Social Networking

I believe social networking has greatly impact our world. It has made our world feel much smaller by bringing us all closer with social networking websites, applications/games, and devices. With the new technologies we have, we are allowed to be up to date with what our friends and family have been doing through Facebook, Myspace, multiplayer video games, text messaging with our phones, and many other ways to keep connected with others. There are some issues with using these new technologies. They are used to exploit ourselves and others to the world. The points made in the PBS presentation prove true in our life. We become so dependent on the internet and computers that we even use our phones as portable computers that can fit right into our pockets. Parents begin to develop fears about predators having contact with their kids online. I do feel that some parents over react about kids using computers and having access to the internet with these social networks. I understand the great fear but there is no need to worry if you taught them how to deal with strangers and what information that they should not let others know. I did like that idea that the mother of 4 (i think), in the video, that has the passwords of her kids' online accounts sealed in an envelope so she could try to investigate or help if something were to happen to her kids. The kids that are online should be smart enough with what they do online and what information they share publicly. It was disturbing to see what cyberbullying could do. I was shocked that the teenager killed himself because of the things a bully was telling him.
The Obama Campain was heavily involved in social networking. There were websites dedicated to the campaign. Facebook helped in promoting his campaign. Text messaging and devices were used to keep up to date with his campaign. The technology made it easy for supporters to donate money to the campaign through text messaging. I found it amazing that Obama used technology to his advantage. I believe that it helped his words get to millions of young adults and it gave them a reason to vote. McCain did not have a campaign as technologically based as Obama did and thats where I think his campain struggled. Our life is surrounded by technology and thats the only way the new generation knows how to communicate now, through technology.
I believe the virtual community "Second Life" has a positive impact on the people that participate in it. It gave the 9 people with Cerebral Palsy basically a second chance at life. It gave them another life where they wouldn't be judged by others. Second Life also gives the business school a learning environment that exposes the students to real life tasks. This type of social networking could give a person a better look at life. It gives them another way to look at things and make them thankful for what they have. It brings people together in a world where they can be comfortable with each other. It makes the world smaller and more compact compared to its actual size.