PBS presentation

2009-09-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

A) PBS presentation:

The Internet has forever changed the world in both positive and negative ways. Today the Internet to many people is seen as an essential to life. The Internet is not only being used in the workplace but also at school, home and even available on cell phones. The Internet is allowing young teens to constantly communicate with friends as well as complete strangers without their parents knowing. Since many parents are unfamiliar with Internet access and what their children can do on there, this creates a private life from the parents but is public to everyone else. Many teens are addicted to their computers because they can do whatever they want and are not being watched by the "parental unit." This leads to all their information on the Internet such as name, hobbies and even pictures that many times are inappropriate and make the teens appear older. The Internet is definitely a useful tool but MUST be regulated especially by parents and teachers for safety purposes.

B)Obama's Campaign

The Internet is used by everyone and if used correctly could be very useful and educating. the Internet also can raise awareness about our society and keep us up to date with events such as the presidential election. President Obama used the Internet to his advantage by joining a social networking and using its tools to gain support. As many as 104,000 people joined Obama's social networking site(www.my.barackobama.com) better know as MyBO. Obama posted his campaigns achievements and gained popularity quickly due to this site. by creating this site many donations and money was made for Obama's campaign,this also creates a relationship with Obama and the many supporters he has. perhaps future campaigns will continue to build social networks because it seemed to work for President Obama.

C)"Virtual communities"

Many people create virtual characters that can practically do anything and seem practically "real",you can design your character as well as dress them and do anything you want with them. Many gamers who participate in these online games interact with others who have created similar characters and become addict to this "virtual" world. Because you can be anything you want many loose a sense of self and become addicted to the characters life they have created. These gamers feel that they are accepted in these communties and can be anything they want and become unaware of the real world. This type of social network can be emotionally addicting and takes over many lives.

Today the Internet is part of our daily life and we must learn to avoid the negatives so we can enjoy the positives to their full extent.

PBS presentation response

PBS presentation