point. I mean, do you say hey to people? Do you zone out and ignore your surroundings? Do you count the seconds until you can get back to your phone? Or do you actually appreciate the break from technology?
It made me think about my NOLS trip during the summer of my sophomore year of high school. I went with a group of kids my age to go backpacking in the Wyoming wilderness for a month with no cell phones, no civilization (and no showers). That was one of the greatest trips of my life, and not once did I miss having a cell phone with me.
Granted, trekking through the Wyoming wilderness is a bit more exciting than our every-day lives, so it was easier to occupy my time with things other than texting.
But the minute we got back to civilization, however, my first priority was to go straight to my phone and start texting. I think that we like the idea of having a break from technology, but really that's all it is: a break. It's like when you go on vacation to the beach, maybe, and it's really fun for about a week or two, but then you kind of get tired of sand being everywhere, and smelling like the ocean all the time, and you just want to go back to your home and be in your own bed.
Our phones are a portal that connect us to others, and while that may be fun to get away from for a while, maybe just to take a little time to ourselves, we always end up coming back to them in the end.
It made me think about my NOLS trip during the summer of my sophomore year of high school. I went with a group of kids my age to go backpacking in the Wyoming wilderness for a month with no cell phones, no civilization (and no showers). That was one of the greatest trips of my life, and not once did I miss having a cell phone with me.
Granted, trekking through the Wyoming wilderness is a bit more exciting than our every-day lives, so it was easier to occupy my time with things other than texting.
But the minute we got back to civilization, however, my first priority was to go straight to my phone and start texting. I think that we like the idea of having a break from technology, but really that's all it is: a break. It's like when you go on vacation to the beach, maybe, and it's really fun for about a week or two, but then you kind of get tired of sand being everywhere, and smelling like the ocean all the time, and you just want to go back to your home and be in your own bed.
Our phones are a portal that connect us to others, and while that may be fun to get away from for a while, maybe just to take a little time to ourselves, we always end up coming back to them in the end.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Internet Sensations
While reading an article for my last post, I couldn't help but notice a link on the side of the page about the death of Colonel Meow, one of the many animal internet sensations. After a moment of grief for the Colonel and his owners, it hit me how powerful media can be.
In this digital age we're living in now, we see more and more of stranger's lives than ever before. I don't know about you, but it's amazing to me how people can now utilize the media to basically create a profile and not to mention a solid fan base--consisting of people they don't even know--for their animals. There are so many out there now. I can't remember their names off the top of my head, but we all know that cat with the crossed eyes, the adorable dog with the crazy teeth and uplifting messages, and of course Grumpy cat, to name a few. It starts out as just a couple pictures online, and then all of a sudden people all over the internet know who Colonel Meow is and are mourning his death in solidarity. That's the power of social media, people.
In this digital age we're living in now, we see more and more of stranger's lives than ever before. I don't know about you, but it's amazing to me how people can now utilize the media to basically create a profile and not to mention a solid fan base--consisting of people they don't even know--for their animals. There are so many out there now. I can't remember their names off the top of my head, but we all know that cat with the crossed eyes, the adorable dog with the crazy teeth and uplifting messages, and of course Grumpy cat, to name a few. It starts out as just a couple pictures online, and then all of a sudden people all over the internet know who Colonel Meow is and are mourning his death in solidarity. That's the power of social media, people.
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