The processes that go into making digital media and societies ways of communicating are more complex than most realize.  It's become a second nature in today's society to constantly be connected. It’s so readily available and accessible that few people stop to think about the processes behind being instantly connected. I think that is what Timothy Binkley was trying to express, that digital media and all that goes into making it possible should be recognized more. the writing, coding, and programming that goes into making all of the functions immediately available is not a process just anyone can make happen and often goes unseen.

Chapters 1-6

I found this week’s reading to be very insightful. I agreed with some of the points brought up within the first few pages of reading. I particularly liked the point he made about digital technology being biased towards depersonalization. I like that he pointed out that people need to be mindful of their anonymity and taking responsibility for what one says or does online. I think most of the reason people like being online is because of the level of anonymity they can achieve. I feel like people forget how much this ability is both cool and a pretty scary concept. So scary that there is an entire series based on catching people who use the depersonalization of the internet, not to be anonymous but to lie about who they really are. As Rushkoff pointed out studies show that younger generations are less likely to apologize online when being caught being mean. Studies show that 43% of teens report being bullied online and 1 in 4 have occurrences more than once, most of these kids will not report this activity to an adult. In 2007 there was a case of a young girl who hanged herself after being cyberbullied by a young boy she met on Myspace, later it was discovered that the boy was not really a boy but the mother of one of her previous friends who was upset over a falling out. This story always stuck out to me.

Something, D. (2018). Dosomething.org. Retrieved from www.dosomething.org: www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying

Program or be programmed

I enjoyed the reading much more this week. I agree with many of the points that Douglas Rushkoff brought up, especially in the first chapter. "we sacrifice the thoughtfulness and deliberateness our digital media once offered for the false goal of immediacy. (Rushkoff and Purvis, 2011)" It wasn't until my kids got older and into technology and I asserted the "no phones at the table" rule that I realized how much of a distraction work and some family situations disrupted my time and diverted my attention. With email, text, and so many other forms of being immediately available it sometimes gets hard to remember that the notification will still be there in 10,20, 30 minutes or even the next day. That what is happening in your inbox isn't as important as what is happening at the moment you're currently living in whether that be spending time with your kids or just enjoying some time to yourself. It's important to disconnect from technology sometimes and just enjoy life.

Week 1 reading

The Medium Is the Message by Marshall Mcluhan

I overall agreed with Marshall Mchulan's observation that technology, while having many positive effects on society also has negative effects. Years ago before computers, cell phones, and tablets people interacted face to face and spent more time outdoors and participating in activities that enriched their lives and encouraged growth and bonding. With the advancement of television and media streaming it is less likely for a family to spend a Friday night together bowling, or visiting a park now they opt for a movie or time in front of the television. During this time each member usually has at least one other device by their side and there is a minimal amount of conversing.