Forget Jamaica or Hawaii: Want a Destination for Fun – Try Facebook

In 2006, the Pew Research Institute conducted a study and found that 45% of internet users only go online because it’s fun. Five years later, that number has gone up to 53%. Just for fun. Think about that. How many times does one connect to the net to check who liked their status or which celebrity tweeted what? Samantha Murphy (2011) comments that we use the Internet as a “diversion” or because want to have fun. This may be especially true this week, of all weeks, simply because it is when college students are bombarded with the most stress.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but this is my last week before finals week (hell week). I couldn’t be more excited. As I sit here, writing this final blog, all I can think about is December 17^th—school is done and the Internet is at my disposal. I am not dictated anymore to what I look up or when I do what. Basically, I am saying that I douse the Internet as a source of entertainment, as I am sure you all do as well. We have to feel a degree of motivation to go online, and if fun is it, then that it is.

As we have discussed all semester, technology is great! The benefits added to our lives thanks to this gadget or that gizmo cannot be duplicated. However, as I demonstrated above, we are now using technology to escape the world around us. We are looking for any reason to login and procrastinate. For instance, when attempting to write a paper, I gave myself ten minutes of Facebook for one paragraph. Users of technology will find ways to enjoy their time online, even if the reasons did not exist previously.

Technology is changing the way we live. Fifteen years ago, I was in the middle of 1^st grade and all my assignments were Xeroxed and my toys were a Lite Brite or Etch-N-Sketch. The burdens of simple life have vanished. But I ask now, sincerely, were they that burdensome? Did anyone truly ever feel pain because their Etch-N-Sketch didn’t draw the line as intended? No. Can Facebook make someone want to commit suicide? Yes. Megan Meier is one perfect example of someone looking for fun online and losing everything because of it.

The Internet is the future. But we cannot forget the past in the process. In 2006, only five years ago, 45% of Internet users were online because it was fun. Now, that number has jumped 8%. Our stressful lives have allowed the Internet to become a safe haven, but we forget how dangerous the World Wide Web can be. If given a choice, I would take a Lite Brite every time.

Well, that's all. From the World of My Head to your computer screen, thanks for reading and commenting. Enjoy the rest of your college years and good luck on finals.

Level....Completed.

All forms of technology provide benefits. With the Internet, it’s instant communication. The television brings in-home entertainment. Music can allow some to relax and focus. What about those pesky, addictive, and time-consuming video games? Can those possibly provide any skills or have any redeeming qualities? I mean, when one compares video games, it’s hard to tell which is worse: Grand Theft Auto or Modern Warfare. In fact, according to Christopher Ferguson, some feel that “playing violent video games may increase the risk of aggression in players” (2007, p. 309). Yes or no?

Honestly, I have never been a “video game junkie” and I rarely lock myself in my room until I beat the final level. Not to say never, but rarely. I don’t see the appeal of it. However, as a recent article by John Sutter points out, some game designs are implementing education into their games. Rather than battling mystical creatures or destroying galaxy cruisers, Adrien Tueuille has designed two games—“Foldit and EtrRNA—that put video games to work solving epic scientific puzzles” (2011). EteRNA, a game that allows players to “design complex new ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules,” incorporates science into gaming (Markoff, 2011). In fact, each week, the winner’s design will be synthesized at Stanford University. That, right there, is living the gaming dream.

Obviously, this is only one example of how gaming is changing the world of technology (in a more concrete way), but other gamers have seen positive results after hours of gaming. Hand-eye coordination is often a go-to point for positives of gaming. While it may sound far-fetched, some merit does exist in this statement. Those who spend time playing video games are training their eyes to watch for certain targets. It works. Additionally, Robyn White points out that video gaming can make a person faster “processing and responding to perceptual information” (2007-2008, p. 1).

Many mothers say video games are corrupting and addictive. They may very well be right, but obviously some video games can introduce concepts to players they would probably not learn elsewhere. As demonstrated by EteRNA, video games carry some potential for scientific advancement. If students gain through interactive play, why is it condemned? Yes, I think some play too often and these players are the stereotypical “gamer,” but some just like to relax to a little GTA: San Andreas. I mean, that’s not the worst thing in the world, is it? Yay, I didn't think so either.

Face(book)ing the Truth

As if to no one’s surprise, our world has entered a state of constant communication. Meaning, in short, people are within ten seconds of communicating with anyone on the globe. While twenty years ago, this phenomenon would not have existed, now one touch of the button can connect Japan with Jamaica. Of all the programs out there, one of the most impacting is Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg developed a site that was accepted by millions within years. His technology and idea changed the way we communicate across towns, states, countries, and continents. With all these benefits, could there possibly be a downfall?

We must now accept that an addiction has formulated when it comes to access to Facebook. Social media and new new media has updated our status and provided us the capability of always sharing what’s on our minds. Yes, this is a great tool to stay connected, but when does Facebook information become the primary source of news. Let me explain by looking at three prime examples:

Good news or staying in contact. For me, I am using Facebook a lot more in these past weeks to stay in contact with some friends I made this summer in Medora, ND. I made friends that I never want to forget, and as a result, we are already making plans for next summer. Of course, these plans are Facebook originated. Isn’t that what this site is for? Well, most would say Facebook is designed to maintain contact during or after school; so, technically, I am living up to this standard. Consider this site as to what Facebook is now being used for. All the material and links posted now, are they used to maintain contact?

Sad news or updates. How many times do we discover someone’s relationship change via their status? For me, a prime example occurred last night (8/23/11). Valley City was bustling with information about an alleged shooter. How did I find out who it was? Facebook. Of course, the suspect is a former high school classmate of mine, and all my Facebook friends are discussing the details that he said/she said. Is this living up to the expectation of Facebook? For me, it feels a bit more like gossip in an easier-to-access form.

Memories or moments. Going off my first area, Facebook has become a popular tool for photographs and videos. I remember uploading 100+ pictures of my trip to Mt. Rushmore this summer. They are not really posted for anyone’s pleasure but my own, but I still felt the need to post them. How about instantaneous posts: something that happens at 9:00pm and is posted by 10:30pm? And yes, I am referring to the infamous Bye, Bye, Bye dance number for Sunday evening. Haven’t seen it…check out my Facebook.

Yes, I will agree, Facebook (and other Social Media Sites) is a valuable tool in our ever-changing world, but at what point has it gone too far. Is there such a point? Who knows?