Comments for A Virtual Unknown http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown Beating a path through the digital wilderness Sun, 27 May 2012 02:36:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Social networks looking grayer by Deborah Kearns http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/02/16/social-networks-looking-grayer/comment-page-1/#comment-3527 Deborah Kearns Sun, 27 May 2012 02:36:35 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1485#comment-3527 I think Facebook's novelty has worn off for most college-aged users. FB allows me to stay in touch with friends/relatives whom I don’t see often, but I don’t have time to constantly check it; there's just too much information and noise to sort through (not to mention the constant site changes and privacy issues). Sites like Instagram and Pinterest are gaining popularity because they offer more visual representations of a person’s life and their personalities. The key to longevity (if there is such a thing in today’s tech world) for these sites is to constantly innovate their products – or face extinction. I think Facebook’s novelty has worn off for most college-aged users. FB allows me to stay in touch with friends/relatives whom I don’t see often, but I don’t have time to constantly check it; there’s just too much information and noise to sort through (not to mention the constant site changes and privacy issues). Sites like Instagram and Pinterest are gaining popularity because they offer more visual representations of a person’s life and their personalities. The key to longevity (if there is such a thing in today’s tech world) for these sites is to constantly innovate their products – or face extinction.

]]> Comment on OMG! Life is calling by Jim Willis http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/05/15/omg-life-intervening/comment-page-1/#comment-3519 Jim Willis Mon, 21 May 2012 19:49:36 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1558#comment-3519 Thanks for the post, Deborah. I remember asking myself back in 1992: What happens to interpersonal communication when you take the personalities out of it? The reason I was concerned about it then is that when I started getting into e-mail as a form of communication and realized the medium is lousy for non-verbals. Thanks for the post, Deborah. I remember asking myself back in 1992: What happens to interpersonal communication when you take the personalities out of it? The reason I was concerned about it then is that when I started getting into e-mail as a form of communication and realized the medium is lousy for non-verbals.

]]> Comment on OMG! Life is calling by Jim Willis http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/05/15/omg-life-intervening/comment-page-1/#comment-3518 Jim Willis Mon, 21 May 2012 19:48:00 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1558#comment-3518 It is quicker, Jeff, admittedly. The question, of course, is what are we giving up in the way of human interaction, just to shoot short bursts of text which are often insignificant at best. Many positive uses for new technology are out there, of course. It is quicker, Jeff, admittedly. The question, of course, is what are we giving up in the way of human interaction, just to shoot short bursts of text which are often insignificant at best. Many positive uses for new technology are out there, of course.

]]> Comment on OMG! Life is calling by Jim Willis http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/05/15/omg-life-intervening/comment-page-1/#comment-3517 Jim Willis Mon, 21 May 2012 19:46:29 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1558#comment-3517 You're right, Kathelin. We are in danger of drowning in our addictions. But there is no turning back the clock on technology so we're going to have to figure out how to use it for good and minimize the negative aspects of it. Thanks for the post. You’re right, Kathelin. We are in danger of drowning in our addictions. But there is no turning back the clock on technology so we’re going to have to figure out how to use it for good and minimize the negative aspects of it. Thanks for the post.

]]> Comment on OMG! Life is calling by Kathelin Buxton http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/05/15/omg-life-intervening/comment-page-1/#comment-3516 Kathelin Buxton Mon, 21 May 2012 03:58:57 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1558#comment-3516 We are drowning in our addictions. The evolution of media and technology has led to an environment where many people feel tethered to staying connected and in tune with media and society; usually this involves the internet in some regard. There is this notion that we have to be available 24/7 because technology has afforded us this opportunity. This has also sparked the demand for instant gratification. We want news and updates where we want at any given time, no matter what. The media landscape has had to evolve to satisfy this need. I know I complain about having to make myself available whenever someone reaches out to me, but we do it to ourselves. There’s no one putting a gun to my head forcing me to check my email before I get out of bed in the morning, or answer the phone just because it rings. It has become an addition, this environment of constant communication has compelled us to get sucked in and follow the trend, regardless of what we would prefer to do. I like having the option to be connected and absorb media at any time of the day whether on TV, radio or the internet, but hate that I feel a sense of obligation on occasion to stay tuned in or logged on. We are drowning in our addictions. The evolution of media and technology has led to an environment where many people feel tethered to staying connected and in tune with media and society; usually this involves the internet in some regard. There is this notion that we have to be available 24/7 because technology has afforded us this opportunity. This has also sparked the demand for instant gratification. We want news and updates where we want at any given time, no matter what. The media landscape has had to evolve to satisfy this need. I know I complain about having to make myself available whenever someone reaches out to me, but we do it to ourselves. There’s no one putting a gun to my head forcing me to check my email before I get out of bed in the morning, or answer the phone just because it rings. It has become an addition, this environment of constant communication has compelled us to get sucked in and follow the trend, regardless of what we would prefer to do. I like having the option to be connected and absorb media at any time of the day whether on TV, radio or the internet, but hate that I feel a sense of obligation on occasion to stay tuned in or logged on.

]]> Comment on OMG! Life is calling by Jeff Ritter http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/05/15/omg-life-intervening/comment-page-1/#comment-3515 Jeff Ritter Mon, 21 May 2012 01:49:47 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1558#comment-3515 I too am addicted to my smart phone and can not imagine a going without it. I fell naked if I reach down to my pocket and don't feel it there. I can't remember the last time I committed a phone number to memory, used a map to look up directions or check in the newspaper to find out movie times. Here in Florida, we even have a prominent lawyer that runs ads reminding people not to text and drive. The internet does create a wealth of modern day convenience and helps us to connect to people in ways never imaginable before, it still can take away many shared experiences we used to have from things like NBC's "must see TV" and going to the movies. Although we miss out on human interaction and face to face contact, it's still a lot quicker and easier to pick up your phone and shoot a quick text or email. I too am addicted to my smart phone and can not imagine a going without it. I fell naked if I reach down to my pocket and don’t feel it there. I can’t remember the last time I committed a phone number to memory, used a map to look up directions or check in the newspaper to find out movie times. Here in Florida, we even have a prominent lawyer that runs ads reminding people not to text and drive. The internet does create a wealth of modern day convenience and helps us to connect to people in ways never imaginable before, it still can take away many shared experiences we used to have from things like NBC’s “must see TV” and going to the movies. Although we miss out on human interaction and face to face contact, it’s still a lot quicker and easier to pick up your phone and shoot a quick text or email.

]]> Comment on OMG! Life is calling by Deborah Kearns http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/05/15/omg-life-intervening/comment-page-1/#comment-3514 Deborah Kearns Sun, 20 May 2012 04:03:06 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1558#comment-3514 Your post is spot-on. I think we, as a society, have become way too attached to our mobile devices and social media networks. I've gone out with friends to be ignored for nearly the entire dinner or lunch while they update their Facebook status or exchange texts/emails. Don't get me wrong; connectivity and the information we can access in the mobile format is amazing and convenient. But, sometimes, it's too convenient, and people forget to enjoy the live company of those around them (as well as forgetting their manners, but that's a whole other blog post). You mention one of my biggest pet peeves: texting while *insert activity here.* Texting while driving is illegal in Colorado, but much like a good majority of the traffic laws, that is plainly ignored. I see so many people texting during my morning/afternoon commutes and it makes me wonder: "Is that message really so important that you cannot wait until you get home and are wanton in risking your life and mine for the sake of it?" The answer nine times out of 10 is probably a "no," but people do it anyway. It's an unfortunate side effect of our zombie-like addiction to our smartphones and the pretense of needing to be in the know 24/7. Interpersonal communication loses something in the digital medium. You cannot interpret body language, tone, facial expressions and emotions as readily as you can when you converse with someone face-to-face. Also, it's a lonely existence - in my opinion - when technology replaces the companionship you could be enjoying with the person in front of you. That's the reason I shut my phone off completely (gasp!) when I go on a date with my husband, attend a dinner party with friends, or when it's time for a precious mommy/daughter outing with my little one. While I admit to checking my email and keeping an eye on what my friends are up to on social networks, I also enjoy being incommunicado and unreachable at times. I think it's about balance and knowing your limits. Incidentally, I feel less stressed and burdened when I'm not constantly checking texts, emails and Facebook feeds. The information overload one experiences through that little smartphone can be, at times, simply exhausting. Life is too short to let it pass you by. Unplug. Go off the grid. Get out and cherish the people and things you love; your smartphone (and the constant noise it generates in the form of too much information) will still be there when you get back. Your post is spot-on. I think we, as a society, have become way too attached to our mobile devices and social media networks. I’ve gone out with friends to be ignored for nearly the entire dinner or lunch while they update their Facebook status or exchange texts/emails. Don’t get me wrong; connectivity and the information we can access in the mobile format is amazing and convenient. But, sometimes, it’s too convenient, and people forget to enjoy the live company of those around them (as well as forgetting their manners, but that’s a whole other blog post). You mention one of my biggest pet peeves: texting while *insert activity here.* Texting while driving is illegal in Colorado, but much like a good majority of the traffic laws, that is plainly ignored. I see so many people texting during my morning/afternoon commutes and it makes me wonder: “Is that message really so important that you cannot wait until you get home and are wanton in risking your life and mine for the sake of it?” The answer nine times out of 10 is probably a “no,” but people do it anyway. It’s an unfortunate side effect of our zombie-like addiction to our smartphones and the pretense of needing to be in the know 24/7.

Interpersonal communication loses something in the digital medium. You cannot interpret body language, tone, facial expressions and emotions as readily as you can when you converse with someone face-to-face. Also, it’s a lonely existence – in my opinion – when technology replaces the companionship you could be enjoying with the person in front of you. That’s the reason I shut my phone off completely (gasp!) when I go on a date with my husband, attend a dinner party with friends, or when it’s time for a precious mommy/daughter outing with my little one. While I admit to checking my email and keeping an eye on what my friends are up to on social networks, I also enjoy being incommunicado and unreachable at times. I think it’s about balance and knowing your limits. Incidentally, I feel less stressed and burdened when I’m not constantly checking texts, emails and Facebook feeds. The information overload one experiences through that little smartphone can be, at times, simply exhausting.

Life is too short to let it pass you by. Unplug. Go off the grid. Get out and cherish the people and things you love; your smartphone (and the constant noise it generates in the form of too much information) will still be there when you get back.

]]> Comment on Missing the point of Kony 2012 by N'Higel Blackwell http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/03/22/missing-the-point-of-kony-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-3508 N'Higel Blackwell Sat, 05 May 2012 08:46:37 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1506#comment-3508 I completely agree with this article. Although we have learned about this cause and want to take out this atrocity of a man, some of us have definitely missed the point of why we are doing this. Firstly, I know many people who are participating because they think its "cool". But this is not why we should be going about this. Also, even I am guilty of seeing Russell on the news and wondering if I should still trust this man and his organization. When I saw what was going on with him, I completely forgot what I had seen about Kony a few days before on YouTube. All I could think about was how crazy this man looked in the middle of the street with no clothes on. I think we are all guilty of one thing or another when it comes to being apart of a cause. I completely agree with this article. Although we have learned about this cause and want to take out this atrocity of a man, some of us have definitely missed the point of why we are doing this. Firstly, I know many people who are participating because they think its “cool”. But this is not why we should be going about this. Also, even I am guilty of seeing Russell on the news and wondering if I should still trust this man and his organization. When I saw what was going on with him, I completely forgot what I had seen about Kony a few days before on YouTube. All I could think about was how crazy this man looked in the middle of the street with no clothes on. I think we are all guilty of one thing or another when it comes to being apart of a cause.

]]> Comment on The Billion Dollar Baby by N'Higel Blackwell http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/04/09/the-billion-dollar-baby/comment-page-1/#comment-3507 N'Higel Blackwell Sat, 05 May 2012 08:42:19 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1521#comment-3507 Being that Instagram is an everyday part of my life, I did have an opinion on this matter before the news and media made a big deal about it. Although the cost of this simple app seems a bit much, I completely think that Instagram deserves the amount that Facebook offered for it. Instragram has blown up and taken the world by storm over the last few months. People were even changing cell phones and cell phone service carriers to be able to have this app. However, I am hoping that now that Facebook has it's grubby little hands on it, it does not attempt to pollute Instragram with its filthy ads like it does on its own website. Being that Instagram is an everyday part of my life, I did have an opinion on this matter before the news and media made a big deal about it. Although the cost of this simple app seems a bit much, I completely think that Instagram deserves the amount that Facebook offered for it. Instragram has blown up and taken the world by storm over the last few months. People were even changing cell phones and cell phone service carriers to be able to have this app. However, I am hoping that now that Facebook has it’s grubby little hands on it, it does not attempt to pollute Instragram with its filthy ads like it does on its own website.

]]> Comment on Digitalizing April 19, 1995 by N'Higel Blackwell http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/2012/04/19/digitalizing-april-19-1995/comment-page-1/#comment-3506 N'Higel Blackwell Sat, 05 May 2012 08:36:30 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/virtualunknown/?p=1535#comment-3506 I always baffles me that people can take away innocent lives without a second thought or care that many more people are being hurt and affected by this decision. Sometimes I wonder do people like McVeigh know the impact they will have on people's lives forever. One interesting part of this article is adding Facebook and social networking into the mix and what the possible results could have been. I believe, if Facebook was the entity that it is today in 1995, support for the families would have been much more abundant from really far away places. I always baffles me that people can take away innocent lives without a second thought or care that many more people are being hurt and affected by this decision. Sometimes I wonder do people like McVeigh know the impact they will have on people’s lives forever. One interesting part of this article is adding Facebook and social networking into the mix and what the possible results could have been. I believe, if Facebook was the entity that it is today in 1995, support for the families would have been much more abundant from really far away places.

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