New Media and Communication

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Use and Abuse

Analyzing the media I use every day has been extremely interesting, and yet unnerving. Looking in depth at how people use technologies like the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life has created an almost cynical view on my part regarding these social practices. It is not that these things are inherently bad, but it is more, the misuse of these practices that causes me to feel this way. When individuals ‘chat’ on the cell phone and never say anything of importance, spy on others via Myspace, and waste away the hours on Second Life without forming new relationships with the people around them is when I begin to worry and wonder about the state the world is in. I feel as if these technologies are taking away from what is really important within life – human (meaning face-to-face) interaction. I believe that without this interaction, an important part of a person will be missing. This part, whether it is labeled social skills or physical communication, should be developed within every person, for we are all on this earth together. Without interacting physically with one another, the physical world around us would deteriorate right before our eyes. Staying together emotionally and spiritually through physical interaction is an essential part in every person’s personality and mental development. I do not see how these interactions could be replaced with virtual ones, and still have our everyday lives be meaningful and fulfilling. Although relationships can be formed online and through the use of the cell phone, and although some of our research from the semester may indicate otherwise, I do not personally believe these relationships can ever serve as a substitute for face-to-face interactions.

It is interesting to note, however, that although I have a certain outlook on these forms of media, I will continue to use them myself in everyday life. However, I think it is important that I learn to not abuse these technological privileges that I possess. Using the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life to enhance the relationships I already have formed within my real life is possible. It is important, however, that I not become reliant on these technologies to form and maintain relationships. It is the dependence on these media that ultimately hurts interpersonal relationships among people. Hopefully, as a result from this class and my ability to critically see how these media are used and how they affect our lives, I will be able to achieve a balance between their use and my own personal relationships. Perhaps it is my small town values coming into play, but this whole dependence on media to create and keep relationships has me skeptical. This article, although in different terms, explains everything I am attempting to convey through this blog post. Media is both valuable and harmful to society. It’s all in how you use it.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

This class has given me the outlet to embrace and showcase my inner-nerd. I love all of the advancements in technology and can't wait to play with the latest and greatest gadgets or software.

Like others have mentioned, I am seeing my technology use in a completely different light. This semester, I've started to analyze my own use of my cell phone, facebook, blogs, and SecondLife and have found myself pondering that identity question. "What is this person trying to tell me?" I find the need to ask, "How is this person using this technology to better convey their authentic self?" I think these questions will haunt my thoughts forever. I'm okay with that. I really enjoyed playing with the idea of identity and multiple identities online and through new technologies. I'd never thought about how different I am with the various people I call on my cell phone, or how the fact that it's a mobile phone affects the way I use it. Also, I've decided Facebook is like a billboard that advertises YOU. How creepy is that? And why am I still on it?

The past semester has been a welcomed forum and brainstorm for finalizing my comp topic. So thanks, you guys! Our class discussions were enjoyable, informative, and creative. I'm continuously amazed by the brilliant women at SMC!

That being said, this class has given me the blogging bug. I've started my own blog as a creative outlet and have been posting absurd, self-deprecating short essays. If you'd like to take a look, I'd love comments and feedback. It's a little crass, so please don't let my use of four-letter words harm my grade!
Bringing it back to academia... However, in beginning this blogging endeavor, I've discovered a very active and addictive "20-something" blogging community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. Knowing people read and enjoy what I write has me hooked!

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.

Monday, December 10, 2007

A whole new world...

I was on a ridiculously long flight home to Chicago last week from Seattle when I engaged in a conversation with an employee from Yahoo! next to me. I had asked him, “If I have so much technology now, will my kids just be permanently plugged in?” To which he replied very matter of fact, “Yes.”

This has honestly been one of the most eye-opening classes I have taken here at Saint Mary’s… besides my Catholic Social Thought class of course :-) I was always aware of the fact that new media like blogs, cell phones, and social networking sites are slowing taking over our lives, but I never really came to terms with the fact that it is happening so fast! These things are consuming our lives like none other. Before I used to just brush off my, and others, use of new media forms. Now, I cannot get on Second Life without really considering how attached I am to my avatar. I can’t even get on Facebook without scrutinizing the identity I have put forth for all to see. Even cell phone use goes through my mind as more than just a daily activity. How did she answer her phone? What was her ring-tone? What kind of mobile does she own? It is all so much more fascinating to me.

I can honestly say I have really learned how to analyze and look at new media use in a way I never have before. I do not simply go through the motions any longer when it comes to blogging and walking along the beach as Trista Sands. Those activities are no longer ways to procrastinate writing that term paper that’s due in five hours. It’s a way to look at myself and who I am becoming.

This semester has been very reflective for me. Analyzing my usage of new media helped me to understand the unique way I use cell phones and blogs in my daily life.

One of the things that has really been brought to my attention is how comfortable the younger generation is using this technology. I just have a sense that, even though I am pretty well versed in modern technology, I will be behind the times in a few years. I sometimes get exasperated when my mother can't figure out her cell is an actual phone and not a walkie-talkie...but I am afraid that will be me in a few years. Even being on Second Life, I felt like I was a bit outdated.

Second Life in particular was the one area of new media where I didn't feel that comfortable. Whereas, when I first got AIM or Facebook I was addicted from the start. Being on Second Life was a little too surreal for me. I felt very on edge the whole time I was on it, and think my own inability to adapt is going to be one of the reasons I will become outdated.

One of the things I did love about this semester was being able to reveal my secret celebrity blog obsession. :) Being able to talk about that and vocalize where the attraction to the blogs came from was a very introspective look at how I personally form communities.

Overview of Class

Thank you very much Renee for the pictures. They were quite lovely :)

Throughout this past semester we have touched on identity and community within the world of cell phones, personal blogs and second life. I never really put much thought into any of these new media resources, but now after this class, I have a whole new perspective.

Every time I see my brother texting back an forth between his friends and his girlfriend, I will think about how different the various age groups use the cell phone's technology. I will also be more cautious of how I treat my future children someday when they want a cell phone. Although there are many options today on keeping a GPS tracking system on the cell phone user, I will make sure that I don't make my children feel as if they have a "digital leash" around their necks.

The next time I go and read my favorite blog - Something Old and Something New, I will think more about the kind of interactions I may be having with the blog's author. Although I may not make a direct posting on that person's page (lurker), I do take the time to read her entires as well as check out the various items that she suggests (and even go on to buying them!). I will also be more aware of the kind of impact that a blog posting can have on my audience. If a blog is set to open readership, then everyone can read and respond, and I must be prepared to receive various different comments and feedback.

As for Second Life... there is so much more to be discovered that I cannot even begin to comment on. Second Life is truly a second world that can become addicting and even take over some people's lives. My computer, however doesn't seem to like the software that much, so it doesn't look like addiction will be a problem with me. I do want to be able to explore the world even more and test out my avatar, make friends (safely) and hopefully someday join SMC as we get our own island! Overall, it has been a very interesting experience.

Thank you Professor Berdayes as well as the rest of the class for a great semester. I never knew that there could be so many different levels to the items that we discussed in class - it was definitely eye opening!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Hey all, I was taking screen shots throughout our tour today and thought you guys might want to see them. You can get a better look if you click on each picture. It will open it bigger. I was having trouble getting good angles, but I don't think they turned out so bad. Feel free to download and edit anything.