The Facebook Effect Pt 3

Throughout my own process of reading this book, I begn questioning whether Mark Zuckerberg should have this amount of success- he should. Although there were lawsuits and questions as to how his idea were put into place, the fact of the matter was he was the person who was able through time and effort to make it happen. In the beginning of reading the book I think that I was waiting for some realization or profound statement but overall there were so many small actions taken that made this guy genius in my eyes. By developing this global social connection,  he revolutionized the world we live in and to think- he thought this was a hobby. Facebook has changed so much since the beginning and now incorporates so many elements that are customized to the audience. I enjoyed the fact that with this book we were not just able to read how he made things happen but his thoughts and process realizing that it was not just an overnight process. Well it was but there were many sleepless nights, meetings and plans in effect to create this whole 'Facebook effect'. Today because of this world wide spread of sociual networking, people who we would never think to use it, now do as a tool to reach the world. Even President Obama has a facebook which show that campaigning and democracy has also got with the times and acknowlege how necessary it is when tryning to reach people. This detailed book gave a realistic view of how this worldwide phenomenon came into furition. This book also showed how the minds of technological genius's were not too far from each other because of the people around Zuckerberg were also invoved in other world phenonmenons like Chen (youtube)and  Parker (Napster). I believe that the people today find it difficult to live without these forms of entertainment and facebook has really effected the world we live in today- hince the title :)

The Facebook Effect Pt 2

In  David Kirkpatricks book, "The facebook Effect" as I was reading it I was able to take in some of the strategic points that were made through Mark Zuckerberg. It amazed me that this small idea that was "stolen from these twins" that initailly was a hobby and creative pastime for everyone, was able to transform society into how we see it today. Sometime I sit back and wonder, what exactly would I be doing in class if there were no social networks? Perhaps paying better attention. Then I remember and go back to the times where I was in middle school and i didn't have one. Although I was very studious, I definately recall writing notes to my friends so that in passing we would exchange them, as if something really remarkable happen in those 49mins of class. I just think technology and facebook as a way to know what all my friends are doing in those few mins, all at once. My oh my have we evolved. regardless of the postive and negative consequences of our era, what it comes down to is this is we have created a world that is almost impossible to live without. In the book Zuckerberg did not think of himself as a CEO of a company nor did he have intensions to become one of the youngest billionares. However, once others were able to see the potential of his project, he gained the right investors like the Washington Post and others to push hiim forward. He even came in contact with some of the leading professsional men in hollywood like Sean Parker the creator of napster which was also a world phenomenon for some time. However Mark Zuckerberg was never acustomed to living a crazy life and once he figured out that his idea was 'gold' he did not want to ruin it through frivelous living. He was a professional unlike Sean Parker mentioned on pg 45-47 who did have influence over hime but he tried to maintain his own essence and work ethic. Right now I think this book is showing Mark Zuckerbergs process very similar to what was shown in the movie, but just with great detail and without trying to figure out whether the writers talking present day or past- like the movie. So far it's a good read. :)

The Facebook Effect Pt 1

Actually I was very interested in the title of this book and immediately when I began reading it I knew why. In David Kirkpatricks book, " The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company that is Connecting the World "  I was able to get a good glimse of the strategies and ideas that made social networking the empire that it is today. Just to think that this business that was created was able to bring peace and happiness to everyone around the world. Starting off as just being a fun social experiement for young  Harvard students, a fun project that was able to change their lives and our world. At the same time people are able to be just as creative by developing there own persona, which we discussed in class how there is a 'virtual you'. This idea within itself is quite amusing because any given individual is able to put out whatever persona they want displayed by their photos and the things they discuss. I thought it was also interesting how in class we discussed this idea of a e-thug, where this person lives outside of who they really are and are able to communicate about topics or in ways that are not true to them in real life. Kirkpatricks book "The facebook Effect" is also interesting because the title itself reigns true to everyone. Initally when I saw the book I was interested because not knowing what was discussed I knew that I could relate. I knew that whether or not you wanted to accept it, social networks have really played a significant role in the last 10 years. Being connected to others and knowing that they are listening to what you say or are interested in your photos, really show how we live in a justifiable society. Depending on how your perception facebook/ social networks change everything. Studies shown that this type of virtual expression change your persona, relationships you have with others, sometimes self esteem and can also have the power to change your mood by going on and participating in this social form. This book being an interview of Mark Zuckerberg made me consider the time and effort that was put in in order to create such a remarkable movement. It also made me even more interested in the movie that I saw previously because I saw the biases from the writer and tried to make comparisons to the movie immediately.

Final Assignment Pt. 3

Finally I was able to figure out which topic was the most relevant to my thought process throughout the last few weeks I found it very interesting the way American has developed a culture of environmental neglegence. The progression of technology has really created a overall lifestyle of wasteful living. Everyone is guilty of  it and in the same way everyone has fell susceptible to making these wasteful decisions, everyone has participated in the economic strategies that continue destroy the environment. Initially I felt torn between both books in trying to decide which one I would feel the nost strongly about, but finally I chose "Made to Break" by Giles Slade. The basis of the book really showed the different strategies that are used to continue this progression of technology in society. All the while we entertain these new inventions as if those that were similar yet created after become irrelevant. This idea of out with the old and in with the new really reigns supreme in the world we live in today. In my paper I plan to mention some of the ideas of remarkable men like Brook Stevens who developed this idea of 'planned obesolescence' where slight chnges are created on a given item only to influence the consumers. This type of planning not only changes the growth of a product in monetary gain, but creates a wasteful mindset for the  consumers and corrupts the environment as well. I think that although we have been confortable in the way of doing things in the past, there is time for change, Just like the world found it necessary to begin recycling years ago after many years of being unaware of the dangers to the planet, informantion is key. There must be a press to make changes by showing the problem at hand. Individuals must be informed of the problem and instead of commercials pushing for them to buy the next best thing, people should be generally aware of the consequences of our wasteful society. As soon as we started informing people about regular recycling and making it necessary we saw changes. I think they should make changes within the major companies that use these tactics to maintain their prosperity as the cost of our environment. Those are just some of my thoughts, and by the way I decided to keep my phone. It kind of has to do with the wifi facetime issue and the new phones coming out and can use face time without wifi but still, i think it's a better decision. At least I wont fall into the trap until after a new one comes out... (pointless)...  :)

Current Event: TSA Body Scanners and Pat Downs

Recently I was watching the news and news report immediately caught my attention. I happen to love traveling and with the holidays coming up, there is sure to be alt of traffic in the airport. The article I chose was featured on CNN.com and is entitled, "Growing Backlash against TSA body scanners, Pat Downs". Briefly it dscusses the homeland security methods and precautions that are being taken in order to ensure security in the United States particularly around the holidays. The leaders of travel industry grougs came together to decide on appropriate security methods to lesson the concerns of the government andminimize the safety risks for the American people. However, interestingly enough the general public seems to have the most issues with their proposal of incorporating TSA full body scanners in the security inspection at the airports. The problem being many Americans feel violated to the point of terror during this process. Not to mention so called  "reassurance " only heightens their levels of fear because of this alarming  system. There is a cross between American values and American protection the line is wearing thin. Moving forward a decision has to be made. There has been talk about protesting th earrival of the scanning systems and in some cases frequent travelers have essentially avoided flying all together. This seemingly helpful idea has created issues so much that November 24th, which is the busiest travel day had been claim to be 'National Opt Out Day'. This is essentially the travelers making their own decision of protection measures by opting out of air flights costing airlines 9.4 billion dollars. In addtion to the moral and privacy issues in full body scanning, ther are said to be health risk involved. Some citizens believe that homeland security has completely taken away their righs of privacy and dignity in hopes to stop potential terrorists. They believe that as customers they are being treated like criminals and their rights are being stripped away from them, along with their privacy. I choose this current event because I thought it had alot of themes of sacrificing oneself to adhere to the technological advance in society. I believe that technology is not only taking over the world we live in but taking away individual opportunities to choose what is better for them. And no I do not think Omish living is the way of life but in some cases we have let what we deem as "necessary" become a necessity when in reality we have been without these advances all along. I think it is unfair for people who feel victimized by this use of technology to be subjected to using it. In addition I find it particularly interesting that when frequent flyers complain of the health risks, it is dismissed. Immediately, I connected this to how the health risk of the enviroment is put on the back burner daily  and subjected to the misuse and abuse we choose. Choice is the key word here because in both cases, the ability to choose is lossed. I also began to think about how the hopes for something better has immediately changed the perpective of society. We do this daily, as technology advances, we denounce the system that has been working effectively in the years past. Interesting.

Final Assignment Pt 2

Today I woke up thinking how much I want to change my wireless server  in order to get a I-phone. Black Friday had really got me thinking this way, prior to that day I was content. I use my phone rarely for calls and I have to say I am a text fanatic! I figured out how much texting could be a life saver when you have a long winded mother who repeats herself so much that you finish her sentence by the end of the conversation. I figured texting would be the solution since it's kinda idiotic to text the same thing differently 5x in a row instead of listening to repeatition. Anyway I thought I was so context with my Samsung Exclaim, (it's not the best phone but definately not the worse) until I saw this bedazzled Juicy Couture I-phone case that I just had to have. Of course I didnt try to think if I could go to the Rag Shop and make it for my phone for 10 bucks, I just rather upgrade to a completely new phone in order to buy THAT case. I even begin thinking of things thatwere wrong with it to make me feel like I needed a new one. Now when I think about the age of technology we live in I am able to understand the world of obsolescence. Its just good business, but the consequences for the consumer are more than we know. Not only do we decided what items succeed in society but we decided what goods and services fail. Go Green!, a slogan we hear a number of people say who are environmenatlly aware of the things we do everyday that could harm our environment. Following that commercial I see the Apple 4G commercial. What to do? Everyday there are things being created to top the last technological phenonmenon. When I stop to think about how things are "Made to Break", I can't help but wonder if our love for 'the next best thing' has crippled us into a crisis. American tradition has been shaped by these dualisms creating a pull between what we want and what we all need. We all need to be aware of the small decisions we make daily that effect us all permanently. Even in knowing, I am guilty in thinking that my one selfish desire of tossing my phone out won't make a difference. New technologies alter society in more ways than those mentioned in Postman's technopoly. I find it incerdibly interesting that we create what we want and whats created has the ability to transforn the world we live in. Hmmm perhaps I should keep my phone...until it really breaks.

Assignment de Finale!!! pt 1

Upon receiving the final assignment I was incredible anxious, not necessarily to begin because i have approximately four 8-10 pg papers due in the next two weeks. But I was anxious because i just couldn't wait to say I have five. Surprisingly enough, the best news I've had was the fact that this paper was 6 -8. Hal-le-juah!!! * Just broke out into song* I've been thinking, which book to write about. The first thing I did was look at the books in my room trying to remember the 'gist' of each one. Then I thought, what's better than taking notes about a book the entire time your reading it (as we did in elementary school) - Blogging about it. The good thing about this class was i was able to go back and return to the same mind frame I was in as I was writing my own reflections. While reading, the decision i thought was so easy became harder as I was quickly able to decipher the pron and cons of each argument. There were just too many things to think about.  Not only did i have to choose which book I should do my paper on, but also which stance to take. Decisions, Decisions. The elements I would be including if I was to do techno poly would definitely be the ideas that modern day culture and the technology age in itself have somehow created its own world. I find it very interesting the way college and universities are run and how the campuses function all under the basis of efficient technology. The education system is not even the same and in some ways one must think if we are hurting or helping future generation. On the other hand i thought about  Giles Slade's theme of Americans going green all the while supporting the disposal of so many goods that we take pride in having. I think if we are going to make a change then we have to start with the way we produce our items and look at what we consider worldly treasure- obviously not the world. I think I may discuss Slade because I remember how in thought I was with societies push to consumers to buy things we don't need. Although hatred against aimless buying lasted all of a week, I think I can really expand on my thoughts.

The Social Network

All I can say is WOW...As if I wasn't incredibly amazed with the very idea of facebook, seeing the creation of a world wide phenomenon was epic. Upon entering the theatre I already had my own perception of what the movie would be like. Some incredibly smart young man coming up with a genius idea that swept the nation over night. Okay okay, actually that was exactly what it was but the insight I got from seeing the depiction of  him going through the motions was just so much more than that. Im definately a stickler for any documentaries or biographies that are true to life. As a young girl I don't know why I had such a fascination with flims like Selena, or What's Love Got to Do With It  (Tina Turner) or even idiotic films like W...an ode to our former president George W. Bush. Gotta love him... I guess it's because after you see it you feel just  little closer to the indiviual you hear about that you wana tell others his story like you heard it first hand. We as Americans are funny, the ultimate gossip colony. But back to The Social Network, upon watching the movie I was incredibly impressed with a few things. For one, the whit and sarcasism of the main character, he was a RIOT! I felt like I was the only person in the theatre literally cracking up. The very idea that students put a entreprenuer plan into motion was beyond me. Also I was amused with at the way they knew what schools exactly to launch it at next so that it would become a hit which touches on the power of marketing in the world today. This reminded me of some of the things that were discussed in the books like Made to Break, when  I thought of the way the site directly catered to their audience. Although by creating thing inventors cater, thinking of just the social need of an individual Mark was able to create. Also the fact of the matter is, even today there are still being creations made on facebook to make it better and more entertaining so that can easily be compared to physical inventions that become obsolete when renewal takes place. Mark Zuckerberg and his friend Eduardo knew exactly what was important to their generation as far as the social scene even thought they were seen as "geeks". I particularly liked when he got the idea to put relationship status on the profile because it showed that his mind was not just thinking to answer his friends question but always thinking with a goal in mind that could produce revenue. Although the idea was built upon a small inkling of an idea from the Winklevoss brothers and even FACESMASH...I think without his creative mind of development, they would have never got it up and running. I was able to see not only the good parts of success but also the downside of it as well with the lawsuits, loss of friendships and sometimes even loss of character. I was very impressed with this film not only because of the actors depiction of the characters but the ideas that were able to create such a remarkable "social network". I left the theatre all wound up, thinking of ways to create something since Im older than him I felt like I was behind haha but after all my brainstorming, I went to bed. Respect, drive and motivation were established and that's the impact I believe the movie had on all it's viewers. I enjoyed it

Made to Break Pt. 3

Giles Slade not only engages every time period of readers by creating a timeline through the history of technology, but he also creates a storybehind each period. As the economy began to pick up again after the depression that is, the idea of mass production enter the world. People needed alot of what ever they wanted which was another example of "planned obsolescence" and wouldn't stop until they had the newest thing out. Brook Stevens a charter member of the Society for Industrial Designers stated, " Our whole economy is based on planned obsolesence and everybody who can read without moving their lips should know it by now. We make good products, we induce people into buying them, and then next year we deliberately introduce something that will make those products old fashioned , out of date, obsolete"( 153). Stevens goes on saying that the only reason why this has become the culture of the industry is to keep on making money. This idea reigns true in our world today because I see examples of it daily. Starting with cell phone companies, sometimes I wonder why they intentionally put something out when there are already previews or ideas to create to a better device that would have all the amenities the other is lacking yet they still make sells. I don't know how many times, I've walked in a store and said "Man if i would have waited 1 more month for my upgrade!", only not realizing if I did there would be something else I wouldf have wanted. It's all a trick making a technological hazard for the future. I particularly thought it was interesting the way sometimes actual waste occurs during the planning of obsolescence because at time it becomes hard to even determine the plans of the people. At times there is no market for the invention although there were great plans during creation. The fact of the matter is back then and even today, americans have the choice to either waste money or save it, and we all know EVERYONE'S problem. In most cases we have everything we need to successfully feel like a productive citizen in society and we possess perfectly good items to where they don't need to be replaced immediately. Although, becasue of the culture created the inventions aren't built to last. Alot of the times you have to think about the competition between companies that are imposed on us, but the key is, we feed into it by thinking we need the unnecessary. Aside from minimal planning, even in matters of war there is this mindset where science and technology is the basis of production. It stops and makes you think that even in political battles and wars of hatred, underneath it all there is a competition in technology and we seen this in the case of Soviets and Japan. We were not just trying to beat them physically but mentality by creating weapons that said we we're better- technical competition that would produce physical results. There are hidden persuaders in the world today and although many people are not aware of them, they do exist. We are the consumers and that in itself is not a mystery but the reasons we continue to waste then claim going green is beyond me. We continue to look past our need and substitute them for wants, we may need to make a change in the industry but we don't stop wanting the new over the durable.

Made to Break Pt 2

In the second part of the book, Giles Slade paid attention to showing the readers the testimony of leaders of some leading technology corporations beginning with David Sarnoff who was the head of RCA. The power of his invention made it that music and broadcast radio could become even clearer and greater improvements technically. I found his testimonial particularly interesting because although the readers were able to see the positive attributes of this hard working career yet at the same time they discussed his tendencies to even be seen as a womanizer. This reminded me of The social network because with fame and fortune although it makes provisions for you socially sometimes it can change one's character. The people who he had developed relationships with  like his wife Marion also began to leave and he felt incredibly alone until he finally committed suicide.  The technical era changed even the more because WWII was the first eletronic war because of the FM radio that was used their were many inventions that made significant progress yet Sarnoff's strides in development were the most significant. I was also able to see the different ways product development changes in order to tend to their audience. I found it interesting that even when things were being created, they saw the market for teenagers and they positioned the product to adhere to their desires. When I think about it more however, once you see the needs of the buyers and people who are potentially interested, thats when you are able to create what is necessary. This idea reigned supreme also with the discussion of automobiles and how the concumers basically decided the movement from foreign cars to tailfins to beetles. Americans continue to make the decisions in the technology industry yet whats remarkable is we have all the opinions yet there are very few people who can put these ideas into practice by solidly constructing an relevant invention. I liked that Giles Slade was able to discuss how there is evidence of the use of technology in ways ordinary people don't think of. He discussed fashion even and the small influences of corporations and individuals that made the eras what they were. The very fact that history and American culture has a time line of progression amazes me because although evolution is inevitable, the abiltiy to manufacture and put ideas into action shows the power that stems from advertising, business, art, and media which all has to do with technology.

Made to Break Pt.1

In Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in America by Giles Slade the author discussed the fact that regardless of our new and various improvements in technology we need to do better as far as waste is concern. Overall, in regards to computers, televisons, cellular phones and other variations of technology that shape our everyday lives, we need to be more conscious of the disposal and re-using these products because we continuously improving in many ways, yet when we do we throw away the old for the new. This is becoming a problem that just keeps getting worse becasue the break down of these technical items is almost impossible. When reading I was able to really look at what we are doin and how we are backhandedly making improvements. I say this because alfthough scientist are thrilled to keep learning,keep creatiung but at the same time we don't make things that would be able to withstand generations. In my opinion I find that very interesting since we are living in age where we are continuously trying to search for ways to improvement the environment by "going green" and becoming more conscious of what we can do to help. In one instance what we can do is not be so quick to buy every new gadget and computerized device just to keep up with technology because in fact alot of the time there are mass mistakes being made throughout creation. I can't count how many time I've witnessed a receall on a new item that was all the craze. People standing in line overnight for hours only for the technical device to have servere glitches in it's system. I feel like American culture is very fixed on conservation yet not enough for it to trickle into their want but only to alter teir needs. What i mean by this statement is the fact that we will sometime make small changes for a cause just enough so it wont hurt us, perhaps bringing our own bags to the groceryt store to exemplify our position in society to seem like we're helping. However we are either not aware or not willing to examine our desires to stay as relevant as possible in society meaning how many gadgets we aquire as a family overall and still find the need to get something "NEW". We are all at fault  but i got a chance to really see how much waste we are causing as a generation. There was an analogy used in the book discussing how in generations past and in different cultures people like the egytians and romans took pride in creating things that would supercede their lifespan and the lifespan of their children. Today when I look around I really have to think about something that was created recently that would not be disqualified if time was the only factor of relevancy. Everything that is made no matter how incredible it is whenit comes out, i think of it as made to break. Questions arise whether we will be able to house all this wast if we keep this up. The first half of the book really showed the ideas behind the creations that were made, the disposal, cost, success, employment opportunities and development of the changes.

The World and Wikipedia Pt.2

In the second half of the World and Wikipedia ,Andrew Dalby's confessions of a contributer, he discusses some of the reasons why wikipedia is such a success. The takes his time to look at why we as Americans love to use it. In retrospect when you begin to think of his reasonings it all makes sense. He talked about how its a way that we all get a chance to become philosphers, editors, and scholars. The very idea that we are allowed to change history in some way gives us a sense of control whether or not its by way of a joke or seriously trying to give off aquired knowledge to other individuals. On pg 139, when the idea was faced that they needed credentials to contribute to the site and the chairman of the foundation disagreed and stated " I think what matters is the quality of the content, which we can improve by enforcing policies such  as 'cite your source', not he quality of the credentials showed by an editor'. In my opinion this shows that the overall credibiltiy of truth is not the concern but the advancement of information is the focus. The author also deals with the fact that our nature as human beings is to live under a system of chaos and confusion, whether we're the ones creating it or not we enjoy cruelty. And no I do not mean animal cruelty or implying we don't have a heart but looking at the reality of human behavior. Why is it that bad news travels so fast and why is it that when there is a retracting statement we have to look for positivity far more than we find negativity. The media overall is designed to have people question others and judge ethical behavior and the character of other and we all find comfort in that. Sometimes I wonder why I spend so much time on  the superficial.com or on a social network but then I realize it's all designed to make individuals feel a certain way and it is addicting. Wikipedia at it's best still is an amateur way of getting information with the same biases or probably more than even the news or the media because of it being individual opinions. Also you are unaware of the motives of the the people who choose to write about specific topics so the biases behind that are enough to disqualify the words as truth; I found it interesting that the author discussed the presidential election and the frequency of information changes of the canaidates during the process. People were able to use the site that some people use to obtain information to display their selfish rants, racist theolgy and biases. Overall due to the fact that wikipedia was built upon the ability to speak your mind and share information it becomes hard to deal with censorship.

The World and WIKIPEDIA pt 1

In Andrew Dalby's Confessions of a Contributor, The world and wikipedia: how are we editing reality, this book talks about everyday people and their quest to alter , revise and edit history in ways that they see fit. The entire creation of wikipedia has become such a widespread phenomenon in the last decade but there is a glitch in the system. Whether or not we are able to find what is needed on the site, the fact still remains that we go on it to look, what is the scariest part is that a lot of the ideas mentioned are not actually factual. I found it very interesting how so quickly and without any proof or evidence people are able to just get caught up and add or delete anything on the site and even turn the original article into something thats it's not just solely based on their own knowledge, critiscisms, opinions and anything but facts. The world however have found this craze so fulfilling that we have began to use it claiming truths. Just like an encyclopedia, it is admired as a cirlce of knowledge yet the basis for wikipedia has become a more like a quest for opinions and thorough ideas.

Technopoly pt. 2

In Neil Postman's second half of the novel Technopoly he discussed the remarkable age of machines. The making of them, some of the first most phenomenal inventions that would take the world by storm and finally the mind behind the inventions and their intensions. Some of the key things I found in these chapters were the fact that machinery takes a away complexity, eliminates a reasonable amount of time spent doing a task that can be done otherwise with this invention. I find that machines are indeed another source of technoploy because yes they make improvements but at the same time we sometimes abuse the resources we have. Postman discussed the doctors in the United States in comparison with the doctors who worked in the United Kingdom, he found that they use more drugs, x-rays and antibiotics than any other place. In my opinion, after reading and becoming aware of the phrase technopoly I realized that in some ways we cripple the simplistic things of life just to regularly use the complexities that simplify. Here's an example, Americans become crippled with the use of a thing so much that they become unaware of the real use for the thing like antibiotics, we use them so much we dont' let our bodies do the thing they were created to do. So much that we are among the countries with the most health problems because we look at only the intension of the invention and not the consequences that come along with it. The innovation that comes along with technology is so widespread because we have let it become that way. Humans put so much trust and pressure of an machine or computer that when they geta "virus" or "the computers down" we disassociate ourselves from the blame of the invention becoming ill. When Neil Postman descibed how humans take the focus off of what we created to rather blame it one the cretaion i found that perspective very interesting because what it really means is we have "relinquished  control"(114). By giving up control, we not only face problems but consequences -  i bet we all should think twice about have an entire computerized society.

Technopoly pt. 1

In the first part of Neil Postman's book Technopoly, he takes his time and discusses the key points in which he thinks technology has cause some potential probelms in todays society. he talks of the dangers of the technological era and how althought their are many benefits to our learning generation , there are also extensive consequences that one does not consider. Our culture has become a microwave generation, wanting to do everything the easy way and not having the will or even the foundation to get through the tougher elements of life but subconsciously dumbing down our morals to keep up with the likes of the our era. I find it particularly interesting the way Postman talks in a particular way using analogies and parables in order to descibe his thoughts on the technical era. He discusses Plato's story where one particular man Thetus was an inventor  and he believed he was the starter of a improving wisdom, yet another man believed he was creating false wisdom The very idea that technopolies are just loving the positive point of view without closely examining the consequences that inevitably come with choice, decision or action. Although an optimistic way of thinking is important it's also very necessary to be aware that with the new additions there is a completely different way of looking at things. That is shown in the information that we recieve daily, how we look at it and the perceptions we obtain from becoming susceptible to our new version of media; information. He described the vaious new inventions that were created over the years and how people so obvious to the way these simple minute changes would effect the way they see things forever. Inventions like the television, the computer, and the telephone all simple advances in technology however has made millions of people create a crazed society eager to do anything to be on top. In many ways morality has changed because there was a change of importance to the national public. If you really think about it, people today have a hard time spending quality time with each other without interruptions by way of technology. I can't count the number of times women talk to their husbands with them "paying attention" while watching tv, or teens texting while listening or even emailing, such simple inventions aid to take the focus off of real communication. I also thought it was incredibly interesting how the preconcieved notions you learn create biases. From technopolies to tools to technocracies  the politcal sphere really took a toll into  the building of technology and the ideas that were commmited to morality because of it.

Computers pgs 1-83

In Eric Swedin and David Ferro's book, Computers the Life Story of Technology gave the readers a chance to really take a look at the technical way things were set up in order to advance socially in the community. Although the phenomenon seemed like it happened over night even as we look at the various products that we see everyday, you are able to examine the time span of this technology boom. Some people see computers as a revolutional movement that took over an era just like a baby boom. Although many advancement were seemingly made in small time span, the ideas evolution took decades to produce.The book actually looked at the life span of computers and the journey of invention,  intention, reinvention and  ultimate revolution.Not only do we discuss the identity of the culture and the implemented products to advance the society but the authors take a closer look at the art of production looking at the good and the bad inventions and the intentions of the creators. I found that interesting because the making of computer technology was not alwasys seen in the light it is today. Sometimes inventors don't recieve the support unitl their invention is successful and along the way they fumble, however we get a chance to examine this process. Most importantly you even if your not a whiz in  the area of technology the book shows you that the over night boom of technology was not exactly that. Stemming from war times up until the progress in the 21st century. All of the inventions served a specific purpose to get us to the level we are at today.Not only are you able to look at the different generations and their perception of necessity but i was able to see the growth form the giantic to mini to micro computers. The birth of the software industry as a whole, also I did not know the importance of some of the inventions, IBM systems and usages of items that really make a difference like the transitor which is still used in the computers we have today.

Computers pgs 85-149

In Swedin and Farro's novel computers, they were able to get to a certain level of technology through the advancement of electronical devices like the fist desktop computer kit. The various advances with desktop technology spawn familiar names like microsoft, apple and finally the ibm pc. The pioneers of these particular microcomputers had a incredible vision. I find it particularly interesting the way the people involved in the inventiona nd progression of computers thought it was necessary to not only have specific uses for the device but knowing that this one device would alter people would think. On pg 98 they state,  :Englebart wanted to do more than automate previous tasks liek typing or clerical work; he wanted to use the computer to fundamentally alter the way people think. Even if i think of the way things were created and there names, the usage of the "mother board" having control over the rest of the computer is a concept in itself. In some ways the way the discussion of games and their big impact in the 1980's shows the extensive power the likings of technology can have over not only young people who are vunerable but also adults. As a child i distinctly remember recieving my first nintendo and nothing was like and nothing is like it til this day. I can still remeber the songs, the characters and that nothing was as important to me wheni got home from school except super mario. Technology and computers made it so not one person was above the influence. Even til this day I question why my grandma has a facebook or even why my little brother knows to look up things on google because he's sure to find it. I begin to ask myself, what ever happened to books, and whens the last time I even picked up an encyclopedia. The book discusses the most simple things that we use daily but don't reference as technology because it has become the norm. The telephone, the internet and the worls wide web are all things that are used ona daily basis but is not called a luxury becasue it has become the norm in so many ways.

Crippled by Learning : TECHNOLOGY

So the past few days I've been tracking my productivity on the internet or more like the lack there of. I sit and think... what the heck was I doing before I discovered this way of life. I became more disgusted with myself when i rezlized not only am I wasting time, I missing out on sleep. Suddenly that extra facebook stalking was not as important as I thought it was the night before when my alarm went off to go to my 8am class. I wish I could turn back the hands of time and use it for my must needed snooze that morning. I realized over the last few days...I have a problem. I could remember a time where the computer era was booming and I got my first computer. Sure it was the size of a mini fridge but the size was irrelevant when I sat and played PACMAN for hours at a time..the better to see with I thought. I  also can recall a time when my older sister was set up her aim account and got her first screenname and according to my mom instant message was a virus. That hindered our social lives from 5th well into the 7th grade. What's amazing to me now is the fact that recently my mother requested to be my friend on facebook. I look at her picture and accept of course but my only question to myself is why? I mean doesn't she see me enough in the real world now she has the luxury of being my "friend" in the world wide web. Now im sure none of you other people have the same story as myself. It seems with every generation technology advances, creating more ways for people to commnicate with others yet why is it that we are all so far apart. I think initailly the creation of the internet was a way to mend to gaps in communication by giving options, however in some ways have created a gap in communication. You may disagree but the way I see it is in earlier generations children would play outside, keeping in contact with their friends. Games like hide and seek and TAG were the norm, then came the invention of the television another advance in technology and push toward seclusion. The idea of someone isolating themselves watching an "idiot box" as my father calls it, hinders communication daily. Just think of all the times you'll see you father on the couch watching a football game and your mothers "supposedly" having a converstaion with him yet he's completely unaware of her even speaking. Or think of the times when you get home late at night  and you enter the house alone immediately turning on the television or computer. Sometimes I even do it... just to feel like someones there, instantly my fear changes to comfortability and it's because I heard a familiar voice or saw a picture. No, the television has not engaged in conversation with you but humanity yearns for communication. Although your still alone, your seclusion is pacified but a false sense of companionship. We all live this way and it's accepted. Phone calls turn to email and texts only, soon even telephones won't be needed. A friend of mines who's ina long distance relationship says she texts and emails her boyfriend more than she speaks with him, in some ways thats okay but she then mentioned sometimes she calls to say goodnight because she honestly forgets what his voice sounds like. Amazing. So close yet so far...communication. The vitual world of social networks like the facebook, twitter, myspace and even at times email have created so many options for us to communicate in order to gain the feeling of companionship, that ultimately we continue to choose isolation.