Reading Response #4 CP

In the video Digital Media it breaks down different aspects of the internet and it effects on us. The video begins describing how the internet and technology is firmly embedded in schools and many students feel that they have the ability to multitask when really they are not as inept as they believed. Then it goes on to show studies that have been done and imaging of the brain to show how it’s working as it reading vs. media. In parts of Asia the internet is becoming a health crisis as the youth flood arcades and what has led to gaming addictions. Douglas Rushkoff who is a technology journalist asserts “90% of Koreans use the internet, while 10 to 15 % are at high risk for addiction. The internet has become a huge social hub with internet cafes and internet business conferences that allow for people to communicate freely and more openly. They have even begun opening up clinics that usually last 2 weeks in which kids are taken away from their online video games and are challenged in other ways to use their minds such as team activities and constructing tents and other “simple minded” activities. Towards the end of the video it talks about how around seven U.S. Army recruiting centers closed down to reinvent themselves as 13 million dollar stimulation centers in which kids are able to come in and use gaming consoles for free of charge. They have recruiters walk around and small talk with the kids hoping to strike up conversation that they might be able to persuasive the kid to enlist or in the future enlist.

Since I was in elementary school I have been taught to use the internet for many various task and have continued to use it for all sorts of aspects of my life. I agree that the internet is becoming a more and more pertinent in a majority of people’s lives because I personally have known of and used the internet for years but recently it’s becoming so readily available it is hard to avoid. There are “apps”lications of the internet everywhere; from shopping, banking, research, emails, instant chat with video, texting, and even phones. So many ways to use it to stay connected with friends and family that live in other states and countries. I like many other people have the basic list of internet commodities such as; Facebook, email account, and even created a blogging account in which I am able to communicate and discuss with other classmates. I also recently purchased a Google phone, and now more than ever I can’t stop looking at it, checking this, or updating that. I would have to say that 99% of the time that I am awake that I will have my phone on me, which has internet almost anywhere. Unlike past days where the internet was somewhat of a scarcity and you probably had to wait 5 minutes for dial-up modem to connect or go to a library, but now almost every waking minute I am somehow connected through my phone. My emails are sent directly to my phone. Should I have the urge to check my Facebook, I can do within seconds. So I avidly agree that the internet is becoming more pertinent because all my day to day experiences confirm it.