It is amazing how fast the quarter goes by. I can remember vividly walking into the first class and thinking, what is this going to be like? Since then, I have learned so much about technology and I feel more up to date with the world around us. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about different aspects of digital culture through hands on experiences. This class was full of new learning experiences. I made my first webpage, had my own blog, and went into a chat room. The class was a great way to explore technology today and learning about issues such as gender swapping, cybersex, copyright, and gaming. I felt that we used the classroom effectively and I enjoyed being able to use the laptops. PWR 2 and E-Rhetoric has enabled me to improve my presentation of an argument both orally and through writing.

Throughout the course of the class, we were required to keep a blog discussing issues dealing with digital culture. This was a great way to be able to express my ideas in a public area. I found myself paying close attention to what I was saying because of the fact that anyone could view my blog. I really had to think about the audience when I was writing. From now on, I will really focus on my style of writing in order to portray myself as a certain way to a particular audience.

The next main project was our research proposals and proposal presentations. My research proposal really made me think about design in a project. This was the first written project that I actually implemented visual images to enhance my argument. I have since learned that images can be a great way to support what you are trying to say. My proposal presentation enabled me to get more comfortable with presenting to a class. I was glad to get feedback through panfora and from the OCTs. I found it extremely helpful to watch myself on video, as I was able to critique myself fully. Feedback is very important.

Finally, we completed our research project hypertexts and our project presentations. It is really amazing to see how much everyone has improved since the beginning of the year. I can even see improvements in myself. This hypertext was the first one that I ever made and I am pleased with the final product. I didn’t realize how time consuming creating a webpage is. I felt that the presentation also went well. I hope to continue to become more comfortable in speaking in front of an audience.

Overall, this class was a real learning experience. I was not only able to learn about technology through discussions and through my peers, but also through my own personal research. I will take out of this class a better understanding of the digital culture surrounding us. I feel that I have also improved on my writing skills, as I have learned to think about audience and design. I also believe that this class has helped me prepare for oral presentations that I will have in the future and has given me more confidence in my ability to present.

Technology is frustrating, that’s the bottom line. Nothing seems to work when you want it too. I spent at least a few hours trying to load a video clip onto my PowerPoint presentation but it doesn’t seem to work. So, I gave up. Disappointed with myself and my computer, I decided to scan Wired news to see what I could talk about in this post. By coincidence, one of the main articles talked about the fallibility of machines. During the Tuesday’s elections many of the California counties tried to implement touch screen voting machines, but they didn’t work. Individuals then had to vote the old-fashion and reliable way. It makes me wonder if we will ever implement online voting. It is so susceptible to hackers, identity thieves, and viruses. Maybe some things are just not meant to be changed by technology. On the other hand, wouldn’t it be great not to the hassle of going to a poling site.

Speaking of elections, one thing that amazed me is the speed at which results on the mainland come out. Right after the poling places close, the results are in. Unfortunately this is not true for Hawaii. It often takes days to get the results of an election. Another problem that needs to be addressed is the timing of voting. By the time Hawaii votes, the election is pretty much over. New technology and timing needs to be applied so that we can make elections efficient, safe, and hassle free.

Here's the Article: http://wired.com/news/evote/0,2645,62519,00.html?tw=wn_story_top5

“Ladies and Gentleman, fasten your seatbelts. Our approximate time to our destination is four hours and forty-eight minutes.” Okay, this quote seems like a typical announcement made from the cockpit. Can you imagine, however, if this was actually a machine talking?

In recent weeks, there has been much talk about the use of machines running airplanes. The idea of having no pilots or crew on an airplane is more realistic than you can imagine. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of sitting in a cockpit and staring in amazement at the thousands of buttons and electronically devices that run the plane. A world where machines have total control of planes doesn’t seem far off. On the other hand, is it a good idea? For commercial flights, I personally find the idea terrifying. I enjoy seeing the crew walk up and down the aisles and hearing the pilot’s updates. It makes everything feel more human. I can only imagine what it would be like to hear the monotonous sound of a machine talking from the cockpit. The idea of machines running an airplane is also scary. I feel that machines can yield many errors. Although this may sound hypocritical because of the fact that humans make just as many errors if not more than machines, I feel safer if the plane is controlled by a human. The pilot is not only holds the lives of his passengers, but also himself. If something happens, he himself faces the consequences as well. This is not true for machines. Machines also have the ability to be manipulated easier than humans. Imagine if a terrorist was to take over a plane. A human would put up a fight, while a machine or program could be hacked into easily. In rise of the war in Iraq, however, I do believe that the idea of machine run airplanes may be an effective way to fight. If a plane went down, there would be no casualties. Machine controls should be employed in this circumstance.

            As of now, it doesn’t’ look like there will be any implementation of machine run airplanes in the near future. This doesn’t, on the other hand, rule out the fact that eventually it could happen. Boeing claims to be open to the idea. I hope that if Boeing and other manufacturers decide to give machines total control of planes that they first think about safety and about how comfortable the public is with the idea.

For more interest see this article on Wired:

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,62448,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_9

So you don’t care about life, you hate your family, you hate school, and all you do is spend hours a day wasting you time chatting with random people on the net. No one really knows your feelings inside because you don’t like to share them. You contemplate suicide and decide to carry it out. Instead of killing yourself, you end up in the hospital in much more pain then you would have ever thought possible. So what does this have to do with computers and technology? Computers were just an escape for emotions, not a driving force encouraging you to commit suicide? Or was it?

In today’s world although the internet can act as a psychiatrist to all of one’s problems it is untrustworthy. Recently, my family was shocked by an incident similar to the one described above involving one of my cousins. The incident leaves me to wonder whether or not the net played a role in his decision. My gut feeling says yes. By talking to people online, one is able to share feelings with who they consider “friends.” These friends give advice, but I can’t help to question whether or not this advice led to my cousin’s actions. In a recent article, two Japanese citizens committed suicide after meeting on a suicide chat room.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/998566.stm

There are so many crazy individuals out there and I’m sure that some of them encourage others to do harmful things to themselves despite the harsh consequences. Users, especially ones who are depressed, are certain to fall prey to this wrong encouragement. Unfortunately, at this point in time, there is no way to prevent individuals from getting the wrong advice.

There are a few sites that provide services to those needing help, but to some extent individuals would rather talk to some “real” person online than to read a cite made by a psychiatrist. I hope that in the future, something will be done to help solve the problem of harmful information and encouragement. It could help save lives and prevent individuals from hurting themselves.

“It's 3:30 a.m. and Kevin is still online, absorbed in pornographic images flashing across his computer screen, and searching for more. Hours ago he tucked his children into bed and said good night to his wife, retreating to the computer to "finish up some work." Although his late night ritual leaves Kevin ashamed and exhausted, he is too embarrassed and guilt-ridden to seek help. He tells himself that no one would understand anyway.” (Cybersexualaddiction.com).

In online chat rooms and on AIM, individuals all over the world are developing relationships and “hooking up.” The most extreme aspect of these online relationships is cybersex. The idea that individuals who may be thousands of miles away from each other are using the internet to perform sexual practices is appalling. To some individuals, the net provides a way for them to relieve their sexual tensions and desires. It is scary, however, to realize that the person you may be having a sexual relationship with over the internet may not the person they claim to be.

Take these examples into consideration:

“Raymond, a 58-year-old client of Young's, is a successful executive at a Fortune 500 company. He donned the cyber-fantasy persona of a buff 20-year-old college student, even posting a bogus photo of himself. He attracted countless women. But he has "an imagination that is way too wild for the lifestyle I lead," he told Young. Raymond says the Net experiences make him feel young, although they're starting to disrupt his work and home life.

Craig, a 53-year-old computer executive, felt overshadowed by young hotshots on the job. He began to "self-medicate" with cyberporn, often at work, which eased his stress. Then Craig got so hooked that he couldn't quit, further impairing his work performance.” (USA Today).

Recently, there have been several books written about cybersex. You can also take an online questionnaire to see if you’re addicted. The book entitled Cybersex Exposed: Simple Fantasy or Obsession? explores the issue of cybersex as if it were comparable to alcoholism.

http://www.cybersexualaddiction.com/Books.php#Exposed