cyberracism

the last week of class we talked about cyber racism and cloaked websites. the issue of cloaked websites are a legit threat in todays world. many times people will believe whatever they see on a website as if being on a site gives something credibility. they are lured in through a different subject and then the hidden agenda comes at you with out haste. people could read these sites and believe in them even though they are giving false information.

i saw one once when looking for shoes online. the google tab read authentic jordans. then the description gave some fluke explanation of how they got the shoes and blah blah blah but i knew that these shoes were in fact fake bc they all sold for 80 dollars which is extremely cheap for a pair that cost 500 anywhere else.

you have to look into everything that you read on the net. compare it to what other sites are saying and dont get fooled.

C Y B E R T E R R O R I S M

This week in class we talked about the topic of cyberterrorism....for this blog post however i have decided to focus on cyber bullying. cyber bullying is a legit problem in todays society. in the days before cell phones aim and emails bullies were limited to bullying the victim when they saw him/her. that has since changed. during that time the home was somewhat of a sanctuary...when they were there everything would be ok because you couldnt be bothered. now with threatening text messages, emails and aim messages not even the home is safe. its almost like theres never a break from the bullying. just recently one of these stories made national headlines when a young woman hung herself after being cyber bullied...as i said before this is a problem that needs to be fixed ASAP...the commercials help but we need to come up with another way to reach the youth to prevent another young death.

the new generation

last week in class we were introduced to Apples new product...the Ipad. the ipad is being marketed as the next revolutionary tool that will soon take over the world. The genius' at apple always find a way to wow us regular folk.

my opinion however is that the first generation ipad is a little too basic to have the title. for some of the users the ipad will serve as a strict at home device. my aunt kathy bought one and uses it strictly in the living room of her home. it can serve as an all in one device storing their music movies and photos...the ipad also allows you to surf the net....after much consideration i believe that the ipad or a device much like it could find its way into american homes in the very near future.

INTERNET GOVERNANCE

this weeks classes were very interesting....governing the internet is something that i never really thought about...but its a lingering problem how do you regulate something that is changing daily and exists all around the world....obviously laws differ from country to country...how do we do this? i believe cases have to be taken into account from country to country and case to case....i think it would be wrong to make some universal law bc then the internet is ruling people all over the globe and who exactly would make these rules? it would all be very shady...but again like i have said before its disheartening to see people use this great tool to do bad.

TAKE THE L

last week the story that we read about the "stolen" cell phone really surprised me .... first off it was the girls fault from the very beginning...she didnt show responsibility bc she left the phone in the cab....at that point i would take my loss and keep it moving...sure i would call a few times but eventually id have the phone cut off and buy a new one...the website that was put up attacked the girl without good reason....it allowed a whole group of people to hate a single girl which none of them know....to be honest i think that the whole situation is very "extra" meaning they went above and beyond what should really have been done....its sad that the internet gave them an avenue to do so.

PERSONALIZATION AND EDUCATION

From the Sustein readings and the examples in class i have found that i am a avid believer in personalization of education. With limitations of course. Here at CUA we have to take so many classes that dont pertain to what we will be doing for the rest of our lives in the REAL WORLD. Sure philosophy can be kind of interesting but as a Media major you must take four of these as well as a few theology classes. I dont see how these classes will help me when I graduate and begin my life as a miserable working adult. I also believe that attendance in class shouldnt be mandatory because many students like myself have a lot going on in life and sometimes school must take the back seat....But since Im paying for it i feel like it shouldnt matter. Personalization when it comes to education also has its flaws dont get me wrong. One of the problems is that the students might have a narrower view of life. These mandatory classes open us up to a world in which we may have never discovered.

DIGITAL DIVIDE.....the digital divide is something that has been plaguing our generation since the beginning of the internet age. The baby boomers look down upon the digital generation stating that we are lazy and dont know how to do things for ourselves. Many NGOs and other companies are currently trying to bring together the two ages. Many "third world" countries do not have access to the internet or computers for that matter. We must figure out a way for everyone to be on the same page so that our economy/community can work together thus more smoothly. Many children around the globe dont have an equal chance since they are on the other side of the digital divide. Some argue that American companies who outsource to countries like India are actively bridging the gap. I personally believe that the gap will eventually bridge itself as time goes on. The internet and computers are still relatively young so eventually they will reach around the world....all we need is time.