Privacy & Confidentiality

Privacy and confidentiality are being redefined by new media. New media allows information to be stored and shared quickly. A lot of new media tools ask for a lot of information which is why so many fear that new media technologies are a threat to privacy.

The fact that so much information is shared raises concerns about privacy and where to draw the line. Everything is logged, our phone conversations, social networking messages, even when you apply for jobs employer can find out so much about you. We have to be careful of what information we share and put out into the cyber world.

As we continue to rely on new media tools our worlds become less private. We have to define the privacy line for ourselves and decide which information should be shared. The biggest thing we have to understand is that once we release information there is no getting it back.

Advice to Baruch

Well, new media tools can be used for a lot. They can help engage students in learning. I would suggest students learn how to use twitter, blogs and facebook; these tools are becoming more prominent in the business world. I would also suggest that Baruch utilizes tools like web ex and conference calls for group projects. These tools are also becoming more prominent in the business world. I would also suggest the school use develop twitter and facebook pages for their departments and schools. This would allow students to know what’s going on at the school at all times. I would encourage professor to use these tools in the classroom. Some professors are not technologically savvy but I would require at least one new media tool should be used. The way we communicate is changing students, and teachers need to be prepared for these changes.

Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds are becoming more and more popular. They allow people to live lives that they dream of from the comfort of their computer. As Nicole Saidi article “'“Naughty Auties' Battle Autism with Virtual Interaction” puts it “Residents of this digital realm can represent themselves with 3-D images called avatars and connect with each other over the Internet.” Essentially that is what virtual worlds are.

Virtual worlds are interesting and are having a profound effect on communication and the way people are learning and coping with the world. Nicole Saidi article discusses the benefits virtual worlds have on autistic people. It’s helping to strengthen the communication skills. Virtual world is also much more personal than electronic communications such as email. Virtual worlds are also a great communication tool, allowing people from several parts of the world to communicate and interact with each other. Virtual worlds allow people to be creative and create the world’s they desire.

Just as in the real world virtual world has its crimes. I believe the biggest threat with virtual reality is the effect it will have on real life social interactions. We have to be careful of people becoming too dependent on virtual world and excluding real social interactions out of their lives.

Overall virtual worlds are a great tool the enhance communication, convergence, creativity, convergence, and community. I think in the future virtual worlds will be used a lot more at work, home and school. I see virtual worlds helping to improve these areas.

Social Networking

Social networking definitely allows people to stay connected with their peers and things they enjoy. While social networking allows people to socialize more, it has tremendous potential in the work place. As stated in Chuck Hamilton‘s article “What‘s Next? Your Future in Social Networking” “These networks are emerging as key tools for business innovation. Social networks allow businesses to collaborate with all kind of people, with diverse backgrounds and different level of experts, from all over the world.” Social networks allows communication and collaboration between business all over the world. This is huge, this is changing the way business is done. Another good thing about social networking is a lot of sites are free. Many businesses use social networking tools to help spread the word. It cost practically nothing to reach parties all around the world.

Social networking has been good for business but there are issues with social networking and social networking tools. One of the biggest problems I foresee is “disconnecting” from social networking. The New York Times article “Is Myspace Good for Society? A Freakonomics Quorum” discusses the effects of social networking tools. Steve Chazin brings up the point of disconnecting. With everything being so available to us through our phones and computer it is really hard to stay a way from social networking. Its becoming some what addictive. Another concern for social networking I have is cyber crime. Cyber bullying is something I am concerned about. I wonder when and how do the tweens draw the line. there is also scams and issues like sexting. Although there are a lot of benefits to social networking we have to be aware of or potential negatives Social networking opens doors never even dreamed of 10 years ago.

Overtime I see social networking cites coming with more guidelines just to ensure the safety of users. I see social networking tools continuing to grow. We will use these tools more and more in our everyday lives.

Check Out Social Networking Sites

I have facebook. I like it because it seems it more sophisticated than Myspace. It also seems that people are more aware of what they put on their facebook. I like it because I can find old friends and keep in touch with my friends and family all over. I feel Myspace has more going on, on their website. I had Myspace several years back and it seems like its more of a tween thing. When I fist got facebook you had to have a college email. Now that isn’t the case. I think the age group for face book will change. Facebook and Myspace are similar. They allow you to network with people. I think Myspace is a great tool for upcoming musicians. I think face book is more for socializing and can has more of an effect on your personal; life. One thing I do not care for on these sites are the games. I do not understand the Farmville or Sorority game on face book.

Prior to this assignment I was not aware of Friendster. It allows user to share media and stay connected with friends. Similar to face book. Friendster is cool but I prefer face book. Mostly because I already have a network of friends on face book.

I also checked out twitter. I like twitter for several reasons. I like that it communicates information in real time. I like that it has trending topics. I also like that celebrities have to verify their accounts. I don’t think twitter will be something that people keep for years. It strikes me as a fad that can get old quickly.