Using Technology for the Right Reasons

Many individuals are doing great things with technology to improve our lives. One individual in particular is John Doerr. Doerr is number 1 on Forbes' Midas List and along with an almost unmatchable work history, and he has a great passion for clean and renewable energy. His notion that wireless internet should be free is sensible.

For a closer look at John Doerr click on the following link to view the Prezi presentation I created:

http://prezi.com/zpjq_s_q4oww/using-technology-for-the-right-reasons/

by Beth M.

Reference

Hessel, E, & Corcoran, E, (January, 2009), The Midas List, http://www.forbes.com/lists
/2009/99/midas09_L-John-Doerr_2946.html

Cisco is on the move

Cisco seems like a company that is doing very well by utilizing technology for its main avenue of success. Cisco is best known for their networking equipment and services; these have definitely impacted cyber communications. The success from Cisco’s contributions to networking shows no sign of slowing down, as they have just unleashed a new type of router that is much more advanced than its predecessors. This new highly advanced router is called the CRS-3, or Carrier Routing System - 3. According to reports, this router is 12 times faster than any other core router currently available and can handle up to 322 terabytes of data per second, all while using 60% less energy.
In addition to the networking role, the company has been making real headway towards expanding their horizons to several different areas. One of the areas that Cisco has started to focus on is in cloud computing; this refers to the practice of using an internet connection to make use of various computing services from one centralized location. Rather than being a service provider, Cisco has plans to develop and implement an array of infrastructure tools for the purpose of supporting the jump to cloud computing. This will be another area where Cisco will most likely find success.
Cisco has also started a very admirable project called Connected Urban Development (CUD) to alter, in a positive way, how cities operate when it comes to communication. One of the main goals of this initiative is to build better networking grids that will impact everything from public transportation to everyday communication; eventually reducing carbon foot prints. Basically, smarter more efficient communication practices can have farther outreaching effects than just communicating.

References:

Cable, J. (2010). Cisco aims to build "next-generation internet". Indusrty Week/IW, 259(6) , 44.
Cisco. (2010). Retrieved October 15, 2010, from Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac79/ps/cud.html

Real Advertiser and Merchant Talk. (2010). Retrieved October 14, 2010, from Advertiser Talk: http://www.advertisertalk.com/cisco-advances-smartconnected-communities-vision-with-innovations-in-urban-safety-and-security-16069.zhtml

Why google.

Why Google?

Google’s mission is “to organize the world’s information and make it accessible and useful.” You can visit google .com or use one of more than 150 google domains to search for what you are looking for. Since the first search engine appeared they have expanded their offerings from a single service to dozens. They offer the option of finding information in many languages, and translating between languages. Google has grown to thousands of employees and offices around the world. They also distinguish between search results and ads. Google strives to provide the “perfect search engine” according to the co-founder Larry Page. Technology and technical products and services are continually being reviewed and updated in a continual effort to provide that perfect search engine. Google translate is one of the new innovations used by google. The mobile version uses voice recognition to transcribe your voice, translate your voice, than speaks it back to you in another language. Google is always looking for a new innovation that might make significant changes and some innovations the user might not even know there was a change that occurred.

www.google.com/corporate/index.html

Google Wave

“The problem with communication….is the illusion that is has been accomplished”
George Bernard Shaw

We live in a world where communication is primarily based on technology; communication is done through the use of cellular phones, text messages, emails, instant messages and social network sites. As the world becomes more technologically savvy, more options are being created to use as a form of communication. Companies are also constantly fighting to stay afloat in the war of new technology. Since, the creation of Google in 1998, the mission has been to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful (www.google.com, nd). However, in 2009 Google wanted to branch out into the social networking realm; they accomplished this by creating Google Wave. Google Wave is a web application that gives its user the ability to easily communicate with others (www.google.com, nd). This application allows individuals to share pictures, files, post blogs and chat in real time. Google Wave was created to surpass any current communication technology available with its futuristic capabilities. However, the application’s disadvantages that have resulted in its low user network, has led to Google Wave’s untimely demise.

In my quest to find the newest communication technology available, I came across information about Google Wave. This got my interest, because it was new, and since Google is such a popular company I was curious as to why I have never heard of their newest creation. The developers at Google created this application with the goal of combining real-time communication with social-networking and search capabilities built into a familiar interface (www. news.cnet.com, 2009). When using Google Wave individuals will not only be able to post items on their page, but they can also publish the wave directly to their website or blog (www.telegraph.co.uk, 2009). Even instant messaging capabilities are enhanced to the extent of being able to see what is being typed by the other individual as they are typing. Ecommercewisdom.com, reports there are many advantages of Google Wave. For example, the interface used, meaning the method of how one computer component may exchange data with another component, is similar to what is used in emails (www.ecommercewisdom.com, nd). Now, I know many people are not too concerned about how their computer interfaces, however this makes the process of information much smoother. Another advantage of Google Wave is the participant contribution aspect. This application encourages people to contribute to a wave that has already been posted (www.ecommercewisdom.com, nd). This is similar to a blog with the exception of being able to add maps, pictures or even invite other people to participate in the wave. The best and probably biggest advantage of Google Wave is the “real-time” aspect. When changes or updates are made by a participant in the wave these changes can be seen as they are being made (www.ecoomercewisdom.com, nd). With the many advantages Google Wave has to offer, who would not want to utilize this communication mechanism? However, as with all things, especially something new, there are also disadvantages that may not be many, but can be so daunting that they out way the benefits.

There were disadvantages in several categories of Google Wave. The instant messaging capabilities are very unreliable, it could be slow or fast at any moment, this hinders the “real-time” advantage (www.ecommercewisdom.com, nd). The benefit of Google Wave is to get a lot of people involved and have interaction on the wave, however in order to access a wave individuals must have a Google account and the system must have the ability to allow a large amount of users on at once. Right now the system does not allow a large amount of users on at a given time (www.techcrunch.com, 2009). Once an individual is invited to a wave they are permanently part of that wave. What this means is, if you no longer wish to have interaction with that person or you have shared confidential information they have access to this information forever (www.techcrunch.com, 2009). Currently, the waves do not provide any notification capability, so if there is new activity within a wave, individuals will not know unless they are constantly monitoring their wave. These disadvantages seem to be minimal compared to the advantages; however in August 2009 Google decided to stop any further development of Google Wave. They stated there is not enough user adoption that they would have liked to have (www.techcrunch.com, 2010).

In review of the overall capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of Google Wave, I would not suggest or invite anyone to use this. Although the advantage of “real-time” is a good feature when communicating with friends and family, I still have a difficult time grasping the whole concept of the “wave”. I agree that it is nice to have everything, email, blog, instant messaging and other capabilities all within the same application, but even the technologically savvy would still have trouble with Google Wave. I understand Google’s attempt to make the communication experience simplified, but it is possible it became more difficult.



References

Beaumont, C. (2009). Google Wave aims to transform online communication. Retrieved October,
17, 2010 from www.telegraph.co.uk
Ecommerce Wisdom (nd). Google Wave Advantages and Disadvantages You Should Know About.
Retrieved October, 17, 2010 from www.ecommercewisdom.com.
Google (nd). Google’s Mission. Retrieved October, 17, 2010
from www.google.com.
Tech Crunch (2009). Why Google Wave Sucks, And Why You Will Use It Anyway. Retrieved October, 17,
2010 from www.techcrunch.com.
TechCrunch (2010). Wave Goodbye to Google Wave. Retrieved October, 17, 2010
from www.techcrunch.com.

Computers Speaking the Right Language

“For individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the use of technology to provide intervention, particularly targeting the core social–communication deficits of the disorder, is promising.” Allison L. Wainer and Brooke R. Ingersoll (2010)

Computer technology and communication, whether it be globally or within the same room, are important for all humans. But what happens when the same things everyone else knows and learns by socializing with one another is lost on a particular individual? Children affected by autistic spectrum disorder in many cases have trouble with social skills. The brain does not act in ways where the autistic child knows what is appropriate behavior for certain places and what is not.

Allison Wainer and Brooke Ingersoll take a look at all the computer-aided programs designed to teach social skills to ASD children. Their research reviews the advancements in the past 15 years of computer technology – both virtual reality systems and software programs. In their research, many studies show a prevalence of ASD children having a strong learning ability with computers and are highly visual.

On a personal note, a friend’s child has an autistic spectrum disorder and recently began to swear in restaurants. As a mother, she tries to quiet him as you would with any child. However, this is not an ordinary child. What may be taught with a few words and discipline cannot be taught in the same way to her child. There must be another way, she says, because while he may not know what is he is saying, he uses it quite well and often in inappropriate places.

Wainer and Ingersoll reviewed computerized programs, the tests given to students, and how each applied into the real world. Their results concluded

While their review did not take into consideration of a control group, both researchers were impressed with the social, educational strides and speech improvement was evident in all ASD children participating in the program.

Although Wainer and Ingersoll report much progress in 15 years of this type of work, there is much more to be done. And with the increase of autistic spectrum disorders diagnosis increasing in both male and female children, it cannot come too soon.

Wainer, A., Ingersoll, B. The use of innovative computer technology for teaching social communication to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 5 (2011) 96–107.

Success from a "god like" leader?

Apple Incorporated is famously known to introduce new products to consumers, before the consumers realize that it is desired. Since 1997, Steve Jobs has been the CEO for Apple Incorporated, and has increased the revenue of this very successful company. Although it makes no sense that one person could be responsible for the $105 billion dollar company, his operation strategies have proved to defeat some competitors.

Some prior employees indicate that he is unrecognizable to ideas, stern, and has a “god like,” approach when producing new products-- he placed all the employees in separate enclosed cubicles and forbidding all employees to discuss personal projects and ideas. However, this clever approach has developed the newest technology such as the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and the outrageous new model of the iPad. Creating these technical unique products, before any other company, helps Apple sky-rocket over its competitors, Dell and Intel.

Steve Job is extremely intelligent, and he has built a productive and innovative designed company to produce services for the world.

Reference:
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/16-04/bz_apple

The article on Forbes shows Yahoo is slipping in searches compared to Google but also states that it is now using the same technology as

Microsoft does for Bing. Yahoo claims that they have help change the way technology is used for communication. If it was a daily newspaper it would have more readers than the wall street journal. Yahoo has made searching the Internet for information easy which

allows us to learn about other cultures including the search engine in thirty (30) different languages. Personally I use Google for the majority of my searches and Yahoo for my personal email. I just feel Google is a faster search engine and gives you more options in case of a spelling error.

http://yahoo.client.hsareholder.com/press/overivew.cfm

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/10/13/business-business-and - professional-services-us-internet-search-share_8010945.html

Oracle's Nitch

I chose to research Oracle's PeopleSoft. While researching PeopleSoft I found they have a campus software package. I use the Peoplesoft software package for Human Resources and Payroll Processing so found it interesting to see what else they offered. Per the Oracle website (http://www.oracle.com/us/products/applications/peoplesoft-enterprise/campus-solutions/052356.html retrieved 10.15.10) Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise campus solutions is a comprehensive suite of software specifically designed for the changing needs of higher education institutions. In order to help higher education institutions effectively meet and adapt to the changing needs and expectations of all their constituents, Oracle works closely with a wide variety of types and sizes of colleges and universities, standards bodies, higher education associations, and education industry leaders to develop and deliver the most responsive and comprehensive student administration and alumni development systems available today.

Oracle is a very high tech company that offers a variety of software packages. They are the industry leader in student systems and alumni development solutions for higher education. Per Oracles website (retrieved 10.15.10) the PeopleSoft Enterprise campus solutions is the only administrative suite available today that provides students, alumni, faculty and staff with immediate access to real-time information and connects that information to specific action.

The dangers and harm that technology can bring

The article I chose, speaks about college students and being stressed out because of technology. The article “Poll: Technology connects students, brings stress”, referred to blogs, videos, Facebook, and other various ways of communication. One student leaped to his death because of a video released of him and another man having sexual relations. Another student read derogatory comments about herself that another person wrote on a highly read blog. This caused emotional scaring and she is still seeking therapy from it. Technology is dangerous if put in the wrong hands. Her is the URL to the article http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/10/07/poll_technology_connects_students_brings_stress/

I have also attached a couple of clips about Blackberry’s and the danger of technology addiction. You can see the article and clips on http://prezi.com/fbk1xo4xdnjc/technology-and-staying-conected/

Cortni's Prezi
Enjoy!

What if my Mom Reads my Blog? (Liu Xun, China)

“What if my mom reads my blog?!” quoted by Liu Xun.

Liu Xun compares American Bloggers to Chinese Bloggers and how each country has some form of anxiety issues when it comes to blogging and being able to blog what they want to say. In return depending on how much anxiety a blogger has determines how maintenance of the blog is kept.

In the article on Online Posting Anxiety: Impacts on Blogging it mentions how people are scared that what they blog can and will be used against them. There is nothing truly safe on the internet, look at the all the news about how divorce attorneys are accessing face book pages to show cheating spouses. Prospective employers search the internet to learn about a possible employee as well. It is no wonder that this kind of anxiety exists. American and Chinese both face this fear equally.

I have come to the point of locking my face book account down so only select friends can see what I have on there. I am still careful what I put so everyone including my mother does not know what I am doing. In reality you should be able to blog or write and not worry about the consequences. Society has come to the point where it is very easy to offend someone by written word or saying something wrong.

When you blog there should be no anxiety about who will be reading. Each individual should be free from anxiety to write towards their goal audience. If it was not meant for you then stay out. This should apply for any usage on the internet people who are noisy are the ones who have no life get one so the rest of us may be free to blog what is on our minds. No matter what country we are in.

Apryle
http://www.regis.edu

To Blog or Not to Blog

To Blog or Not to Blog

According to Lorelle VanFossen on the subject of blogging, “It was called “online journaling” and some called it “web diaries” or “blithering idiots writing on the Internet”. I tried not to blither, but I just did what I knew and now am known for what I did and continue to do: blog.” (VanFossen, L. retreived 10.14.2010 from http://lorelle.wordpress.com/2005/08/29/learning-about-blogging-and-how-to-blog/). This is a good example of what a blog is or what it can be. Blogs are becoming more and more popular as people become more familiar with them.
Blogging is a way to keep your thoughts together in an electronic format. It is used as a way to share ideas with others and allow them to comment. Many people use blogs as a way to communicate with their families and keep everyone updated on things such as pregnancy or baby’s first steps. Blogs can be organized in a chronologic order of events (posts). Another use for a blog is a web diary. This is an electronic version of the well-known diary where you can log your thoughts, ideas, etc. There are also blogs that are used for conversing and exchanging opinions on a particular subject. While most people will use these for that purpose there are others that will use them to vent or as mentioned above, “blither”. The blogs I have looked at can be a good source of information. You can get opinions/comments on a particular vacation spot or movie or just about anything.
Reference:
http://lorelle.wordpress.com/2005/08/29/learning-about-blogging-and-how-to-blog/

World Wide Privacy

“Privacy is a complex concept that encompasses freedom of thought, control over one’s body, solitude in one’s home, freedom from surveillance, protection of one’s reputation, protection from searches and interrogation, and control over information about oneself (Solove, 2002).” (Kachhi, D. & Link, M. W. 2009)

Maybe it is still a good idea to take care of personal business in person. But the individuals that we interact with more than likely have internet access. Can anyone be trusted anymore? Maybe I am paranoid.

The only information that is truly ‘private’ is information that you have not shared with others. As more and more people world wide are gaining access to the internet, we are becoming a more exposed population. Filling out a simple job application can give so much information about a person. When applying for a job online, information is being submitting to a stranger. Most people use to trust that little padlock symbol near the bottom-right corner of a web page. But how secure is any given web site? According to research done at The Nielsen Company by Kachhi, D and Link, M, 22.9 % of 2,664 people surveyed were not very worried about internet privacy. The largest percent of people that were very worried are adults age 50 and older. My mother is over fifty and I trust her because she does not use the internet unless she is with me. And after my research I gather that I am not paranoid after all; I am just getting old.

References:
Kachhi, D., & Link, M. W. (2009). Too Much Information: Does the Internet Dig Too Deep?. Journal of Advertising Research, 00218499, Vol. 49, Issue 1.

Online High School, is it really a good idea?

How much easier are we going to make it for our teenagers? Technology has evolved to the point of where our children do not have to leave the house to obtain a high school diploma. Are we going to let children withdraw themselves from society? Teenagers today spend more time in front of the computer and video games. It is not as it was twenty or thirty years ago when children played make believe and the majority of their days were spent outside. For working parents how can they ensure that their son or daughter is doing the work and not sleeping? I am sure with any school there are mechanisms that are put in place to measure milestones. It is so much easier for people to hide behind a compute than it is to talk to someone face to face. In addition, people are likelier to be more insensitive online than they would be face-to-face. You are more likely to keep you manors than you are online. Below are some reasons why we should keep brick and mortar schools.

· None of the fun aspects of a traditional high school: For example, you won't have a prom, a graduation ceremony, etc.
· Classes can be difficult without a teacher: Many students find math to be a difficult subject especially when there is no one there to guide your studies.
· Self-discipline: Your only motivation is yourself so if you're the type of student that needs a firm kick in the rear to get started, online high school may not be for you.
· Isolation: You may have anti-social feelings because you are cut off from your peers.
· Accreditation: If your online high school is not properly accredited, the units you have earned could be worthless in terms of getting a job and transferring to a college.
· Price: Consider that you will need to purchase supplies (books, computer, Internet connection charge, tuition, etc.)

Just how far will technology take our children out of the classrooms? Several online schools have K-12. However, you are still missing what I believe the most important thing about school and that is social interaction. Mortar schools do not just teach academics but they teach kids and young adults to interact and communicate with each other. I just do not believe that schooling online will provide valuable teaching. Higher Education budgets are being cut every year, the feeling is that the government wants the online K-12 so that they can cut Higher Education completely and use the money elsewhere. I guess out children can experience prom via virtual tutors or as avatars.

Reference

(2003-2010) http://education-portal.com/Articles about High School Diplomas (General)

Cyber bullying

Bullying used to consist of being teased at school in front of everyone and pushed around by someone who thought they were tougher than you. Maybe you told someone you didn't want to go out with them and now they are spreading rumors such as your a tease or even worse, a slut. The bully yells these things at you in the hallways so everyone can hear. Being the kid that got bullied you were happy to go home because now it was over, they couldn't get to you at home. It's different now, every kid has a cell phone, internet and uses social networking sites. Now the bully sends mean threatening emails, text messages and they post mean things on their "Facebook" site. It doesn't just stop with saying mean things and sending threatening messages. It has got to the point of a group of kids videotaping each other brutally beating up other kids so they can go and upload this onto YouTube. The video I remember seeing all over the news and TV stations was a bunch of cheerleaders brutally beating another girl and holding her hostage. This poor girl is now on the news for the world to see. How are they suppose to react to that, some of them decide to take their own lives because of the embarrassment it has caused them, they can't go to school or ou t in public without being pointed at and teased. As a parent of a teenager, I wonder how to make sure my kid isn't part of the bullying or the one being bullied. We need to be more active in the sites our kids are on and what they are posting, read their text messages, stop the bullying before something more seriuos happens, such as suicide form being teased for the world to see.

Who owns cyberspace?

“From the first, we have talked of cyberspace as a ‘place’ or as ‘recently-discovered territory’, and have asked who governs this territory.”

The first question to ask and answer in a world of international communication is whose laws apply to cyberspace? Generally we think of ourselves as part of a nation with a national government. Nations have their own distinct set of laws imposed on their citizens. Hedley (2003) stated “the only way to impose a certain rule across the globe is to ensure that much the same rule is imposed by all the globe’s legal systems.” (p.217)

It seems that states have enough problems trying to police Internet users who break the law within the individual state. According to Hedley (2003) the police have a huge amount of data on persons breaking child pornography laws, but the police do not have the staff to deal with these cases. Is it realistic to expect this to be effectively on a nationwide level? And if it were a reality on a national level would it be effective internationally? No one nation can enact and enforce regulations for all other nations.

“Out of the chaos of the Internet, then, order will come. But it will be an international order, to which all nations will subscribe.”

Hedley, S. (2003). Nations, markets and other imaginary places: who makes the law in cyberspace?. Information & Communications Technology Law, 12(3), 215-224. doi:10.1080/1360083032000166803.

Using Avatars and Virtual Environments for Online Education

"The key element of collaboration is social interaction, that is, the mutual influence of two or more people on each other’s behavior. If there is no social interaction there is also no real collaboration."
Alexandra Petrakou

In today’s recession ridden society higher education has not only become the norm, but it has become a necessity. Many individuals are pursuing their bachelors’ or masters while still raising a family and working a full-time job. How is this all possible? Online education has made all of this possible. Since the beginning of distant learning, working adults have been able to obtain that degree they have always wanted, but never had the time to achieve. The creation of online education has allowed millions of men and women establish a foundation to make more money, or pursue the career they have always wanted. I believe as the popularity and convenience of online education increases, so does the potential of utilizing a virtual environment with avatars. A virtual environment is a computer- generated, 3D representation of a setting in which the user of the technology perceives themselves to be and within which interaction takes place (www.dictionary.reference.com, nd). Within the virtual environment avatars, which are electronic images that represent and are manipulated by a computer user are used (www.merriam-webster.com, nd). Some believe that individuals who are taking online course are missing out on the full experience of being a student, because the lack of interaction between students and teachers. The purpose of this blog is to educate individuals who are currently pursuing or would like to pursue an online education. I researched an article that actually shows a study that was done on virtual environments and the use of avatars. I want to provide my point of view on the downfalls of virtual environments, such as technology issues and the distractions it may causes online students, based on the results of the article. I want to provide information as to the flaws of participating in a virtual environment with the use of avatars for online education. I also want to provide my experience and views on the whole social experience or lack of, for online classes.


I researched an article that provides information about the study of a virtual environment with online students. This article reports the findings of a study that was conducted to see if students would potentially benefit from a virtual learning environment. The researcher Alexandra Petrakou believes, since there is a constant growth in the number of individuals taking online classes, the overall experience would be greatly improved if the students had more social interaction. Avatars could not only provide a more interactive environment, but could also make the online school experience seem more like a typical classroom with face to face interaction. I have been an online student for many years; these classes have allowed me to pursue higher education while still living a busy life. I have never felt as if I were missing the "social experience" that comes with going to a regular college. Personally, interacting with an avatar in a virtual classroom would be very distracting to me. Unless, you are taking a class that will require many group projects, individuals could become so wrapped up in the actual experience and lose focus on their goal- completing coursework. I can see many technologically savvy individuals really enjoying this opportunity and getting the full experience, however individuals who are not as technologically savvy could become overwhelmed with maneuvering their avatar through the virtual world and all the other technological issues that may arise. This will take away from their education experience. I have not felt as if there was a lack of social-interaction while taking online course. Things such as discussion boards and cafes have allowed for a dialogue type of communication. Being able to place a face with an individual is always nice, but I thought the purpose of online classes was to be able to get a degree without going through all of the extra time consuming interaction.

Ultimately, the use of avatars and virtual worlds such as Second Life is something that will possibly become more prevalent in the future. When deciding to attend an online school, individuals should do their research and become knowledgeable of the teaching format. If you are simply looking to take classes, retain what you have learned and get your degree, then virtual learning environments are not for you. Having a social experience is necessary for some individuals; therefore virtual environments may be a highlight for their learning process. I believe it is important to be able to access and understand a large amount of technology before a individual engages in utilizing a virtual environment. If the knowledge and background is not there, then make sure there is access to tech support. I personally do not need that type of interaction for my education; however a virtual learning environment can help others remain interested in what they are learning.

References
Dictionary Reference (nd). Definition of Virtual Environment. Retrieved October, 1, 2010
from, www.dictionary.reference.com.
Merriam-Webster (nd). Definition of Avatar. Retrieved October, 1, 2010
from, www.merriam-webster.com.
Petrakou, A. (2009). Interacting through avatars: Virtual worlds as a context for online education.
Retrieved September, 29, 2010 from www.sciencedirect.com.

Human instinct weakened in online environment

“Human instinct lags in most of the places where cyberspace is swelling and ramifying.” Ari Juels, March 2010

The source of this quote was an article pointing out the lack of cyberspace security. What really made the article interesting was the fact that emphasis to improve cyber security was not placed on new security technologies. The finger pointing for weak cyber security was aimed at the lack of instinctual social interaction that navigating cyberspace has failed to provide. For the majority of human existence, communication and trust has been obtained by using social cues and relying on effectively evolved human instinct. Then along came the internet, and in a blink of an eye humanity turned to an electronic online world to conduct a large percentage of daily activities; everything from banking to simple email. This really hinders the 250,000 years or so of human instinct that has been carefully crafted to understand and interpret social interactions.

Essentially, the point seems to be that the human factor is needed far beyond social networks, emails, and blogs; online privacy and security also needs important human instincts to be properly maintained and managed. Unfortunately, humanity hasn’t been an able to adapt fast enough to keep up with the cyber world. This has allowed an alarming number of people to be taken advantage of in both cyberspace and the real world. The masses need to be cognizant about humanity not being fully equipped instinctually to handle the intricacies of the cyber world.

Juels, A. (2010). "Future Tense: The Primal Cue." . Communications of the ACM, 53(3) , 120-119.

Global Soup

“Globalization would be realized as one of the influential factors of formation of new identities and reference groups.” Ardeshir Entezari, Spring 2009

In his paper titled Reviewing National, Polar and Global Identities in Relation to Formation of Polarization and Globalization published in Global Media Journal, Ardeshir Entezari reviews how our identities – nationally and globally are formed. Each individual associates himself with at least one, if not several identities to tell people who they are and where they come from in the world. If we remove these identities, will we lose who we are or be unable to relate to other people? Entezari asks the reader if a global identity is possible and what consequences will be by assimilating all cultures into one global identity.

The definition of a global identity is an identity that removes any and all ethnic, cultural, gender or geographical identifications, and makes the entire human race part of one global family.

Within Entezari’s review, he writes that should we assimilate and call ourselves by a global identity we remove our competitive nature. Entezari says our competitive nature is our foundation of improving or challenging us to become better. We as individuals identify so much of who we are with our family and heritage that it would be difficult to assimilate all of those elements into one global mindset.

Although I believe a global identity could open doors currently closed by biases and bigotry, I also believe that it is our cultures and identifications that make us unique and interesting. We as individuals have stories and experiences that could not be contained within a global experience. Plus, we like our histories even when they may be faulty or embarrassing, and that is what brings us together as people of the world.

We are the myths and history and stories of our ancestors. We cannot put them into one Internet or virtual melting pot to make them one lineage. Globalization, while possible, is not a good idea for the basis of knowing who we as individuals. If we don’t have an idea of where we are from and how we fit into it the world as a whole, we won’t have a good idea of where we want to go into the future.

Entezari, A. (2009). Reviewing National, Polar and Global Identities in Relation to Formation of Polarization and Globalization. Global Media Journal: American Edition, 8(14), 1-10. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.