Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Online Privacy
So, you set your Facebook profile to private. As private as you can possibly get. You assume only your friends/family can see everything you post and what's going on your life. Truth of the matter is, there are several ways around that "privacy" mode, and others can easily access your page if they wanted to. Makes you wonder, just how private are any "privacy" settings online?
In an article titled, "How Privacy Vanishes Online" it explains how so much of one's personal information can unintentionally be placed on their Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, etc. It even goes as far to say that this information can "increasingly be collected and reassembled by computers to help create a picture of a person’s identity, sometimes down to the Social Security number." It also explains how personal relations with friends & families can be more revealing than we think.
So, basically what the article is saying is that privacy online really isn't privacy. The Internet is so huge, so popular, so heavily used, of course our information can be accessed somehow. After reading this article I feel it is important that people are aware of the so called "privacy" settings on a social networking site, or any thing online for that matter. People cannot get upset when they willingly share as much as they do, even if they think it's just with friends and family.
In the article it mentions something about behaving online as you would in public, since it generally is public. I couldn't agree more with this statement. Most people wouldn't share every deep, dirty or unknown secret in their life with the world, so it's probably a good idea to not share it on the Internet. We live in a time where we have less and less privacy, and in the Internet is probably one of the last places we can get it.
Just look at websites such as Spookeo.com, Mylife.com. If you haven't heard of these sites, they are include people's personal information such as full name, address, city, state, marital status, income, age..you name it. How did they get this information? Your email, facebook, twitter, blogs, places you shopped online. This is why these social networking sites are free, because sites such as Spookeo pay them to get YOUR information. So, next time you post a tweet or your next Facebook status, think twice before you post it.
In an article titled, "How Privacy Vanishes Online" it explains how so much of one's personal information can unintentionally be placed on their Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, etc. It even goes as far to say that this information can "increasingly be collected and reassembled by computers to help create a picture of a person’s identity, sometimes down to the Social Security number." It also explains how personal relations with friends & families can be more revealing than we think.
So, basically what the article is saying is that privacy online really isn't privacy. The Internet is so huge, so popular, so heavily used, of course our information can be accessed somehow. After reading this article I feel it is important that people are aware of the so called "privacy" settings on a social networking site, or any thing online for that matter. People cannot get upset when they willingly share as much as they do, even if they think it's just with friends and family.
In the article it mentions something about behaving online as you would in public, since it generally is public. I couldn't agree more with this statement. Most people wouldn't share every deep, dirty or unknown secret in their life with the world, so it's probably a good idea to not share it on the Internet. We live in a time where we have less and less privacy, and in the Internet is probably one of the last places we can get it.
Just look at websites such as Spookeo.com, Mylife.com. If you haven't heard of these sites, they are include people's personal information such as full name, address, city, state, marital status, income, age..you name it. How did they get this information? Your email, facebook, twitter, blogs, places you shopped online. This is why these social networking sites are free, because sites such as Spookeo pay them to get YOUR information. So, next time you post a tweet or your next Facebook status, think twice before you post it.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Digital War
When national, global, or local crisis occur, people want to know about it. Since the invention of newspapers, radio, television and the Internet, there are multiple ways and sources to get news and current events. News on Wars is no exception. Truth of the matter is, no one actually LIKES war, but everyone wants to know what is happening during a war. There has been much controversy as to what the media shows to the public as opposed to what is actually going on in whatever the war is taking place. Should they show graphic images, videos, articles? Should people actually know all the gruesome details through digital media?
In an article dated back in 2004, it digs into more of the image problems taken place when it comes to documenting what exactly is going on. This article includes a photo, which spread around the world, of someone about to be tortured in Iraq. The photo, though, was actually taken by a solider, rather than a journalist or any other type of media. The article goes on to ask whether or not it's right for a soldier to be able to have a camera with them, and if they do, can they have email access. It goes on to mention that several photos, just like the one posted, were sent to the New York Times, all from different cameras; all from different soldiers.
When I think of this topic, I immediately think of Kevin Sites, who presented to us a video and photos of what he captured during several different wars he witnessed throughout the course of a year. While war is not exactly a fun issue, I personally believe that we should have access to these images, videos, etc. through digital media. Would this create conflict, and possibly a "war" over the Internet? Possibly. But if we can have access to limitless amounts of information, why can't we know exactly what is happening on war grounds?
I think of people who have husbands, wives, sons, daughters, or any other family or relatives off fighting in some battle or war. Shouldn't they have the right to know what they are facing? Absolutely. This would indubitably create more fear into ones life, but if they wish to read, see, or hear about these gruesome details, they should have that option. While not all sources on the Internet may be credible or reliable, people should have that option to see it if they wish.
In an article dated back in 2004, it digs into more of the image problems taken place when it comes to documenting what exactly is going on. This article includes a photo, which spread around the world, of someone about to be tortured in Iraq. The photo, though, was actually taken by a solider, rather than a journalist or any other type of media. The article goes on to ask whether or not it's right for a soldier to be able to have a camera with them, and if they do, can they have email access. It goes on to mention that several photos, just like the one posted, were sent to the New York Times, all from different cameras; all from different soldiers.
When I think of this topic, I immediately think of Kevin Sites, who presented to us a video and photos of what he captured during several different wars he witnessed throughout the course of a year. While war is not exactly a fun issue, I personally believe that we should have access to these images, videos, etc. through digital media. Would this create conflict, and possibly a "war" over the Internet? Possibly. But if we can have access to limitless amounts of information, why can't we know exactly what is happening on war grounds?
I think of people who have husbands, wives, sons, daughters, or any other family or relatives off fighting in some battle or war. Shouldn't they have the right to know what they are facing? Absolutely. This would indubitably create more fear into ones life, but if they wish to read, see, or hear about these gruesome details, they should have that option. While not all sources on the Internet may be credible or reliable, people should have that option to see it if they wish.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Digital Divide
The digital divide is defined at those with effective access to technology and those who do not have access. It's quite sad when you think about it. Technology is so prevalent and so vital in the world we live in today, and some countries and places don't even have it, nor know how to even use it. All Americans are assumed to know how to use and know of every given technology invented. But not all Americans.
Comcast recently launched an Internet service program that will broadband access and laptops to low-income families in Utah. This program is called Essentials, and is available to families living in Comcast's service areas that are eligible to receive free lunch under the National School Lunch Program. Families in this are will receive Internet for a low price that will never increase. This is great for Utah, and can connect them to the outside world around them.
While the digital divide still persists in our world today, I do believe it is possible to end it. Most people think that it's just outside countries who do not have access to Internet, but there are still plenty of Americans with no access. People argue that in order to be successful, we need knowledge, and this greater includes computer skills. Because the Internet is so huge and massive, most things are moving online, such as applying for jobs, college courses, books, etc. Now the Government is even putting more things online to save costs.
With all the arguments currently ongoing concerning the digital divide, it is possible to consistently improve on it, no matter how long it takes. It seems as if people are so caught up in their own lives that they do not even realize there is such a thing. If more awareness about the issue was spread and brought up, I think more people would be willing to help or do something about it. If more companies, such as Amazon, came up with the idea to donate educational computers to countries all over, this could make a huge impact.
While technology is relatively expensive, many suggest that instead of the governments being too eager with new technologies, they should wait and see which ones are effective, and then working on giving access to these technologies. I think this will be more effective that trying to keep up with every new technology that comes out, which is never ending. The digital divide certainly exists, and it can be stopped in due time.
Comcast recently launched an Internet service program that will broadband access and laptops to low-income families in Utah. This program is called Essentials, and is available to families living in Comcast's service areas that are eligible to receive free lunch under the National School Lunch Program. Families in this are will receive Internet for a low price that will never increase. This is great for Utah, and can connect them to the outside world around them.
While the digital divide still persists in our world today, I do believe it is possible to end it. Most people think that it's just outside countries who do not have access to Internet, but there are still plenty of Americans with no access. People argue that in order to be successful, we need knowledge, and this greater includes computer skills. Because the Internet is so huge and massive, most things are moving online, such as applying for jobs, college courses, books, etc. Now the Government is even putting more things online to save costs.
With all the arguments currently ongoing concerning the digital divide, it is possible to consistently improve on it, no matter how long it takes. It seems as if people are so caught up in their own lives that they do not even realize there is such a thing. If more awareness about the issue was spread and brought up, I think more people would be willing to help or do something about it. If more companies, such as Amazon, came up with the idea to donate educational computers to countries all over, this could make a huge impact.
While technology is relatively expensive, many suggest that instead of the governments being too eager with new technologies, they should wait and see which ones are effective, and then working on giving access to these technologies. I think this will be more effective that trying to keep up with every new technology that comes out, which is never ending. The digital divide certainly exists, and it can be stopped in due time.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Online Identity
In our internet crazed society, people are online more than ever. Some even have multiple social media profiles or sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, even the new Google+. On Facebook profiles, for example, people have the option to fill in what they want in their about me and interests column. The internet makes a way for people to express themselves in every way possible. Twitter goes as far as even not caring what your real name is.
In this article, CEO of Twitter Dick Costolo mentions that Twitter, in particular, only wants to connect the person to they information they care about, and doesn't really care what the username is. While most sites do require you to list your name, who is to know it's your real name? Who is to know the person behind the name is the person they say they are? In our world of cyberspace, nobody really knows.
Whether using Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Wordpress, Flickr or any other social networking site, you can become anyone you want to. With these sites, you have the option deactivate them, delete, hide, block, censor, etc. anytime you would like. You can be an open book, or more private. You can be a happy person one day, and an angry person the next. What one couldn't, or wouldn't, normally do in person or in a real life situation, they can do over the internet.
Online Identity is certainly not a thing of the past. In a society where we are judged or stereotyped more than ever, online identity has become an outlet, or safety net for people who want a confidence boost. While there is cyber bulling and some not so friendly users online, it's still a safety zone for those who feel the need to opt out of who they really are. These social networking sites, in particular, have allowed people to change their identities several times, if they wish. Can we even trust everyone online anymore? Can we believe that EVERYONE is who they say they are? Probably not.
In all honestly, who wouldn't want that chance to become someone they feel they cannot be anywhere other than online? Without a doubt, I believe that this online identity people are creating for themselves is not only boosting their confidence, but giving them a sense of happiness they never had before. Not all of us have to agree and think creating these identities is the right thing to do, but we can't ignore the fact that people do it. We can't stop anyone from doing it. People will only continue to embrace their online identity.
In this article, CEO of Twitter Dick Costolo mentions that Twitter, in particular, only wants to connect the person to they information they care about, and doesn't really care what the username is. While most sites do require you to list your name, who is to know it's your real name? Who is to know the person behind the name is the person they say they are? In our world of cyberspace, nobody really knows.
Whether using Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Wordpress, Flickr or any other social networking site, you can become anyone you want to. With these sites, you have the option deactivate them, delete, hide, block, censor, etc. anytime you would like. You can be an open book, or more private. You can be a happy person one day, and an angry person the next. What one couldn't, or wouldn't, normally do in person or in a real life situation, they can do over the internet.
Online Identity is certainly not a thing of the past. In a society where we are judged or stereotyped more than ever, online identity has become an outlet, or safety net for people who want a confidence boost. While there is cyber bulling and some not so friendly users online, it's still a safety zone for those who feel the need to opt out of who they really are. These social networking sites, in particular, have allowed people to change their identities several times, if they wish. Can we even trust everyone online anymore? Can we believe that EVERYONE is who they say they are? Probably not.
In all honestly, who wouldn't want that chance to become someone they feel they cannot be anywhere other than online? Without a doubt, I believe that this online identity people are creating for themselves is not only boosting their confidence, but giving them a sense of happiness they never had before. Not all of us have to agree and think creating these identities is the right thing to do, but we can't ignore the fact that people do it. We can't stop anyone from doing it. People will only continue to embrace their online identity.
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