Reflection
Throughout the readings and discussions, I have learnt that theinternet and technology in general have transformed our lives in waysthat tend to lead us to grave consequences. Though I am in support ofRushdie’s claims that there is nothing real about reality shows,his self-alienation from the programs may not seem to fully solve hisproblem with the shows. In reality, it appears to be as if he isescaping from the problem caused by the television revolution and theawkwardness displayed in the programs aired by the presenters. Hisclaims could entirely be true, but I, like Pariser, have to admitthat “there is no going back to the old gatekeepers.” I believethat each person has some level of control over the influence thatthe television and other forms of media have on our daily activities.
That the internet is a source of brain drain is a magnified claim.Yes, I have with time realized how the search engines can killcreativity and critical thinking, but who is to blame? I likedPinker’s point of argument that our brains’ conditioning andoperation cannot fully be mechanized or transformed by what we see orhear from the media sources. The technology and machines exist, butour brains are independent if we allow them to function as such. Iuse the internet often, but I have what it takes to control all formsof negativity that arise due to the effects of social media.
I particularly marveled at the reflection of Turkle (236) regardingthe use of Skype and how it has improved communication. This is justone way in which our world has changed. We are never really so farapart. Globalization is real and I have learnt that in as much asthere may be negative impacts, we are the regulators of how we usethese platforms, media and the items such as music that can besourced from such sites. Eberstadt’s (19-32) detailed arguments arereal, but in my opinion, I believe that regulatory measures can beput on inappropriate music lyrics. In summary, I have realized thatthe supreme controller of the impacts of the internet and technologyis the user. Developers only produce and launch their products. It isup you and me to determine how best we utilize these resources whileeliminating ourselves from the negative impacts. Technology is notbad per se.
Works Cited
Eberstadt, Mary. Eminem is Right- the primal scream of teenagemusic. Policy Review. 2004. Internet Source.
Pariser, Eli. When the Internet Thinks its Knows You. New YorkTimes. 2011. Web. December 30, 2016.<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/opinion/23pariser.html?mwrsm=Eail>.
Pinker, Steven. Mind over Mass Media. New York Times. 2010.Web. December 30, 2016.<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/opinion/11Pinker.html>
Rushdie, Salman. Reality TV: a dearth of talent and the death ofmorality. United Kingdom: The Guardian. 2001. Web. December 30,2016.<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2001/jun/09/salmanrushdie?CMP=share_btn_link>
Turtle, Sherry. Connectivity and its Discontents. 1948.Internet Source.
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