HW #9: Video Project GHIJK

Evannnnnn,

Thanks once again for a really nice comment, especially to my video. Your actually gave me great feedback and I could tell you put a lot of thought into your response. The fact you had so much to say makes me feel like I did a better job, even though most people think my video was staged (ok only the phone call was lol).
The third paragraph of your comments sums up the message I was hoping people would grasp perfectly! Thanks to Andy I've been so much more aware of how natural it feels to use various devices continuously and subconsciously in just one night. Being away from something non electronic doesn't quite hold my attention for as long, and now even just one gadget can't seem to do the trick. Sometimes I feel like we always need to either be connected to our friends or pop culture that reminds us of our friends. Like we are so codependent that companionship is the only way we can bear a night in, which drastically harms our relationships in the home.

I know these are reoccurring thoughts that we've discussed countless times in class but it still surprises me to realize how similar we all are even though most strive on their uniqueness and complexity.

I appreciate your last paragraph but rereading it now I wonder if by going out and experiencing new things life has to offer will really shake out digital habits or just put it off for another day. I was thinking how whenever I do something new and exciting, like go to a concert of a new band or a party with a diffrent crowd, I feel more alive which is a thrill. But then again when spontaneous things occur in our lives we usually do our best to document, record and overall savor it by taking a bunch of pictures, bloggering and generally gossiping about it the next day.
To be frank I don't think spending time away from our relaiable sutible gadgets will do much in the longrun because no matter what digitiazation will just get more and more in demand.

So I wonder, and i'm sure you'd wonder too, if we gave up a night or routine commenting and instant messaging, would we really stay true to that every night or just make up for it the next?

Wow Evan, your comment really helped spark a long train of new thoughts. Thanks!

See ya in class :)

Hw #8: Comments to other Video'sss

Evan...
Well you definitely did this assignment exactly how you were supposed to, which is more then what I can say for my own video lol.
Anyways, this was a very realistic video because infact countless people sit in front of computer, cell phone and television screens with the same expression as you have. You embodied the facial expressions perfectly, mostly because you had a blank stare for most of the video. When surfing the blogs for other people's video's I notice that many people's expressions match yours.

I could tell you were tensing up sitting in the same position for so long , its obvious you were uncomfortable and fidgety being in the same place for so long. This is something i experience often especially when forced to be in the computer longer then i desire because of a homework assignment or conversation gone too long.

Perhaps if we were to do the video again, you could add in some footage about you interacting with other digital electronics like an iPod, television or video game system.

Your post makes me think about all the times I could have used a good stretch or walk outside but neglected my body's aches for the internet of social network. Its not healthy to be in the same spot for so long and staining out eye's, necks and bodies in order to enslave our minds to something we probably don't need in the first place.

Thanks for making such a thought provoking video, you prove a valid point with no words, impressive. See ya in class :D

Chloe!
I know i we discussed (via text message) that we would exchange comments on thursday but i forgot so i'm just going to do it now, partly because one of my partners has yet to put up her video or comment on mine.
Anyways, I really liked your video. I liked it SO much that i nominated it as one of the best (that's right, I totally did) lol.
You did everything that Andy asked and more. You were able to show two natural ways your depend on digital electronics that were more complex then the rest.
But what made your video stand out to me the most was how you incorporated your boyfriends use of digital media and what impact that has on you. I could envision countless instances where you waited to have a conversation with him but he was too busy in his animated world.

What i enjoyed even more then your video was your honest response. Everything you said were things I noticed. I was shocked at how mezmorized and in focus people are when they're looking at a screen instead of taking notice to their surroundings. And even more then that, sometimes people's initial reaction to things that happen on the screen cause them to blurt out crazy things, curse words in particular.

You bring up a valid point that although we gain skills like being able to type quickly, we won't necessarily using those skills for anything else. The only job I can think of where it requires you to type quickly is a secretary or stenographer.

I think the story of your brother is a PERFECT example of how these addictions effect close relationships for the worse. I've seen it myself how your brother turns on the computer game and shuts off all other contact with anyone else. Its not a good way to spend countless hours of time like he did.

Maybe you could elaborate on what its like having a relationship with your brother now that he doesn't live with you. Does he communicate with you via email or instant messaging? Maybe discuss how technology takes away from relationships in the home in a different way then it does with people you don't see every day.

Overall you did a great job on the assignment. I am impressed and continuously blown away. No wonder you get such flawless grades :D

see ya at school mama <333

Hw #6: Video Assignment

Sorry this is late, it took all night to load.

In my video I tried to incorporate how I am often not only engage in one digital distraction but several at once. I realize that even when I am looking a a computer screen, texting or listening to music my face is still quite blank and emotionless. There are some instances where I smile at something funny, but it never seems to last that long and my original stare returns and makes me look half asleep. Its as if one distraction wasn't enough to keep me engaged and entertained.

Looking at my posture and how my hands always have to be fidgeting with something- whether that's typing on the laptop or playing with the remote- I realize how unaware I am of anything but what screen I am focused on. It sucks me in and only takes another electronic gadget to tear my eyes away from the first. There have been many instances where I am so absorbed in a T.V. show or AIM conversation and I completely neglect the people and world around me.

I would hate to see my future children acting like this. Its rude and juvenile to need so many devices to get though a night at home.It makes me realize how much I blow off my parents and sister because the screen seems more interesting then they are. Its hurtful to shut out the people around you, and puts a strain on the relationship that are more dependent on human interaction.

The difference between my conversation with ali on facebook chat and how I'm perceived typing to her in the video is that I am so sucked into my online world that I completely forget about anything else. When the conversation died down I instinctively reached for my iPod instead of pondering what she said like I usually do in person. I look awkward and bored most of the time which wasn't how I felt. Its weird how all other senses are tuned off-and sometimes your brain- when your sight is set on something so consuming. I hate feeling like I'm doing nothing, so I rely on having my phone, iPod and computer close by... such as propped in front of my while i watch t.v.

Gaming systems like the Wii and perhaps DDR are meant to help you become more active when your attention is being completely drawn into a digital representation device. These days when the thought that your bored pops into your head, you automatically reach for you iPod, unwrap the headphones stick em and decide what song your in the mood for. You act without really having to think. That can be the same concept as the Wii, where your so focused on whats going on on the screen that you instinctively know how to move your body, your just moving more then you would with a xBox. Its still meant to make you addictive, but appears less damaging to your brain if your physically active while playing it. Kind of like a compromise between going out and having a life and giving into playing a game you've played a thousand times before.

Huh.....

Hw #7: Interviews

FAMILY:
Question: How do you view the digital media today in comparison to what it was in your day?
Robert Proto (father) had this to say about the uprising of digitilization:

"From what I've seen, electronics makes everything a lot more convenient then it used to be. It fantastic that all this didgitilization can allow you to do things I would have never imagined you could do. To be able to look up research and just find general information from the pleasure of your home is remarkable. When i was a kid, T.V.'s had tubes and a set though was always braking and it would be hard to adjust well enough to work, which is not a concern for today. By the time televisions start having problems, its time to replace it which i would do.
BUT... i think gadgets like iPods are a waste, cell phones are-with the exception of necessary calls- a waste... computers that are used for the joy of needless fun as opposed to storing important information, are a WASTE... video games are an enormous waste. This is because you become so obsessed with it and its frivolous pleasures that it takes away meaning in life, like spending time with your family or gaining knowledge from books or interacting with nature. Is that enough of a response for you?"

My thought: This is a painfully standard opinion of a 53 year old father, especially the last part.
Gail Proto (Mother) had this to say:

"First and foremost, I think my daughter spend much to much time watching unintellectual television, and sometimes the SAME THING over and over and checking out what her friends and non friends are doing on the internet... and CONSTANTLY having those friends cry on her shoulders over the phone expecting her to make their problems better EVERY NIGHT. They expect her to always be available and she must always be plugged into THEM even when she is home with ME!"
"I would love to experiment with what it would be like for my family to go a week without the gadgets that separate us. I think teenagers aren't outside enough, experiencing things."

Digitilization is a form of manipulation because you can hear the same message over and over- for instance commercials and marketing ads- trying to convince you of THEIR way of thinking, reaching zillions of people at one time. It has SUCH power, which I think is what helped Obama win the presidency with was how he was able to get his message out.
BIG BROTHERS KNOWS WHAT YOU LIKE!
"Thanks to the patriot act, the government is able to tap into our phone calls and listen to our conversations. This in addition to the countless camera's planted in every building adds into how the government is somewhat spying on us, contributing to our continuous loss of privacy."
BIG BROTHER IS ALWAYS WATCHING!
"For me personally, I do love the fact that I can enter the data into the computer and then figure out trends and report on statistics and make power point presentations with the click of a button. I love working with computers, but having an elderly father i felt TERRIBLE watching him trying to navigate the telephone systems. When people used to be able to talk to another human being instead of a robotic recording it was better because you can go straight to the point of solving your problem as opposed to a maze of voice menus."

"You know its interesting, I once heard a statistic that said that 9 months after the blackout there was a large increase in births, which proves that when people aren't using digitization products they are interconnecting more with each other... literally!"

"I'm afraid that eventually people will stop experiencing things and just sit and watch other experiencing things on T.V. instead of doing for themselves. I thing face to face communications especially eye contact is a more pure form of social interaction. I've said things on the telephone and in emails that I would NEVER say face to face. So i think its detrimental. Does that answer your questions?"

My thoughts: This response was MUCH better thought out, I could tell my mom had taken the time to brainstorm multiple points and multiple aspects. Most of her opinions were standard, but there were some striking facts and perspectives I HADN'T thought of which is what made her response above my standards as well.

Pedestrians have opinions too:

An employee of the Brother Hood Synagogue and father of two said:

"All this digital technology is a big distraction and nothing but a pain. I have to rely on my phone for my job as a Landlord, therefore it must be on 24/7 and can ring at any time. The blackout was a blessing to not hear my phone go off, even though i had to adapt to that too. But I was happy to get some rest, but unlike me my kids didn't know what to do. Too much digital technology isn't good for kids when they could be reading a book or spending more time with their family."

- Standard and generally common response coming from a hard worker and parent

Two older women, one Hispanic the other Caucasian said:

"All of this new digital technology sucks up too much of your time. I see people on the bus and street and restaurants that sounds so obnoxious when their on their phones, and I've refused to buy into it. (Caucasian woman). I'm a retired journalist and although I found the use of a computer helpful, i never bought a cell phone. Gadgets are good to have but people over use them. Some are excellent and good for safety reasons since you can do things much quicker and simpler. But it also becomes a distraction to your life, and people begin to suffer. I'm a social worker (Hispanic woman) and i've notices that kids today have become horrible writers, probably due to all the informal texting they do..."

- Not so standard on purchases and perspectives

20 year old African American student and working mover said:

"Digital technology is the most INCREDIBLE invention! I use it 24 hours a day for everything. I am very reliant on it for my job and school and in between. I'd be very miserable without my cell phone and iPod."

- Painfully standard. 20 minutes later he proceeded to give out his number to us...

Young well dressed man, assumable to be gay said:

"I see digital technology only becoming more mainstream in the future. People are so closed off because of their little gadgets. People would be so much friendlier without their little gadgets as distractions."

- Pretty standard, somewhat surprising due to his young age

Venetia (biffle):
"I think people occupy so of their time using digital devices because its what the media tells them to do. We're brainwashed to believe that without these electronics you are not in demand and therefore are not living a modern lifestyle. They advertise all these cool new gadgets, making you believe you need them to be happier and less boring. Its a distraction from living life to the fullest. Using an iPod and watching T.V. is not a necessity but rather a way to fill a void and not face reality."

Venetia's reaction is one I've heard before, but not generally from someone her age.

HW #4 + #5: Comments to other blogs

My Comment to Brittney's Blog:
Hey Brit (can I call you that?),

I actually really enjoyed reading this post. You are to the point and identified issues I had never really considered myself. You definitely asked the million dollar question of "why people keep coming back for more?" But you also did a great job at answering your own question; "its an addiction".

Its obvious you kept a common theme throughout your post that all this digital technology is nothing but an addicting habit people can't seem to shake. Its become a necessity instead of a luxury and that's why its so difficult to give it up, no matter what time of the day you use it.

Your propose some obvious benefits of the internet that reminded me of the benefits discussed in class, but i liked when you mentioned the t.v. and computer consuming so much of our time that it practically takes over our days. There has been countless times when I said to myself I'd only go on facebook for 10 minutes and then 2 hours later I'm still logged in.

But what about the bigger picture? How do you think all these hours we dedicate to looking at a screen could possibly damage us in the future? What would have happened to mankind if the internet wasn't created and we didn't have software to store all this information?

Overall you did a really good job and I can't wait to read what else you have to say about future topics :)

My Comment to Evan's Blog:
Hey Evan, although i don't know you very well yet, your post was very informative about your views on the "digital age" and I can say we do have some thoughts in common, especially about how revolutionary all of this technology is.

I enjoyed the fact that you shared your perspective on how useful digitalization has become and how it is so in demand that people not only expect it in business but now in the home as well. I also loved how you not only referred to technology in this country but in comparisons to others. Whats good for one country may not be as beneficial for another. You wrapped up all your ideas nicely with that final conclusion paragraph as well.

I could tell you were trying to convey a message that although all these electronic gadgets may appear useful and enjoyable to some, it isn't always the same outlook for others.

Even though I'm not as well informed about the issues going on in Iran as you seem to be, I could understand where you were going with your opinion on the shadier use of technology. This reminds me of the books 1984 by George Orwell where technology was used for the government to gain and obtain power over the citizens of a forcefully Totalitarian Society.Although this book was an author's prediction that may have a bit extreme, i think that its fair to say all this digital control could contribute to government influence.

You mentioned how you saw technology as ruling out jobs that were once performed my people, and therefore now are lacking a "human touch". But do you think your could elaborate on that and perhaps provide an example like you did with your other points? Why can we no longer think for ourselves? What aren't we doing that we once did before computers, iPhones and TV's?

Your post really got me thinking about the idea of accomplishments and how success is based on how much you contribute to the future of the world. I always saw being in digital "demand" as the only way to live, but perhaps it isn't only holding people back from one another but also from independence and freedom.

Thanks for sharing your opinions for me to build off of. I'm intrigued to read what further thoughts you have in this class :)

HW 3- Technology is taking over the world

Thanks to all of this digital technology, the way people commute, control data and communicate has radically changed and shaped the way people carry out their lives. It's magnificent to think how it was all created by man; it was the human mind that began this explosion of inventions that has made life so much easier.

The intentions of all this new technology was to help people accomplish tasks quicker. We no longer have to go to the library for information or mail a letter to send a family member pictures. We are saving a lot of time thanks to computers and cell phones, yet many use that additional time to slave in front of a screen some more.

I wonder how bad it would be to stick to a more natural way of living. I don't mean sleeping with the animals, but is it really a necessity to be up to date with all the newest technology? Is it so bad to STAY a couple steps behind the rest in order to just appreciate what we have now, instead of CONSTANTLY looking into the future for the next big thing?
How much more could we appreciate literature, music and art if we dedicated more time to it? Do we know one another better because if Instant Messaging and Web Cams? Or is it easier to reach out through a computer screen because we can turn it off at any time?

It irritates me how disinterested people on the bus are when they have their cell phones in their hand. How oblivious teenagers are on the street with their iPod headphones in their ears.
These gadgets have become our comfort zones, an escape from the people around us. But it also seems like its actually an escape from seeing our surroundings. And its not only that, they have become accessories for us to parade around as proof that we are wealthy or stylish or cool enough to have the trendiest phone or the newest iPod.

Coincidentally as I write this, the movie Into The Wild is playing on HBO. This movie triggers a lot of thought on reliance and independence. The movie happens to be a true story of a college graduate who decides to abandon all possessions, give away his savings account to charity so that he can hitchhike across the country to Alaska to live in the wild. He leaves behind his former life and possible future in pursuit of freedom from obligation and money. To me it is everything us New Yorkers do our best to prevent. Even though the man never made it back from Alaska, the movie reveals many different aspects of the kind of lives people could be leading but choose not to in fear of going against the norm. Its inspiring and seems as if this is how some can get "a high out of life".

Its fun to entertain the thought of one day backpacking across the country, carrying all my necessities on my back - ones that don't require an outlet to work. To have an appreciation for nature in all its glory and beauty that isn't infested with sky scrapers and factories would be a treat.

But I'm afraid at this time in my life, I am a lost cause and would feel dysfunctional going a week without my computer. Its an obsession to be constantly invested in the newest fads. I would get an itchy feeling to update my facebook status or upload current pictures of myself. My peers and I enjoy documenting almost every part of our lives and downloading them onto websites for all to see and sometimes praise. I'm sure its meant to bring us together, but the internet in many ways is just a way to gossip and pass judgments in the safety of your own home.

These gadgets are an addiction that I see only getting worse as new developments are released to the public and for new generations to become invested into too much.