Want an 'A' on this Assignment--There's An App For That!

Just when we thought Facebook was done with the changes, they pull another major switch that leaves readers baffled, confused, and down-right…interested. That’s right, this time the changes are not to their site per say, but rather an app they are developing (or assisting in development). This one would, according to John Sutter, “let people share data about how much—or little—electricity they’re using at home” (2011). Basically, it’s a way to keep people accountable for all the times they leave the light turned on or the fan switched to high over low. Our social media has become a maternal figure (and that is hard to deny).

What’s truly at debate here? Is it that Facebook is now watching our every move? Or perhaps, is it because there is an App for EVERYTHING. You can get an app to check the prices of groceries. You can get an app to look up the latest stock market change. You can get an app that shows you the latest gossip on certain celebrities. Our lives can be summed up quickly thanks to the new new media coming our way, and if it can’t, I imagine sooner or later “there’ll be an APP for that” too.

Back in December 2009, Apple filed for the trademarked phrase “There’s an App for that” and began to use it commercially on January 26, 2009. What’s the buzz about this time? It seems every time Apple does something innovative, other companies are only steps behind. The slogan refers to “Apple’s marketing and advertising initiatives around the iPhone and all other iOS devices” (Grove, 2010). For me, that was still a bit too techy, but Jim Blasingame breaks it down further, stating that “a mobile app converts content and resources that otherwise would have been consumed through a browser on a computer desktop, to the much smaller and variably shaped screens on the many different kinds of hand-held devices” (2011). In short, an app makes things easier by making them mobile.

In our current day-and-age, this is just fine. Apps are all the rage. During research for the Organizational Usage assignment, Dylan Edwards—Digital Communications Specialist for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation—said one thing he wants to work on is getting an app. Companies are continuously trying to create apps for other companies. It’s hard to believe but this is the new supply and demand. I do not own a Smartphone (iPhone particularly) so I am not in the App scene. I imagine my next upgrade will cannonball me into an arena I won’t quite understand. But luckily, apps are easy to learn and available on whatever subject a user desires. If that’s not enough, it doesn’t take much to learn the lingo. And if it does—well, I’m sure there’s an app for that.

They Lie: Size Does Matter!

For all those out there who say size isn’t a factor, they’ve obviously never used a Kindle Fire. Amazon’s new 7-inch tablet is no longer strictly a reading device; instead, it is a consumer-friendly entertainment program that allows users access to books, gaming, movies, and music. Amazon has advanced in the world of portable technology and created something that users can take with them everywhere.

The Kindle Fire is the next generation of technology. Similar to the iPad, it offers users mobile contact with several programs. However, the major difference that separates the Kindle Fire from the iPad is the one-hand usage. The iPad is a bit too large to operate with strictly one hand. The Kindle Fire does not have that problem. Users can perform several tasks with in a wide variety of locations: subway, restaurant, Laundromat, etc. Additionally, Christina Bonnington notes that, unlike the iPad, which is attempting the bridge the computer/gadget divide, the Kindle Fire is sticking to the mobile e-reader design.

What does all this mean? Simply, it means that our society is facing another change in devices. The Kindle (which I own and enjoy to an extent) and Nook were new, revolutionary gadgets that gave our society a will to read again. The iPad was the first big mobile computer that did not run like a laptop or smartphone. We are so busy gearing up for the next big thing, we often forget about what is right in front of us.

There was a commercial on television last night during Friends, and it featured a young lady who was discussing “the next generation.” She said she did not want her parents to get lost in a world based on technology, so she was adamant about them signing up for Facebook. At that point, they were up to 19 friends. The commercial then split to the parents, who were out mountain biking with another couple. They were laughing, smiling, and appeared to be having a good time. The daughter sat inside, on her computer, and made comments about a person’s profile.

Let’s get real: The parents are not connected to our most modern technology, but should they be? Do any of us really want to see adults on Facebook? Not really. It's not their thing -- it just doesn't make sense. And yet, for many of us, the danger of all these new devices is a co-dependence. How many of us can go a day without our cell phone? Computer? Kindle Fire? Is it possible to resist texting for a weekend? I have a friend who shut off her phone for the weekend to get some work done. For me, when I could suddenly not get a hold of her, I panicked. We are so used to the technology around us, we are not sure how to cope when it’s no longer there.

The Kindle Fire may be the next thing to come out in the world of digital communication. Yes, it probably has all the top features and can run for X.X hours and has Y.Y memory. Honestly, I would rather be like the parents in the commercial, who were OUT making Memories and lasting for their Own number of hours. That is what our world is supposed to be? Technology should assist us not control us.

Consider Yourself Hacked!

“The most powerless I felt was when I was watching people jump to their death on TV and there was nothing I could do about it,” said George W. Bush, reflecting on the devastating attacks which took place in our country 10 years ago. September 11, 2011, reverberates through the hearts of Americans all over. The nation stood united on the 10-year anniversary just as they did after the deadly attack took place.

Of course, we have evolved as a country. Even with such tragedy, life must go on, and we have developed since. This is especially true in the world of technology. Take a look at Facebook or Twitter, both appearing post 9/11. How has the breadth of technology changed the way we communicate, especially in a time of crisis? Cell phones were an intricate part of the 9/11 tragedy; had we had Twitter, what could have been posted? “I’m in a high-jacked plane #pleasesendhelp.”

However, during the 10-year anniversary, Twitter did make an appearance, and not one that many are exceedingly pleased with. A group called The Script Kiddies hacked NBC’s Twitter page and sent scare messages about a suspected attack on the Ground Zero site. Of course, this ignited panic, until NBC was able to shut down their page and calm any fears that arose.

This singular incident demonstrates how quickly social and new media can spread. Of course, this moment ended up being nothing and was quickly resolved, but what does that say for our society. (View the comments on the article from CNN to see how others responded.) Especially when something is negative or frightening, people will eat up the information because, if it comes from Twitter, it must be true.

I am not trying to beat any dead horses here on the dangers of social media or the over-use of new technologies, but when someone can spark panic in such a manner (through use of a sensitive issue), there is a severe problem on our hands. New new media has the ability to help us do so many great things, but it also has the potential--through hacking and hackers--to put us in danger.

Cyber bullying and sexual predators aside, new media connects people all over the world. If someone decided that their facebook status should read “Gonna blow up the castle,” there may be trouble. This status may refer to the Mario Brothers game (Bowser’s Castle), but to someone unaware, they may find it an attack on Buckingham Palace. Instant SWAT teams, FBI, and CIA investigations. Just because we have these technologies at our fingertips does not mean we should do the first thing that comes to our head. To quote Aunt May, “With great power (CPU), comes great responsibility.”

Ossad, J. (2011, September 9). Hacked NBC Twitter feed falsely reports NYC attack. CNNTech. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com

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?