On The Record, All the Time

By Scott Carlson

Although I don’t like the idea of the new recording system that we will have in the future, I do think there are some pros to its invention. Life logging sounds like such a interesting, yet creepy concept. All of the questions proposed are logical, and as I read each on I found that the answer to each one was impossible to determine. Although the upgrade to a digital camera from a basic manual camera is a great improvement, it has caused a whole more than just an instant photograph. “MySpace portraits” aka the helicopter view has stemmed from the digital camera, because now that we can see what we take instantly, we are more opt to take more and more pictures causing us to experiment with different angles and views. Just like digital cameras, this life logging will most likely eventually stem into another technical phenomenon. And sure enough, just like our cell phones, we will feel naked without our “wearable computers”. Each century there seems to be a new “it” technological advance. What’s next? What other inventions will our technical peeps come up with next? do i even want to know?

 this week i am fully committing to make a website and post all of my creations on it. with a breif description of who they are now and who they aspire to be in their future.

Q: Why is it that we must be in contact with technology all the time? How would you describe our world without cell phones?

Cross Platform Storytelling  Remember when your Mom and Dad told you about their first experience watching television? Limited channels and no sound, black and white and rare. These days, people are accessing their favorite TV shows from different areas of technology other than the television. Not only does one watch the show but also chat about it on their forums, blogs, or what have them. My roommate leaves her class 15 minutes early just so she won’t miss the first FIVE minutes of Grey’s Anatomy. This is such a ridiculous concept she has going. The way I see it she is missing out of 15 minutes of her future for some false fiction TV series. None of the people in the show will benefit her life in the future. Although I’m certainly not the perfect role model of a student, I would never leave my class, that I have once a week, in order to not miss out on five measly minutes of a show that will not benefit me in anyway shape or form.  Not only do people have to watch their TV show, they have to talk about it for days on end. Who cares? Really. The way people obsess over TV shows makes me sick to my stomach. It is almost as bad as people who play second life. They honestly feel like they have a connection with the show. They act like they know these characters on a personal level. Although these people are interested in the television show, they are ultimately making strong connections with other people who are also deeply involved in the same series as them. This is a cross between pathetic and unrealistic.

Q: How many hours of TV do you watch per week? Does it conflict with your everyday schedule and do you use any other source to watch and/or discuss it afterwards?

Hill, Dan “Why Lost is genuinely new media” Is it humanly possible to please everyone in the world with your hit television series? Obviously not. What the producers of Lost are trying to accomplish here, is a happy medium for all. It is surprising to me that the content of the series changes in response to its environment. This support that the media offers to its audience is clever and empowering. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? While we used to save discussions of our favorite TV series for the dinner table and at the water cooler, we are now voicing our opinons on message boards and blogs. In our response we are enjoying the time we spend on our couches even more than before.

Q: Do you think its possible that this method will later be used for other technologies such as the radio, etc? If so, how will it change?

Play The Game: Grand Theft Desire

     This popular video game has entered the minds of millions of individuals, most who are not of legal age yet. The main focus of games like Grand Theft Auto is death, sex and money. What exactly is this doing to the mind of our future? After reading this article it is debatable whether or not this video game is a negative or positive thing for the mind of our youth. Although there are negative attributes of this game, there may be positive outcomes. But Throughout reading this article I was disgusted at what a stereotypical game-like face this product reveals. Ultimately there have been a lot of changes to our media entertainment, and whether or not it is a good thing is still soon to be determined. I feel, that a game like this is unhealthy for a teenage boy, and may quickly turn against our society. Although my accusations may not be so true, I stand on my opinion.

     What these kids are learning through their video game might be what they mimic in real life scenarios. It is proven that kids are easily influenced by what they see on their computer or television screen. Why are we delivering death and sex, instead of educational or PG-13 related entertainment to the youth of America? Although the appeal of the young mind is sex, cash and death, shouldn’t we be trying to change this? 

     Not only does this video game highlight the negative features of our world, it targets African American men and depicts them as the lower class of our society? The character in GTA that is influencing these young minds’ isn’t the so-called role model you would take home to mom and dad. All he is after is bitches and money. 

    After a gamer found his way into a secret mini game called “Hot Coffee”, it was pulled off the shelves of Wal-Mart and Best Buy. It was banned for a while because of the x-rated activities that could possibly go on it this ‘secret’ world. Although this secret world has been erased, that was only three years ago, and will still be in millions of other’s discs.

    The expressions and stereotypes that are represented in this game are pessimistic. Not to say that these kids and, adults, will actually replicate these actions, it is not safe to say that they might not grow up to be aggressive and mean in other ways.

 Do you think it is possible for video games like GTA to influence our youth that it may make them more aggressive and hurtful later on in life?

Is This Man Cheating on His Wife?      I have thought long and hard before replying to this reading. My instant reaction was disgust and pity towards those on second life whom develop meaningful relationships with cartoons. But before spilling my hateful heart out onto my Blog, I reconsidered my reaction, just a little.

These people on second-life who fall in love with other avatars aren’t just falling in love with a cartoon, but a personal connection they develop with another human being via the Internet. Although it sounds silly, I shouldn’t say hateful things about it just because I haven’t experienced it. Does it mean that I’m going to run to my computer and produce an avatar on second life in search for love? Not a chance; second life makes me extremely uncomfortable and I am going to be scared shitless when doing so, for our experiential.

Dutch Hoorenbeek (Ric Hoogestraat)’s relationship with Tenaj Jackalope (Janet Speilman) frightens me. I feel really bad for his real life wife Sue. Although Janet Speilman is not conversing with Ric face to face, I do feel like he’s cheating on his REAL life wife. Just because they aren’t face to face doesn’t mean that the emotions they share with each other aren’t there. Even though he isn’t having physical sexual relations with her doesn’t mean he’s not replicating sexual relations via the Internet.

In the research examination that studied social dynamics of virtual worlds they said that people “respond to interactive technology on social and emotional levels,” more than we ever knew. I feel this is so because people associate the Internet with the words “machine” or “technology” which is very much unrelated to “real life” or “real people”. When individuals find a site like “second life”, where they can relate and talk to real life people, they get more emotionally involved and the excitement entices them, which peaks their interest even further.

With that said, I do not discriminate against people who involve themselves with second life or any other virtual ‘reality’ game. But what I do discriminate against is the relationship that Hoogestraat is having with his real-life non-virtual wife. He has fully taken himself out of his real world life, and put himself in this virtual life with no limitations or regulations. Although there have been talks about labeling this obsessive ness to a virtual world a formal disorder, I feel as if they should look into it much more. I can’t help but feel extremely sorry for Mrs. Hoogestraat.

After reading this article, does it make you more or less inclined to make an avatar in a virtual world?

                              You are Cyborg, “The Cyborg Ancestry”

Although I am against animal testing, I think its very interesting that this Cyborg-like thing has been around for 50 years. When I first dove into this reading, I figured it was all about making humans robotic, if that’s even a word. Instead I found that this term corrected a lot of health problems and was pleased to see that it is currently benefiting those with serious conditions such as diabetes and heart trouble. Whether it be virtual reality, or programmed computers that live inside us, it is impossible for the world today to stay away from technology.      Is there any time where you have used a cyborg or anything related to it for medical usage? If not, would you ever agree to it?

In Korea, a Boot Camp cure for Web Obsession     A boot camp in South Korea inhabits over a dozen of Internet-obsessed individuals, all male. Luckily for the parents of these boys, their wallets reamain sustained, due to the fact that the boot camp is funded by the Government. The camp offers activities in which rely on physical human contact and communication in order to steer them clear from the virtual world they live in SEVENTEEN hours out of their day. Pathological computer use is the label for this anti-social disorder, and only a small number of health centers in the United States, provide therapy for their patients. Korea may not be the first to recognize the problem of Internet abuse, but the first to take action.

Over the past couple of months I have been coming to the realization how much the Internet and technology is taking over our lives. Subsequent to reading articles after articles focusing on these dilemmas, it is hard not to be concerned for our future.    Do you think the lack of social life in these kids’ lives is the reason why they are so addicted to technology now?

Metaphors- thinking through technologyThis article is introduced by creativity and how it changes with time. All artists are expected to have their own point of view of their own work, which makes it their own. In order to comprehend this change of pace- artists must take what they know and re-make it to be their own. Just like the Internet, creative technology and work is improving.  Many individuals in history have created something new and exciting. Many have fed off of an original concept to make it better. Our Ecological footprint is made up of all of the things that we use and/or waste. Our “creative footprint” can be all of the new or remixed ideas that we have used and/or wasted. “It is the “concern” of human endeavor to define the space of our existence” (Mythic Time). This quote describes how we, the humans on this earth, are constantly trying to make our mark. The definition of our “creative footprint” is to be created during our lifetime and possibly defined if not after. Creations will later be re-created and/or re-defined; this is inevitable, just like the Internet.  There are two concepts of space, mental and physical. Each requires our imaginative abilities. There are always two sides of a spectrum; and one must touch on both instead of neglecting possible helpful ideas for one side. The results of neglecting one side result in a negative workplace for individuals. Comic strips such a The Office and Dilbert illustrate dehumanizing effects of the factory workplace. Such illustrations build off of real life scenarios and make it their own comedic artwork.

Have you ever used real life scenarios, and turned them into your own original creative piece?

Virtual HuntingThis broadcast reveals a site on the Internet that is dedicated to hunters around the world. People can practice their shooting skills online all around the world. This seems like it is very much related to a video game-like site. There are talks about this site having the capability to shoot real life animals from the comfort of your computer chair. I do not like the idea of this because what will happen is people will get lazier and lazier and just shoot for fun. They will not keep in mind that they need to go get the livestock themselves, and shoot off as many animals as they possibly can. The whole point in hunting is the early experience and sitting in anticipation for a dear to come in sight. Horrible idea. People are using the Internet for everything and it makes me cringe. Whatever happened to not relying of technology for everything? Why are technology and the Internet taking over everyone’s world. People lived just fine without the Internet, why do we all of a sudden need to rely so much on it for our everyday needs and actions? This is why America is so morbidly obese; activities that rely on some sort of physical action are being replaced with just a click of a mouse.

Virtual IraqThis video game helps the anxiety that soldiers suffer with after being in Iraq. The soldier describes their anxiety and the actions that inflict this stress. They talk about it while she replays the scene for them. This seems interesting and appears to be very helpful for those who experience such distress.  This therapy proves that control over experience helps anxiety go away. Avoiding memories sometimes make your anxiety worsen. It was reported that one experienced 50% less Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after completing the therapy. This is so interesting to me, and I’m so glad that Dr. Mary rose Gerardi has created something that will help our soldiers get over their stresses. Great idea, as opposed to virtual hunting. Is it possible that we will eventually have a virtual game to help rid more dangerous and self destructing disorders? What is it that you would most like to see cured through this virtual phenomenon?

A World of Witnesses

Today my sister text messaged me when she was at the poll to ask me a question relating to the process she went through before voting. In many ways cell phones aid a lot in our means of communicate, much more than they used to a decade ago. The incident involving Rodney King, who was pulled over by police and brutally beaten is a good example of how cell phones are being put into good use besides making a phone call. Nowadays we can do more with out cell phones than make a phone call. We can check the status of fish from South Africa, check our email, receive pollution warnings in London and track radiation. At the rate technology is advancing today, we wont be able to survive without cell phones.

 Has there ever been a situation where if you did not have your cell phone, you would have been in great danger or loss? 

Pretty much what this article is talking about it how wrapped up individuals get with their cell phones and other portable technologies. Whether they are on the subway or sitting in a restaurant, people can be so self involved its disgusting. Sometimes, when I’m walking on campus by myself and I feel uncomfortable so ill whip out my cell phone and text anyone I can think of because it makes me feel more secure. Cell phones just separate people from real life, and others. I feel like people would get along more if technology wasn’t as strong because people wouldn’t be so involved with it that they would branch out and talk to people. Do cell phones ever get in the way of your “REAL” life? Has it ever interrupted you at an important time in your life? 

Obama Uses Text Messaging With Eye on Nov 4 Obama is now making friends aka building a database of voters via text messages. Obama clearly knows who his fans are, and is using his brain to connect with them. Most of his voters are young. Young people text, just like me. Now, my mother, unfortunately is learning how to text and before we know it as generations die out, the whole entire world will be texting, even 80 year old grandparents. Technology is being used by the candidates each coming election more and more. And apparently, mobile technology is becoming the most efficient way to reach out and grab our attention, 20-30 percent that is. Texting is Obama’s trademark for this campaign. How does it make you feel about this large phenomenon of texting and relating it to a presidential campaign? It makes me feel extremely uncomfortable.

How Much is YouTube Worth to Obama and McCain? I think that part of the reason that Obama has such a large lead in You Tube views in hours against McCain is because most of Obama’s supporters are younger and technologically advanced. McCain’s supporters on the other hand are opposite; most are old and technologically challenged. To avoid a lot of unneccesary spending for campaign ads or exposure, You Tube has saved these candidates millions of dollars. Is you tube giving you more insight to the campaign? Is it influencing your decision on who to vote for?

Twitter: An Antidote to Election Day Voting Problems? I’m not much for politics but the Internet has motivated me into keeping track of the possible candidates, keeping me updated on the campaigns. Twitter is helping millions of other college students become motivated about this campaign with its dummy proof interaction with the presidential candidates this year and years to come. Is the Internet helping you become involved this year? What if you weren’t taking this class, do you think you would be inclined to be so involved?

The Daily Me Instead of flipping through the television channels searching for the right program to watch, we have the Internet to guide us through our virtual political information. It’s a beautiful thing, the Internet: so much control. Although the television set does give us control on what we want to watch, the Internet lets us ignore the campaign commercials focusing on the negative attributes of their fellow competitor. This article describes websites where you can go to specifically look for the things you want to see. This makes it easier to navigate throughout the web, and sometimes these sites will also recommend others based on your previous choices.

Web of Activism Using the Internet to spread news and other important information is fast and easy, and it doesn’t cost any money. Buying time on tv is so expensive, the internet is a smarter and more affordable way to be heard. This article was out of the ordinary because it mentioned how older people are starting to use MySpace and Facebook for campaigning or spreading the word. I just feel as if it would be more effective if they used those social networking sites if it targeted a younger crowd. 

Overall, these articles were mostly related to how the Internet is helping large voices get their words out to the public ear. Also, how the Internet is getting to be very useful for everyday activity. Compared to what the Internet was like when it first came out, it has been completely revolutionized. 

Nikki S Lee, under a Starry Night