Social Networking Sites

My impression of Twitter and Facebook are a little similar. Both sites enables users to create posts, upload pictures, comment/like posts and pictures. However, Instagram and LinkedIn are very different than Twitter and Facebook, although both sites are social media sites yet they operate differently. For example, Instagram doesn't allow users to upload statuses and posts, Instagram enables users to upload photos and comment/like the photos. LinkedIn on the other hand operate very differently, the social media site is more of a professional network where users are able to connect with other LinkedIn users. Since the site is business orientated, is it also utilized as a job portal where users look for jobs through connecting with other users.

Our Class Wiki - So Far

So far I've edited the Politics in New Media page. I've added how political figures use new media to communicate with the public. For example Senator Robio communicates with the public through his "Snapchat stories" whereas Hillary Clinton uses Twitter to raise certain issues. I've also edited the Education page and how social media such as Facebook keep students connected and informs them with current school activities and deadlines for important dates.

CREATIVTY

New media fosters creativity by for example incorporating cartoon characters into music videos. The article Disney Tolerates a Rap Parody of Its Critters. But Why? Illustrates the use of different Disney characters to create a “mash up”. Although YouTube users are not given permission to use the Disney characters, yet they still creates such videos and refuse to remove the postings. 

P2P File Sharing

File sharing is the ability to transfer files from one computer to another. P2P file sharing is the sharing of digital media through network technology. The article Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studio presents a perfect example of P2P file sharing, where anonymous online users were able to distribute illegal copies of the movie Batman, which enabled more than seven million internet users to have access and download the movie for free. 

The Next New Thing

I would suggest a new type of media such as a projector which enables users to video chat with others in an almost live setting. In other words, through the projector it would feel like the person is physically present.

Privacy & Confidentiality

The issues of privacy and confidentiality are related to new media by users disclosing their personal information on social media such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. Users often share personal information like their phone numbers, addresses etc. not realizing the serious consequences which could lead to stalking, harassment and in worst case scenario murder. Users have the option to block certain users from viewing their personal information. Users should take advantage of this feature because it ensures privacy and safety from unknown users.

Advice to Baruch College

If I was hired by Baruch College to use new media to improve the college. I would suggest to use social media as a way to let students and faulty aware of the college activities and events. Often students are not aware of events in the school because it is not announced however, social media such as Facebook lets users create a page where all the activities and events are announced. Students and faculty get the option of liking posts, commenting by suggesting and sharing their ideas. I would definitely take advantage of social media because it saves plenty of time and money, time of sending email to individuals and money by advertising.

Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds has many uses, some are positive while others are negative. For example in the article "Avatar II: The Hospital" practicing in the virtual world is used to the advantage of patients. The patients avatars are controlled by instructors while the nurses have control to the nurse avatars, the nurse avatars respond to the patients avatars by typing words pop up as a text box. Such technologies are very beneficial and has a positive impact. Some of the disadvantages of virtual technology include the high cost, not everyone has access or can afford these technologies, which leaves out individuals who cannot afford. Another disadvantage of virtual world is addition, some users get addicted and become less social in real life by spending hours and hours on the computer. The article "No Budget, No Boundaries: It's the Real You" emphasizes on VW users who spend thousands on virtual goods. The article also links those users to be also high spenders in real life.

Blog about Twitter

When posting a comment or status in Twitter, special characters such as @ and # is used whereas, in Blackboard discussion board the usage of such special characters isn't required. In addition, when posting a Twitter discussion there is a limit on the word count whereas, in Blackboard there is no limit. With in class discussion it depends on how the individual expresses him/her thoughts which has no limit.

Social Networking Sites

I find Facebook and Twitter to be a little similar as far as posting status, pictures etc. On the other hand, Instagram is very different, the social networking site is more for posting pictures, liking and commenting, Instagram doesn't have the status update option like Facebook and Twitter, Instagram users can post pictures, caption along with the location. Though, LinkedIn is a social networking site, it is very different than the other social media sites which I mentioned. LinkedIn is a professional networking site, where usually job seekers network with recruiters/employers or even employees from different companies.

New media and access for the disabled - boon or bust?

New media and access for the disabled has been a bust, there isn't much option for the disabled. For example a blind person or let's say a deaf person can not enjoy or has the same privilege as a normal user. Certain arrangements are necessary to meet and satisfy their needs, over the years there has been progress on advancing technologies for the disabled however, it is at a very slow speed and might take years to reach the target.