Throughout my experience in my el electronic communications, I became so much more aware of what computer mediated services is and its’ prevalence in everyday life. Without some of computer service, life could actually be difficult. In general I use CMC for emailing, blogging, instant messaging, social networking, and for keeping in touch with friends and family.
Some of the ideas and concepts that I have learned about computer mediated services are the differences between an online community and just a virtual group, online relationship formations, and the ideas behind social networking sites. I became familiarized with so many different social networking sites that I have never heard of, so it was beneficial to see some of the ones that were out there besides Myspace and Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, the Facebook project that we did in this class was very interesting. It gave me a pretty decent idea of how much time people actually spend on Facebook. It definitely allowed me evaluate myself and see how much time dedicate to cruising on Facebook. I wouldn’t say that I’m addicted but I’m pretty close.
Since taking this class my use of the computer mediated communications has not really change. I don’t use it any more or less than I have previously. I am more aware of how I use them, but the frequency of my use hasn’t changed. There are so many new advances in computer technology that I can’t even keep up, so I just stick to what I know. Overall, it was a beneficial learning experience, the information is necessary because probably by the time I’m thirty, everything will done by computer.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Inefficient Technology
Communication technology in this day and age has been necessary, important, and has made communicating easier and more efficient. On the flip side of this, these technologies have become a bit of a nuisance when they break or shutdown on you. This unfortunately something that can not be avoided. I read a study that discussed the frustration of broken technology http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Tech_Failure.pdf . According to research done by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, they stated that forty-eight percent of all of technology users need help from others with new devices and many tech users encounter problems with their internet connections, home computers or cell phones. Some specific stats that they provide are that 44 % of those with internet access in their homes say the connection has failed to work properly for them within the last 12 months, and 29% of cell phone users say their device failed to work properly at some time in the previous year.
I have experience so many problems with the internet and my cell phone. On multiple occasions I’ve needed to do a homework assignment, check my email and unable to because the internet was down. It honesty gets to be a little annoying because most of the work that I need to submit needs to be done on the computer. My computer seems to crash almost on a weekly basis, and I can’t ever seem to find the causes or solutions to these problems. When I don’t have the access to the internet, I realize how much I used it and what a necessary it is, and as the saying goes, “you never miss something until it’s gone”. My cell phone has given me problems such as not sending my text messages, receiving messages late or not at all, and constantly not having service. This all becomes frustrating and makes a person not want to invest in something that’s not going to work efficiently.
I believe that because of the prevalence of communication technology, people are going to buy these devices; however, it is the quality of that technology that is going to push consumers away. People need to be ensured that the technology necessary for everyday tasks will function properly to rid of frustration and confusion about the product. This research brings me back to the list of advantages and disadvantages of CMC that was created at the beginning of the semester in my electronic communications class. Yes, computers make research faster and easier. Yes, it connects you to the world within seconds, but no, none of this can be done with a computer doesn’t work.
I have experience so many problems with the internet and my cell phone. On multiple occasions I’ve needed to do a homework assignment, check my email and unable to because the internet was down. It honesty gets to be a little annoying because most of the work that I need to submit needs to be done on the computer. My computer seems to crash almost on a weekly basis, and I can’t ever seem to find the causes or solutions to these problems. When I don’t have the access to the internet, I realize how much I used it and what a necessary it is, and as the saying goes, “you never miss something until it’s gone”. My cell phone has given me problems such as not sending my text messages, receiving messages late or not at all, and constantly not having service. This all becomes frustrating and makes a person not want to invest in something that’s not going to work efficiently.
I believe that because of the prevalence of communication technology, people are going to buy these devices; however, it is the quality of that technology that is going to push consumers away. People need to be ensured that the technology necessary for everyday tasks will function properly to rid of frustration and confusion about the product. This research brings me back to the list of advantages and disadvantages of CMC that was created at the beginning of the semester in my electronic communications class. Yes, computers make research faster and easier. Yes, it connects you to the world within seconds, but no, none of this can be done with a computer doesn’t work.
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