When I first came in to this class, I never really imagined that I would look at the technological aspects of my daily life in such a different light upon completion of the course. I basically took for granted the technology in my life, since I have become so accustomed to using so many different forms over the years.

It all started with AIM for me, then the constant use of the cellular phone, leading to obsessive Facebook usage and eventually to the wonderful world of Second Life. I can honestly say that I don't know what I would do without certain aspects of technology, with my cell phone as the most important and Facebook creeping in at a close second. Second Life I could do without, but if I spent a few months getting used to it, I could see myself getting attached to it as well. As with any technology, it takes a while to get used to, but it becomes impossible to live without.

Comm and New Media has made me scrutinize my every use of technology, while analyzing my personal sense of identity and community along the way. I have also opened my eyes to my tendency to "lurk" within various communities. I have found myself frequenting many blogs, especially since most websites and online articles have adopted a "comment" section, which is essentially a blog in itself. While I have been frequenting these blogs, I have noticed an overwhelming urge to participate and include my own comments. I have even created a few usernames and begun to do this.

I think that this course really made me realize that I don't want to participate in the blogging world as a lurker. I want to open up and allow others to view my opinions, inside of having a verbal exchange with my monitor and keeping my opinions to myself. I like what this class has done to me in this respect, I enjoy being able to actively participate in the communities that I have been lurking in for so long.