Tablets/iPads have come a long way. I do believe that the iPad would have been just as much of a top selling item back then as it is today. Since tablets are so convenient it would have been ideal to have one, it’s as simple as that. I think the only thing that may have kept people from buying one is the price, which is the same issue we have today, these handheld devices are pretty expensive. Moore’s law has to do with tablets not being able to have the capabilities of today’s tablets. Although it could have still been made, there would have been limitations so it would not have been complex. The problem with predicting the technological future is that new forms of technology are being thought of as we speak. For instance, it seems like google glass is becoming the ‘new’ iPad. However, as I was saying before, these new technology devices are so expensive so you won’t see more of them around until the price drops.
Cognitive Surplus
There are three aspects talked about with cognitive surplus. Starting off with the first aspect, means, which explains why would do something. These means are the systems, tools or platforms which allow us to connect, share and learn. Then there’s motives, which explain a need for increased competence. This is an example of an intrinsic motives. On the other hand, there’s extrinsic motives which is reward and recognition or punishment for certain behaviors. And lastly, there’s opportunities. Opportunity is the time, place and people which enable us to take action. These three aspects all combine to create a successful outcome. By incorporating them we can give ourselves a baseline that leads us in the right direction for succes.
Friedman!
As I watched Friedman’s video, it explained how our Earth is flat. Sounds crazy but it’s true, in the aspect of technology over geography. What Friedman means by this is that there is a better level playing field in the technology world. People are able to communicate with each other much easier, whether it be from a different state or even a different country. While Friedman focused a lot on theories based off what he thought would occur in the future, Ghemawat focused on collected data. It’s hard for me to choose between who I believe because, although Friedman’s ideas don’t have too much evidence behind them, they seem rational and logical. It will definitely be interesting to see if the world really will be flat or if Ghemawat’s data is something we should keep looking into.
web 2.0
I would have to say that my experience does mimic that of the web 2.0. Although I find myself consuming more of the information, I still have my days where I am participating and sharing information. It is very convenient to share things and receive input on them. Most of the content that I share is either off of websites such as Reddit or music sites like Soundcloud. The cool thing about the web 2.0 era is that you are receiving and sharing information with those that are similar to you. Given that, you can have a better idea of topics that arise in discussions you’ve commented on or shared.
Net Neutrality
I would not pay a significant amount to continue the use of my internet. For one, much of the internet I use is browsing social media websites, which, in the end I think I could live without. If I truly needed it for something important, I would do my best to complain and let them know I would leave if they did not compromise with me. If enough people did this, I think we would get the best of the company and win them over. Plus, being a college student, I have access to the library which means I could live without the internet in my house for the amount of years I am here. My breaking point for unplugging the internet is if the company doesn’t decide to work with me. Or, I would change the amount of usage and suggest lower speeds which means lower costs, but it would be ideal for me.
Week 5 – Privacy
Now that the digital communications are sweeping into the NSA’s data collection, the amount of privacy will decrease. For many people, they might view this as an invasion of privacy. However, I am someone who does not have anything to hide so this would not affect me. Even if I did not want anyone seeing something I sent, the only people who it would be available to is the receiver and the NSA. But, I think the NSA would have their eyes on things of much more worth. Being that there are a lot more issues in the world, I think having the security is reasonable so that events like 9/11 or the Boston Marathon will come to a halt.
Encrypted e-mail, yay or nay?
As technology is becoming more advanced, so are hackers. Nowadays, it is never a sure thing that the information you are sending to someone will get there safely. However, many people don’t take that into consideration because they haven’t had any problems yet, or don’t think they will be a victim. Now there are new creative ways to ensure safety when sending e-mails, such as PGP or GPG.
I would be willing to encrypt my e-mails, although, I don’t necessarily think it would be beneficial for anyone since I currently am not sending important e-mails with information I would not want someone to see. However, in the future it might be something I would consider learning how to do so that I wouldn’t have to worry about e-mails being found by someone else.
More useful, web or apps?
The web has come a long way since when it first came out. However, now that apps have become popular, people are starting to use them more often. Efficiency and how easy it has become to use the web and apps are key qualities to why they are being used. There are many differences between the web and apps. Pros and cons come with both of them. Even though in the reading it described the web as starting to die off, I tend to disagree.
I find myself using apps more often than the web because of many reasons. For one, it’s nice using something that is downloaded to my phone. Being on the move around campus makes it simple to whip out my phone and use the app I desire. Although many times I find myself using apps, I will use web apps sometimes, not for any particular reason. I think that as apps become more popular and the majority of people are using them because of tablets and other handheld devices, the use of them will definitely increase. People tend to follow the crowd, which, is good for future apps.
The affect of new technologies creates many new opportunities for us as we accelerate quickly in this field. With new forms of communication being figured out frequently, the expectations are high when something new comes out. We are so prone with being able to do things that our parents never would have considered possible. Wifi is becoming easily accessible everywhere you travel and we basically have mini televisions in our pockets with high resolution that allows us to watch and enjoy our games, shows and movies the best way possible.
I would not consider myself as an early adapter of technology because I don’t have the new innovative things when they come out. However, after seeing friends and family with them and understanding how they work I eventually buy what I think would be the best use for me. In terms of keeping up with people through these new interactions, I think it helps with how we interact with them on a daily basis. It’s hard to believe that there are a lot of people who will still be carrying flip phones in the near future. In the future, it seems that it is almost inevitable for humans to interact through technology in an efficient way even if it’s not the best. In the end, I believe that the majority of the time the new technology can only help our interactions with friends and family.
czarknee 