After spending a whole semester on the internet and learning about many tools and programs that I had never known about, the future of the internet seems to be boundless.
Already, new programs and applications are being created everyday. Connectivity has crossed from just computers to mobile phones in the last few years. Everyone can constantly be updated about each other from all over the world.
Furthermore, just this year, the internet capabilities of smart phones have assisted in revolutions in Egypt and in connecting family members caught in Japan's earthquake and tsunami disaster when the mobile network was down.
The pace at which the internet is developing is unlikely to slow. Through computers and mobile phones, the internet has already made inroads into our daily lives.
Personally, I feel that the internet is likely to become connected to almost every part of our lives, from daily household chores to luxury hobbies.
However, I am not sure if that is a development I am looking forward to. To be constantly connected.
In the now, simply turning off the connectivity devices can cut one off from the buzz of the internet. On the other hand, in the future, if the internet becomes indivisible from our every little move, will we become overly reliant on it - and therefore unable to live without it?
For some teenagers, living without internet connection is almost unthinkable. Yet those who are slightly older will remember when the internet did not constantly demand our attention and buzz us with every detail possible.
While the expansion of the internet seems limitless and has no doubt, benefitted us in many ways, I feel that an important point is not to let the internet overwhelm and replace the role of the human aspect in our daily relationships and activities. The internet is a tool and not a person. So depending on the direction that we push it in, it could become either our best friend, or our greatest distraction.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Google vs. Apple
Right now, Google and Apple are two of the largest companies in the software/hardware industry.
Experts have traced and noted the competition between the two companies for awhile now: first the iPhone, then the Android smartphone, the iPad and now the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Is that to say that Google is constantly playing catch-up? I highly doubt that. I believe that right now at least, the competition between the two has only yielded pretty even results.
However, an advantage that Google possesses definitely lies in their power in the World Wide Web and the tools that they have created for it. For one, the Google search engine is the most popular one being used, and arguably the most efficient. Added with tools like Google Documents, Google Reader and Google groups, all tools of great convenience and efficiency, I would say that the future for Google is looking bright.
On the other hand, while the iPhone market is no doubt alive and flourishing, Apple probably has stabbed itself in the foot (at least a little), by making the iPod near-obsolete. With all the capabilities built into the iPhone, the iPod has become unnecessary. And in all honesty, the iPad is no longer a necessity as well.
Perhaps for Apple, it's real advantage still lies in its computers, especially the Macbook Pro, which is still considered widely as the most ideal computer to use - fast, efficient, with hardly any virus issues as well as a clean, sleek interface.
The competition in the land of smartphones remain fierce however, and feedback is mixed. While those individuals with more technological knowledge hail the Android as superior, most individuals (like myself) still prefer the simple and user-friendly way that the iPhone operates.
Well, with the different edges each one possesses, I predict that competition would probably remain around for awhile. As a consumer who will enjoy the benefits of their progress, I look forward to it.
Experts have traced and noted the competition between the two companies for awhile now: first the iPhone, then the Android smartphone, the iPad and now the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Is that to say that Google is constantly playing catch-up? I highly doubt that. I believe that right now at least, the competition between the two has only yielded pretty even results.
However, an advantage that Google possesses definitely lies in their power in the World Wide Web and the tools that they have created for it. For one, the Google search engine is the most popular one being used, and arguably the most efficient. Added with tools like Google Documents, Google Reader and Google groups, all tools of great convenience and efficiency, I would say that the future for Google is looking bright.
On the other hand, while the iPhone market is no doubt alive and flourishing, Apple probably has stabbed itself in the foot (at least a little), by making the iPod near-obsolete. With all the capabilities built into the iPhone, the iPod has become unnecessary. And in all honesty, the iPad is no longer a necessity as well.
Perhaps for Apple, it's real advantage still lies in its computers, especially the Macbook Pro, which is still considered widely as the most ideal computer to use - fast, efficient, with hardly any virus issues as well as a clean, sleek interface.
The competition in the land of smartphones remain fierce however, and feedback is mixed. While those individuals with more technological knowledge hail the Android as superior, most individuals (like myself) still prefer the simple and user-friendly way that the iPhone operates.
Well, with the different edges each one possesses, I predict that competition would probably remain around for awhile. As a consumer who will enjoy the benefits of their progress, I look forward to it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Journalism and the Internet
As the internet has allowed for the easy sharing of views and information, a result of this is the rise of citizen journalism.
Amongst the most famous of such citizen journalists in Singapore, would be a man known as Mr Brown. Famous for speaking his mind on his internet blog, Mr. Brown also presents his views through the creation of funny videos and spoofs on his topics of discussion. His use of the internet and humour have gathered him a large following, despite him having been issued warnings for some of his more provocative views.
Just recently, he released this video on the upcoming elections soon to take place in Singapore. Already, the video is making its way across social networking platforms like Facebook. HIlarious yet brutally frank, the combination is the trademark of Mr. Brown's work. It even throws in typical Singaporean phrases and makes name plays on various government packages.
Of course, internet journalism is not just limited to the political arena.
The most commonly referred to citizen journalism site in Singapore, STOMP has also raised many issues that people speak out on. Varying from small issues like people leaning on the pole in MRT trains to reports of accidents, the site has become a tool through which citizens are making themselves heard. However, it is unclear whether such expression is truly beneficial yet. While there are a number of views that are mature and distinct issue that probably should be addressed, many have abused the site as a place to make complaints and pick on nitty-gritty issues.
Despite these things though, support for the site is still going strong. It is not clear which direction it will take in the future, but one thing is sure: it won't be dying out anytime soon.
Amongst the most famous of such citizen journalists in Singapore, would be a man known as Mr Brown. Famous for speaking his mind on his internet blog, Mr. Brown also presents his views through the creation of funny videos and spoofs on his topics of discussion. His use of the internet and humour have gathered him a large following, despite him having been issued warnings for some of his more provocative views.
Just recently, he released this video on the upcoming elections soon to take place in Singapore. Already, the video is making its way across social networking platforms like Facebook. HIlarious yet brutally frank, the combination is the trademark of Mr. Brown's work. It even throws in typical Singaporean phrases and makes name plays on various government packages.
Of course, internet journalism is not just limited to the political arena.
The most commonly referred to citizen journalism site in Singapore, STOMP has also raised many issues that people speak out on. Varying from small issues like people leaning on the pole in MRT trains to reports of accidents, the site has become a tool through which citizens are making themselves heard. However, it is unclear whether such expression is truly beneficial yet. While there are a number of views that are mature and distinct issue that probably should be addressed, many have abused the site as a place to make complaints and pick on nitty-gritty issues.
Despite these things though, support for the site is still going strong. It is not clear which direction it will take in the future, but one thing is sure: it won't be dying out anytime soon.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Politics and the Internet
One of the biggest successes in political campaigning on the internet would probably be President Obama's.
According to the New York Times (article on: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/how-obamas-internet-campaign-changed-politics/), Obama's campaign had served to change internet politics. For one, YouTube was his tool for free advertising: “The campaign’s official stuff they created for YouTube was watched for 14.5 million hours,” Mr. Trippi said. “To buy 14.5 million hours on broadcast TV is $47 million.”
It was also explained that the videos on YouTube were more convincing than those on TV because viewers on the web consciously made the decision to watch the video, often interrupting their other activities, such as watching TV.
Likewise, BBC News also noted the use of the internet as the key to Obama's victory.(article on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7412045.stm) They highlighted his use of his own internet site as well as social platforms such as MySpace and Facebook. It especially allowed him to reach to younger voters and gathered him "follower" who publicly displayed their support for him through the online medium. The article even states that on Facebook, the social platform most used by college students, Obama has more followers than any other candidate.
This view is also supported by TIME magazine. In an article on Obama's Viral Marketing Campaign (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1640402,00.html) , it was noted that the campaign's success was due to its ability to reach into the social scene and gather the financial powers of small donors, who gave in monthly amounts as low as a mere $20. Yet, when it combined with the support of hundreds of thousands of other small donors, it created the funds of more than $10 million dollars.
It is highly likely that the role of the internet in political marketing will only get bigger. Especially since most of the youths in the population are all highly involved on online mediums, By harnessing the power of the internet, political candidates will not only be able to draw the support of the younger crowd by catching their interest online, they will also be able to monitor responses and view more effectively.
While young adults and youths (especially in the case of Singapore) have shown increasing signs of political apathy, I feel that the scene is likely to change. More and more, people are expressing their political views on social platforms like Facebook. Thought-provoking articles and videos are shared, views are exchanged and candidates discussed openly. It would be hard to continually remain ignorant, when the hype is on the increase in one's social circle.
According to the New York Times (article on: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/how-obamas-internet-campaign-changed-politics/), Obama's campaign had served to change internet politics. For one, YouTube was his tool for free advertising: “The campaign’s official stuff they created for YouTube was watched for 14.5 million hours,” Mr. Trippi said. “To buy 14.5 million hours on broadcast TV is $47 million.”
It was also explained that the videos on YouTube were more convincing than those on TV because viewers on the web consciously made the decision to watch the video, often interrupting their other activities, such as watching TV.
Likewise, BBC News also noted the use of the internet as the key to Obama's victory.(article on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7412045.stm) They highlighted his use of his own internet site as well as social platforms such as MySpace and Facebook. It especially allowed him to reach to younger voters and gathered him "follower" who publicly displayed their support for him through the online medium. The article even states that on Facebook, the social platform most used by college students, Obama has more followers than any other candidate.
This view is also supported by TIME magazine. In an article on Obama's Viral Marketing Campaign (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1640402,00.html) , it was noted that the campaign's success was due to its ability to reach into the social scene and gather the financial powers of small donors, who gave in monthly amounts as low as a mere $20. Yet, when it combined with the support of hundreds of thousands of other small donors, it created the funds of more than $10 million dollars.
It is highly likely that the role of the internet in political marketing will only get bigger. Especially since most of the youths in the population are all highly involved on online mediums, By harnessing the power of the internet, political candidates will not only be able to draw the support of the younger crowd by catching their interest online, they will also be able to monitor responses and view more effectively.
While young adults and youths (especially in the case of Singapore) have shown increasing signs of political apathy, I feel that the scene is likely to change. More and more, people are expressing their political views on social platforms like Facebook. Thought-provoking articles and videos are shared, views are exchanged and candidates discussed openly. It would be hard to continually remain ignorant, when the hype is on the increase in one's social circle.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Nokia'a Marketing Ad
With the rise of marketing through the internet, campaigns to promote the products of companies have also risen in both quality and magnitude.
Take for instance, this marketing film by Nokia.
The film stars Pamela Anderson, Ed Westwick (from Gossip Girl), Dev Patel (the star of Slumdog Millionaire) and Charles Dance.
This film, titled 'The Commuter", was filmed entirely and only in mobile HD (high definition), using the Nokia N8 smartphone. In four days.
There were no back up cameras. Only the streets of St. Albans and London, which were the setting of the film that covered one commuter's eventful journey to work on the first day of his job.
The quality displayed by the filming is beyond what anyone would usually expect from the tiny pinhole camera embedded in a mobile phone.
Perhaps, that is exactly the point that Nokia is trying to prove here. Yes, that phone can capture moments: anything from racing cars to martial arts and stunts.
The success of the film in marketing the phone is also evident, at least from the 740,000 views that the 7 minute long video has gained on YouTube to date. It is clear that the ad has captured the attention of the audience.
Impressive? Definitely. It makes me wonder if I made a wrong choice getting my iPhone. (the pictures I take with it are FAR from that quality).
However, the camera alone would be unable to convince me to make the switch. I guess it would be more persuasive towards those who place more significance on their phone's photo-taking functions.
Take for instance, this marketing film by Nokia.
The film stars Pamela Anderson, Ed Westwick (from Gossip Girl), Dev Patel (the star of Slumdog Millionaire) and Charles Dance.
This film, titled 'The Commuter", was filmed entirely and only in mobile HD (high definition), using the Nokia N8 smartphone. In four days.
There were no back up cameras. Only the streets of St. Albans and London, which were the setting of the film that covered one commuter's eventful journey to work on the first day of his job.
The quality displayed by the filming is beyond what anyone would usually expect from the tiny pinhole camera embedded in a mobile phone.
Perhaps, that is exactly the point that Nokia is trying to prove here. Yes, that phone can capture moments: anything from racing cars to martial arts and stunts.
The success of the film in marketing the phone is also evident, at least from the 740,000 views that the 7 minute long video has gained on YouTube to date. It is clear that the ad has captured the attention of the audience.
Impressive? Definitely. It makes me wonder if I made a wrong choice getting my iPhone. (the pictures I take with it are FAR from that quality).
However, the camera alone would be unable to convince me to make the switch. I guess it would be more persuasive towards those who place more significance on their phone's photo-taking functions.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Phishing Bait
When I was in secondary school, I remember receiving an email in my hotmail inbox about how the king of Nigeria had left a few hundred million of US dollars behind, and a scheme on how I could get a part of it. However, it required a large sum of about $20,000 dollars before I could later receive a few hundred thousand in return for my "safety deposit". Needless to say, my 15 year old pocket money was far from able to allow me to "invest" in such a sum and thus, I did nothing about that email.
Days later, however, I found out from my parents that the email was most likely part of what the world called the "Nigerian Scam", one of the most successful internet phishing schemes ever. Most victims of the scam never ever have their money restored to them, as the money is usually moved so quickly that it is impossible to trace. My teenager-appropriate allowance was the only thing that had saved me from my ignorance.
A few years later, my younger sister alerted me to a similar type of mail she had received. I explained what the mail was all about to the then 11-year-old girl, amused that the scam was still ongoing. Little did I know that the scam had in truth, not only continued but also evolved in its forms and complexity.
Such scams usually do not aim to phish out large sums of money at one go, but aim to draw out money continuously - such that it can add up to a huge sum of money.
The below video shows an even more elaborate scheme: the lady was a direct target of the scam and it was made believable by the fact that inheritance money was supposedly left behind by a distant relative that the family had previously lost contact with. Official documents were also forged and sent to her. In total, the lady was scammed out of $400 K over the course of 2 years.
Days later, however, I found out from my parents that the email was most likely part of what the world called the "Nigerian Scam", one of the most successful internet phishing schemes ever. Most victims of the scam never ever have their money restored to them, as the money is usually moved so quickly that it is impossible to trace. My teenager-appropriate allowance was the only thing that had saved me from my ignorance.
A few years later, my younger sister alerted me to a similar type of mail she had received. I explained what the mail was all about to the then 11-year-old girl, amused that the scam was still ongoing. Little did I know that the scam had in truth, not only continued but also evolved in its forms and complexity.
Such scams usually do not aim to phish out large sums of money at one go, but aim to draw out money continuously - such that it can add up to a huge sum of money.
The below video shows an even more elaborate scheme: the lady was a direct target of the scam and it was made believable by the fact that inheritance money was supposedly left behind by a distant relative that the family had previously lost contact with. Official documents were also forged and sent to her. In total, the lady was scammed out of $400 K over the course of 2 years.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Internet Tools
Out of all the google tools, the one I use most often would be the Google Reader. The Reader compiles all the new entries of online blogs and microblogs like Tumblr and feeds it all into a single space where I can read everything at my leisure. Not only is it extremely convenient and time-saving (so I don't have to constantly go to the site to check if there's something new), it is also a lot more organized and allows me to bookmark and save entries that pique my interest. Moreover, I can follow my friends who are also using the reader and it allows us to share with each other, through the reader, entries that we may have found interesting.
For the second part of the entry today, I have create a video using the iMovie application on my Macbook. I added in a soundtrack and timed the pictures and videos according to the beat of the song. It was slightly tedious but I've learnt to appreciate video editing done by the experts in movies and shows a lot more. The song in the background is "Smile Like You Mean It" by the band called "The Killers". The people in the video are all friends that I've made over the years, or the offspring of my friends. The main theme of the video would probably be how people show their silly sides in front of the camera. Like the title of the song, I hope it makes you "Smile Like You Mean It".
Enjoy!
For the second part of the entry today, I have create a video using the iMovie application on my Macbook. I added in a soundtrack and timed the pictures and videos according to the beat of the song. It was slightly tedious but I've learnt to appreciate video editing done by the experts in movies and shows a lot more. The song in the background is "Smile Like You Mean It" by the band called "The Killers". The people in the video are all friends that I've made over the years, or the offspring of my friends. The main theme of the video would probably be how people show their silly sides in front of the camera. Like the title of the song, I hope it makes you "Smile Like You Mean It".
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Online Learning
In my lifetime as a student, I have only twice encountered the use of online learning in the sense of learning from video lectures and notes (without the actual physical lecture). Once when I was in secondary school (during the SARS outbreak and everyone was ordered to stay at home and not go to school) and the other time would be the online module that I am currently taking in my university.
Learning through video lectures and notes can be beneficial. In my case, the current online module allows me to take on more this semester without overly eating into my time as a student, as I can plan my online module around other commitments and modules that I am also currently taking.
However, when I was younger, I noticed that the online learning did nothing to facilitate my learning journey. Maybe it was because I was younger and less disciplined then, but I feel that online learning would be effective only for individuals who have the drive and discipline to follow the online lectures, notes and work assigned.
Yet, I feel that online learning is beneficial as a supplement to lectures in school and work assigned in class. This is because work submitted and accessed through online means can often not only assist the student in becoming more adept with the internet media but also serve to add to the individual's student's understanding - through the world wide web. The availability of information on the World Wide Web allows individuals to not only access large pools of information but also fresh and new information that other mediums would be slower to convey. As such, the individual is not only given the steady foundation from receiving lectures and notes in class, this knowledge is further supplemented by contact with the World Wide Web through the process of online supplementary learning.
This video provides a case that supports the process of online learning, do you agree with the views expressed?
Personally, I've always preferred studying/reading with paper or a good book. It helps me to focus. The computer, I feel, offers too many opportunities for distraction.
Learning through video lectures and notes can be beneficial. In my case, the current online module allows me to take on more this semester without overly eating into my time as a student, as I can plan my online module around other commitments and modules that I am also currently taking.
However, when I was younger, I noticed that the online learning did nothing to facilitate my learning journey. Maybe it was because I was younger and less disciplined then, but I feel that online learning would be effective only for individuals who have the drive and discipline to follow the online lectures, notes and work assigned.
Yet, I feel that online learning is beneficial as a supplement to lectures in school and work assigned in class. This is because work submitted and accessed through online means can often not only assist the student in becoming more adept with the internet media but also serve to add to the individual's student's understanding - through the world wide web. The availability of information on the World Wide Web allows individuals to not only access large pools of information but also fresh and new information that other mediums would be slower to convey. As such, the individual is not only given the steady foundation from receiving lectures and notes in class, this knowledge is further supplemented by contact with the World Wide Web through the process of online supplementary learning.
This video provides a case that supports the process of online learning, do you agree with the views expressed?
Personally, I've always preferred studying/reading with paper or a good book. It helps me to focus. The computer, I feel, offers too many opportunities for distraction.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
E-Marketing
What seperates a success from a failure? Usually, success stories have done something right -that obviously, failures have not.
In the case of e-marketing, however, there is a brand new level of difficulty. Physical factors that Robert Cialdini, an expert on the weapons of influence that make something appealing to someone through the effect physical presence, can be totally lost on the internet. People do not meet face to face, and internet marketing to this day has undergone so many innovations and upheavals that hardly anything can surprise anyone anymore.
If that is the case, why then is e-market still being used?
a faucet of e-marketing would be through the use of emails. the video below provides a comprehensive study of how and why email marketing should be used.
Personally though, while I feel that email marketing does have its benefits, it does not hold much sway in persuading me to purchase any product. Anything that I buy as a result of email marketing is usually an item that I already have an interest in. As such, information about an upcoming discount may lead to me purchasing the product, but will not increase my spending volume in anyway.
Does it work the same way for you?
In the case of e-marketing, however, there is a brand new level of difficulty. Physical factors that Robert Cialdini, an expert on the weapons of influence that make something appealing to someone through the effect physical presence, can be totally lost on the internet. People do not meet face to face, and internet marketing to this day has undergone so many innovations and upheavals that hardly anything can surprise anyone anymore.
If that is the case, why then is e-market still being used?
a faucet of e-marketing would be through the use of emails. the video below provides a comprehensive study of how and why email marketing should be used.
Personally though, while I feel that email marketing does have its benefits, it does not hold much sway in persuading me to purchase any product. Anything that I buy as a result of email marketing is usually an item that I already have an interest in. As such, information about an upcoming discount may lead to me purchasing the product, but will not increase my spending volume in anyway.
Does it work the same way for you?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Social Networking
In class this week, we explored what social networks meant - especially in today's society where everything is being increasingly digitalized. With sites like Facebook and Twitter, the effect of social media is definitely undeniable. Some might even say that social networking through these sites have become increasingly intrusive.
For example, for online social networks, where do you draw the line when someone requests to be on your contact list? would you approve the friend request if you know who the person is (seen him/her around school or in classes) but never had a proper conversation before? or would you only accept friend requests from people in your inner circle? would rejecting an acquaintance's friend request offend him/her? it's like a whole new social ball game, with new rules and lots of gray boundaries.
Almost everyone has a facebook account these days, so I don't think I will have to go into explaining what facebook is about. I will be however, introducing a new social platform. "Gracehope.com"
This new social network was an initiative from a group of self-professesd idealists who have no affiliation to any church or ministry. The site was created to connect Christian believers all over the world. It aims to cut through the distractions and noise on other social platforms and focus on 3 areas, namely:
1. Sharing thoughts and words of inspiration.
2. Sharing prayer requests.
3. Sharing praise reports (testimonies of how God had worked in his/her life).
The aims of the site are highly centred around Christian beliefs. Basically, it aims to pull the connection between Christian believers closer, such that the reach of each individual Christian to other Christians can be more powerful and have a clearer effect than if their words were to be mixed up with people from other religions. The site in non-discriminatory against other religions, but is so centred around Christian beliefs that non-Christian individuals would probably have no interest to join in anyway.
The site is similar to facebook, but unlike facebook where the wall is able to share just about anything, Gracehope.com focuses on only the 3 areas previously mentioned: "Words of Inspiration", "Prayer request" or "Praise report". An example of this is below:
As the picture shows, someone can share a prayer request and more often than not, receives encouragement and concern from those around. This is perhaps, how Gracehope.com is most significantly different from Facebook. More than just social networking, the site aims to create some form of social support through the online community. Due to the beliefs that the site carries, it also has an exceptionally low rate of verbal abuse, internet trolls and foul language.
What do you think of Gracehope.com? (:
For example, for online social networks, where do you draw the line when someone requests to be on your contact list? would you approve the friend request if you know who the person is (seen him/her around school or in classes) but never had a proper conversation before? or would you only accept friend requests from people in your inner circle? would rejecting an acquaintance's friend request offend him/her? it's like a whole new social ball game, with new rules and lots of gray boundaries.
Almost everyone has a facebook account these days, so I don't think I will have to go into explaining what facebook is about. I will be however, introducing a new social platform. "Gracehope.com"
This new social network was an initiative from a group of self-professesd idealists who have no affiliation to any church or ministry. The site was created to connect Christian believers all over the world. It aims to cut through the distractions and noise on other social platforms and focus on 3 areas, namely:
1. Sharing thoughts and words of inspiration.
2. Sharing prayer requests.
3. Sharing praise reports (testimonies of how God had worked in his/her life).
The aims of the site are highly centred around Christian beliefs. Basically, it aims to pull the connection between Christian believers closer, such that the reach of each individual Christian to other Christians can be more powerful and have a clearer effect than if their words were to be mixed up with people from other religions. The site in non-discriminatory against other religions, but is so centred around Christian beliefs that non-Christian individuals would probably have no interest to join in anyway.
The site is similar to facebook, but unlike facebook where the wall is able to share just about anything, Gracehope.com focuses on only the 3 areas previously mentioned: "Words of Inspiration", "Prayer request" or "Praise report". An example of this is below:
As the picture shows, someone can share a prayer request and more often than not, receives encouragement and concern from those around. This is perhaps, how Gracehope.com is most significantly different from Facebook. More than just social networking, the site aims to create some form of social support through the online community. Due to the beliefs that the site carries, it also has an exceptionally low rate of verbal abuse, internet trolls and foul language.
What do you think of Gracehope.com? (:
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Social Media
So after understanding the history and evolution of the internet, lessons this week progressed to the rise and prevalence of social media these days.
With new sites like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr making more and more inroads into our lives, hardly anything is private anymore. Pictures, thoughts and experiences can be shared in an instant. And with the rise of smartphones, the connectivity to social media has exponentially increased. Even swifter than radio traffic updates, social media such as Twitter can inform you about the traffic conditions - simply if an individual or friend that you "follow" tweets about the roads' condition. Information, whether personal or public, as long as it is shared, is immediately broadcasted to everyone within the network. Yet, while everyone has equal chance of receiving the information, the immediacy of receiving is highly dependent on the individual. Those who use their smartphones more often will be more updated than those who are not. And others, who keep their social media purely on their computers and laptops may not note the information released at all, unless they specifically look it up.
Still, the information posted there is often permanent. While posts can be deleted, it would not be possible to estimate how many people had already seen the posting before it's removal. As such, the far-reaching powers of the social media has led to many reputations being negatively affected - showing how very often, social media is a two-edged sword. An unwise post or slanderous remark made can affect how others view you for a lifetime.
Perhaps, it would be highly possible to say that social media has become indivisible from social relationships in today's society. Aside from extreme cases of poverty, most individuals are technologically connected through the social media. Many older individuals, after resisting for a long period of time, have also started to jump on the bandwagon of social media and joined sites like Facebook. Many of them have since learned more about their family and friends and often, resumed old relationships that had been lost over time.
Across countries, the power of social media is felt even more acutely. Maintaining contact with loved ones across continents and being updated on their lives has never been easier. No longer are phone calls and the inconvenience of time differences impediments to contact. Even emails, that for all their convenience, require the discipline to compose, cannot beat the instant connectivity that social media allows. A quick post, a short update at different instances - that by your choosing, can be instantly sent to your phone or set aside to be referred to later. Social media, at least to me, is changing the world. One relationship at a time.
With new sites like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr making more and more inroads into our lives, hardly anything is private anymore. Pictures, thoughts and experiences can be shared in an instant. And with the rise of smartphones, the connectivity to social media has exponentially increased. Even swifter than radio traffic updates, social media such as Twitter can inform you about the traffic conditions - simply if an individual or friend that you "follow" tweets about the roads' condition. Information, whether personal or public, as long as it is shared, is immediately broadcasted to everyone within the network. Yet, while everyone has equal chance of receiving the information, the immediacy of receiving is highly dependent on the individual. Those who use their smartphones more often will be more updated than those who are not. And others, who keep their social media purely on their computers and laptops may not note the information released at all, unless they specifically look it up.
Still, the information posted there is often permanent. While posts can be deleted, it would not be possible to estimate how many people had already seen the posting before it's removal. As such, the far-reaching powers of the social media has led to many reputations being negatively affected - showing how very often, social media is a two-edged sword. An unwise post or slanderous remark made can affect how others view you for a lifetime.
Perhaps, it would be highly possible to say that social media has become indivisible from social relationships in today's society. Aside from extreme cases of poverty, most individuals are technologically connected through the social media. Many older individuals, after resisting for a long period of time, have also started to jump on the bandwagon of social media and joined sites like Facebook. Many of them have since learned more about their family and friends and often, resumed old relationships that had been lost over time.
Across countries, the power of social media is felt even more acutely. Maintaining contact with loved ones across continents and being updated on their lives has never been easier. No longer are phone calls and the inconvenience of time differences impediments to contact. Even emails, that for all their convenience, require the discipline to compose, cannot beat the instant connectivity that social media allows. A quick post, a short update at different instances - that by your choosing, can be instantly sent to your phone or set aside to be referred to later. Social media, at least to me, is changing the world. One relationship at a time.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
And so it starts.
Well, school has started again and naturally, the homework as well - which of course, led to the commencement of this blog.
So after years of using the internet, this week I finally learned how it all works and was formed. The technical terms used in the lesson was something I was a bit unaccustomed to, so I had a bit of trouble following, especially when it got to around the history and evolution of the internet. I guess I never realized the progression of the internet because most of it had occurred when I was still a kid, and having grown up together with the internet and it's availability everywhere, I realize better now why certain uses of the internet that come so naturally to my generation can seem really amazing to our parents and such, who only had the internet enter their lives when they were already out of school.
The lesson got me thinking though, what if the internet had never been created? There are a number of things that the internet is blamed for, like piracy, flaming, little kids growing up before their time... Yet, the internet has also created an amazing accessibility to almost any type of information anyone may require, presented in various forms. And more than just information, the internet has also created the platform for almost any individual to be heard on a broad spectrum, and to sound their view in a variety of ways: blogs, forums, voice recording, videos... The list goes on.
Personally, I would not be able to imagine what life would be like without the internet. I don't mean that I would not be able to survive without it - of course I can. What I do mean is having lived an entire existence without ever having come into contact with the internet. Without being able to look up anything or interest easily, connect with people all over the world, and view cultures and individuals just by being in front of that small screen. Which is perhaps how most people in third world countries live. Life would be a lot more mundane, and my view on life and people a lot more sheltered.
What sort of person do you think you would be without the internet? Do share (:
On a lighter note, here's a link to a silly song called "The Internet Killed The Video Star - by the Limousines" (:
So after years of using the internet, this week I finally learned how it all works and was formed. The technical terms used in the lesson was something I was a bit unaccustomed to, so I had a bit of trouble following, especially when it got to around the history and evolution of the internet. I guess I never realized the progression of the internet because most of it had occurred when I was still a kid, and having grown up together with the internet and it's availability everywhere, I realize better now why certain uses of the internet that come so naturally to my generation can seem really amazing to our parents and such, who only had the internet enter their lives when they were already out of school.
The lesson got me thinking though, what if the internet had never been created? There are a number of things that the internet is blamed for, like piracy, flaming, little kids growing up before their time... Yet, the internet has also created an amazing accessibility to almost any type of information anyone may require, presented in various forms. And more than just information, the internet has also created the platform for almost any individual to be heard on a broad spectrum, and to sound their view in a variety of ways: blogs, forums, voice recording, videos... The list goes on.
Personally, I would not be able to imagine what life would be like without the internet. I don't mean that I would not be able to survive without it - of course I can. What I do mean is having lived an entire existence without ever having come into contact with the internet. Without being able to look up anything or interest easily, connect with people all over the world, and view cultures and individuals just by being in front of that small screen. Which is perhaps how most people in third world countries live. Life would be a lot more mundane, and my view on life and people a lot more sheltered.
What sort of person do you think you would be without the internet? Do share (:
On a lighter note, here's a link to a silly song called "The Internet Killed The Video Star - by the Limousines" (:
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