Mitchell Goliber blog #4 prompt

Dangers of new media

            There are many dangers that people must be aware of if they use new media.  Some examples include cyber-bullying, cyber-terrorism, trolling, spam, and cyber-stalking.  But, I feel that the biggest danger to new media has to be cyber-bullying.

            I believe this is the biggest danger to people using the web because people can get seriously hurt by what people post online about them.  “Cyber-bullying presents unique challenges in the sense that the perpetrator can attempt to be anonymous, and attacks can happen at any time of day or night” (Landau).  I mean take the case of Brandon Turley, who lived in Oregon.  According to an article on the CNN website that was last updated in April 2013, he was bullied online over the internet in middle school; students that he never even spoke to face-to-face were calling him names like “fag” or “fatty.”  When he questioned why they would say those things, they responded that “…he should stop going to school and die” (Landau). 

            Now, I can honestly say that I’ve never had a problem with cyber-bullying.  This is mostly because I grew up in the ‘90’s when cyber-bullying wasn’t really an issue at the time.  It seems to mostly affect young people in school.  I think that dealing with this problem is really up to the parents to try to protect their kids from being bullied either online or offline.  Kids should also have the courage to tell their parents about this if a situation does come up.

            As I have stated previously, there are many dangers that are associated with using new media.  However, I believe that cyberbullying stands out a top the rest of them.  Kids and parents really need to be united and tell each other about what to do when a cituation like this comes up

Works Cited:

Landau, Elizabeth. "When bullying goes high-tech." CNN. Cable News Network, 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/27/health/cyberbullying-online-bully-victims>.

Blog Prompt #3

MySpace should close

            The social networking site known as MySpace has been around for quite some time.  However, some people believe that it should be shut down entirely.  I find myself to be one of those people.  Allow me to give a few reasons as to why this site should be shut down.

            The first reason I’d like to discuss is that the company that makes the site has steadily been losing staff members, so it looks as though it might be going out of business anyway. (McCarthy) In 2011, News Corp., the company that owns MySpace, announced what the CEO called a "significant organizational restructuring that will result in a 47 percent staff reduction across all divisions globally and impact about 500 employees." 

            Another reason that I believe MySpace should shut down is that hardly anyone seems to use it anymore.  Other similar sites like Facebook and Twitter took away a majority of MySpace’s users.  However, MySpace did try to get some of its thunder back.  It got revamped with the “New MySpace”; but it, in a sense, is the same site just with a flashy new paintjob.  And it’s also be reworked to something that is totally different than what it once was.

            That something is that it’s now more of a media sharing site, like YouTube.  This started some time after Justin Timberlake begun to be a part in the main operations of the website.  Now, people can still get connected with one another, but now all the discussions are about what music they are currently listening to, what videos they’re watching and things like that.

            I guess what I’m saying is that if MySpace is on the verge of being shut down; just get it over with already.

Works cited:

1) McCarthy, Caroline. "Should MySpace just die already?."CNET. CNET, 12 Jan 2011. Web. 1 Apr 2014. <http://www.cnet.com/news/should-myspace-just-die-already/>.

Mitchell Goliber Blog Project

Media Awareness

            There are many things that one must consider when you are using any form of new media for the very first time.  However, I believe that there are 10 considerations that are most important.  They are as follows: 1) it’s a great research tool, 2) misinformation, 3) issues with privacy, 4) the availability of inappropriate material, 5) addiction with over using, 6) over-buying stuff online, 7) isolation, 8) bullying, 9) increasing in interest in education and 10) faster communication.  Some of these are good things about the internet, and some are things to keep an eye out for.  New users must be aware of these 10 guidelines in getting the best use out of new media.

            I would first like to talk about how new media; primarily the internet, can be used as a great research tool.  (http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0241.htm)  In recent years, people with chronic diseases, like diabetes, have been using the internet to gain information on how “… to live longer in their own homes, with more independence, and reduce the costs for inpatient care.”  While only 42% of older adults actively use the Internet, according to a 2009 US Census report cited in this article, more elderly people could take advantage of the internet to access this kind of information.

            Although the internet is a great source of research material, one must be careful about the possibility of misinformation.  (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/farida-vis/the-rapid-spread-of-misinformation-online_b_4665678.html ) Take the Boston marathon bombing for instance. “After the Boston bombings, social media users engaged in online detective work, examining images taken at the scene and wrongfully claiming that a missing student was one of the bombers.”  Here, people using sites like Twitter and Facebook caused the spread of misinformation.  Snopes.com is a good site for debunking rumors, urban legends, and other misinformation. (note to self: try to find stats)

            Privacy is another big issue that might be of concern for a new user of new media.  (http://mediasmarts.ca/privacy/privacy-issues ) “Many social network users, including youth, share more than personal information online. Location is also commonly shared on these sites. Sometimes, this is done simply by indicated location or itinerary in a status update or tweet.”  As one can see; there are a lot of ways for personal information to be exposed on the internet.

            While keeping personal information to yourself is vital; there are still a lot of material on the internet that isn’t exactly appropriate. (http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=45&articleid=201&sectionid=1311 ) Some people say that “…more than 1,000 parents in households with at least one working computer and at least one child between ages 8 to 17, some 70% of parents said the Internet is a place for children to discover “fascinating, useful things,” while more than 75% were concerned that their children might give out personal information or view sexually explicit images on the Internet.” (Wartella, and Jennings )

            Another issue that I feel that I need to bring up is over-usage. (http://marketing.wtwhmedia.com/new-harvard-study-shows-why-social-media-is-so-addictive-for-many )  While the internet is a powerful tool; one must use it wisely, and conservatively.  “Through a series of experiments, the researchers at Harvard University learned through the study that the act of disclosing information about oneself activates the same part of the brain that is associated with the sensation of pleasure, the same pleasure that we get from eating food, getting money or having even having sex.”  In other words; we want so much of a good feeling that we can’t really think about anything else.

            This addiction may also lead to over-shopping online.  Sure it beats going to the store all the time to purchase something.  But doing too much of it online would probably leave your credit card number vulernable to identity theft.  Not to mention that once you give them your email address, you keep getting emails about offers from them; even after you told them not to send you anything other than a receipt.

      Another major issue with using the internet, or the computer overall is that it could lead people to become socially isolated. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10391416-93.html )  However, there are some people who would argue that this is a false statement. “Frequent Web users are more likely to communicate with neighbors in person than those who don't use the Web as often, Pew found. In fact, 61 percent of respondents said that they talk to a neighbor at least once per month. The study also found that bloggers are 72 percent "more likely to belong to a local voluntary association" than those who don't blog.”

            That social isolation could eventually lead someone to become a target for cyber-bullying. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/us/suicide-of-girl-after-bullying-raises-worries-on-web-sites.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 )  It is this kind of thing that parents really need to stand by their kids for.  Some “ … cyberbullying experts said cellphone messaging applications are proliferating so quickly that it is increasingly difficult for parents to keep pace with their children’s complex digital lives.”

            I believe that it is time to talk about some of the more positive aspects of using new media.  Specifically about how it helps with education. (http://www.campustechnology.com/Articles/2012/01/19/Pros-and-Cons-of-Social-Media-in-the-Classroom.aspx?Page=1 ) Teachers are capable of using new media to help students learn what they’re supposed to be learning faster since all the bright colors of what appears on a computer screen draws their attention to what’s posted on the screen.  It is also a much easier way for students to communicate with teachers since the students don’t have to feel nervous about approaching them in the classroom.

            Speaking of communication, using new media is a great way to stay in touch with people.  If I may quote myself from an earlier blog “Thanks to programs such as Skype, Twitter, and Facebook, people can have real-time conversations with others on the other side of the planet.  This can be handy if you are working with someone else to produce a YouTube video.”

            Ultimately, new media can be good or bad.  It depends on what people, including yourself, do on it.

Works cited

1)  Bernhardt, Jay. "Healthy Aging 2.0: The Potential of New Media and Technology." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 19 Apr 2012. Web. 30 Mar 2014. <http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0241.htm>.

2)  Vis, Farida. "The Rapid Spread of Misinformation Online."Huffington Post. 27 Mar 2014: n. page. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/farida-vis/the-rapid-spread-of-misinformation-online_b_4665678.html>.

3) http://mediasmarts.ca/privacy/privacy-issues

4) Wartella, Ellen, and Nancy Jennings. "New Media: Interactivity Accentuates Similar Promises and Concerns ." Journal Issue: Children and Computer Technology . 10. 2000. <http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=45&articleid=201§ionid=1311>.

5) http://marketing.wtwhmedia.com/new-harvard-study-shows-why-social-media-is-so-addictive-for-many

6) Resinger, Don. "Study: Internet use won't cause social isolation." CNET. N.p., 05 Novem 2009. Web. 30 Mar 2014. <http://www.cnet.com/news/study-internet-use-wont-cause-social-isolation/>.

7) Alvarez, Lizzette. "Girl’s Suicide Points to Rise in Apps Used by Cyberbullies." New York Times [New York] 13 SEP 2013, n. pag. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/us/suicide-of-girl-after-bullying-raises-worries-on-web-sites.html?pagewanted=all&_r=2&>.

8) Lederer, Karen. "Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom." Campus Technology. 19 JAN 2012: 1. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://www.campustechnology.com/Articles/2012/01/19/Pros-and-Cons-of-Social-Media-in-the-Classroom.aspx?Page=1>.

Blog prompt #2

Facebook: Friend or Foe?

            Love it or hate it, you’re probably hooked on Facebook, especially if you’re under the age of 30.  Since its launch about 10 years ago, Facebook has become an essential communication tool for most people.  Many of the sites features, like games, instant messaging, photo sharing among other things are very popular amongst its users.  It already has more than a billion people using the site, and about half of them use it every day.  But is it really good for the individual or society as a whole?  Let’s find out through looking at two arguments in favor of Facebook and two that are against it.

            For young people, especially those in their teens, Facebook can promote narcissistic behavior.  According to Larry D. Rosen, Ph.D., psychology professor at California State University, in an article for the Huffington Post, Facebook gives a narcissist the attention s/he seeks and safety in the sense that s/he cannot be physically attacked in person. (Turgeon)

            Another study conducted by the University of Michigan found that the more often that some people used Facebook, the worse they felt about themselves.  The researchers found that those people used the site most when they felt lonely, even though they may not have been alone at the time.  According to the study’s authors, “We text-messaged people five times per day for two-weeks to examine how Facebook use influences the two components of subjective well-being: how people feel moment-to-moment and how satisfied they are with their lives.  Our results indicate that Facebook use predicts negative shifts on both of these variables over time”  (Kross, Verduyn, and et al ).

            In addition to the disadvantages of using Facebook, there are also a couple of obvious advantages to the site as well.  In the Huffington Post article previously mentioned, Rosen stated that social media sites like Facebook are what he considers “training wheels for life.”  (Turgeon) He then went on to explain how social media sites help teens who are usually shy in person by making them feel more comfortable since it takes away the pressure of conversing with someone face to face. (Turgeon)

            A second advantage is the opportunity to engage with interesting people around the globe who you wouldn’t have a chance to meet in real life.  Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said that “if people share more, the world will become more open and connected. And a world that’s more open and connected is a better world” (Kukatani).  As people stay connected with each other on Facebook, Zuckerberg believes that this would lead to a much more trusting world because, despite the differences in culture, people are very much the same.

            Looking at the disadvantages and advantages of Facebook, I believe that the positive aspects of this social media site outweigh the negatives.  Although some people use Facebook to get attention or because they think they’ll feel better but really don’t, most people find that Facebook benefits them by helping them feel more comfortable with the people around them and also enable them to be connected with different people throughout the world.  So, love it or hate it; Facebook is most likely going to affect you in some way, shape or form.

Works Cited

1)                  Turgeon, Jordan. "How Facebook And Social Media Affect The Minds Of Generation Next." AOL Healthy Living. Huffington Post, 09 Augus 2011. Web. 25 Feb 2014. 

2)                  Kukatani, Michiko. "Company on the Verge of a Social Breakthrough." New York Times online. 07 Jun 2010: n. page. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/books/08book.html?_r=1&>.)

3)                  Kross, Ethan, Philippe Verduyn, et al. "Facebook Use Predicts Declines in Subjective Well-Being in Young Adults." PLoS One. 14 Aug 2013: n. page. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0069841>.

Essay itself

Pros and Cons of the Net

            The internet has been improving the lives of people, both at home and at work, since its creation in the 1950’s.  Even though it has come a long way since then, the net still has quite a few kinks to work out before it becomes as close to perfect as possible.  Don’t get me wrong: I personally think that the pros of the internet vastly outweigh the cons.  Some of the cons include not knowing whether the source of an internet article is legitimate; the possibility of identity theft; and social isolation.  However, the benefits of the internet such as fast communication; entertainment; and informational resources make a huge difference in the lives of people who use the internet.

            One of the bad points of the internet is that people are not really sure about whether or not the information that one may get from a website is accurate.  For example, in doing research for this blog, I stumbled upon the website “Buzzle” which appears to be an encyclopedia of news articles.  However, upon further analysis, I wondered who had actually written the article and/or whether that author was an expert on the subject.  Another negative aspect of the internet is the possibility of identity theft.  According to that Buzzle website, using the internet for activities like banking, social networking, or shopping may result in our personal information being vulnerable to theft.  Social isolation is another major problem with not just the internet but with using computers in general.  It is so easy to get hooked on surfing the web that one might lose interest in life outside the four walls surrounding you and the computer.

            While I do admit that these negatives about the internet may seem intimidating, there are plenty of advantages to using the internet instead of other forms of media.  Faster communication is one of these advantages.  Thanks to programs such as Skype, Twitter, and Facebook, people can have real-time conversations with others on the other side of the planet.  This can be handy if you are working with someone else to produce a YouTube video.  Another positive aspect of the net is entertainment.  There are literally trillions of videos, movies, TV shows, games and pictures on sites like YouTube, Deviantart, Netflix and Hulu-plus.  The internet is also home to a large amount of informational resources.  But, as I mentioned before, one must be careful about the accuracy of the information and the legitimacy of the source.

            As you can see, there are many negative and positive aspects to using the internet.  The negatives are legitimacy of a source; possibility of ID theft; and social isolation; on the other hand, the positives are communication; entertainment; and an information library.  I believe that as long as people are aware of what the negatives are and take precautions to avoid them, they can get all the benefits of the internet without worrying about any trouble.