COMS 203 by star ezeano

Expectations from this course & Why I enrolled in this class

psezeano — 2024-05-08 17:22:45 UTC

The term "new" media makes me immediately think of what it means in a capitalistic society. What was once an innovative way to share and spread information, express ideas, provoke reactions, and entertain masses has changed in a subtle way. As a result of globalization, the world is more connected than ever. There is a lot of discourse surrounding the negative implications of an increase of media consumption. Media is now a tool that can be used. All the same things people were doing before are still being done today, except there is a whole layer of strategy that has been added. The utter lack of media literacy is intentional. All in all my understanding of "new" media is the way in which people (could be singular/ plural) exert their influence or control.

To be honest, I enrolled into this class because it fulfills a requirement for my degree.

I am hoping to get a better understanding of communication and media studies as a disciple. I'm interested in learning about the leading theorists in the field as well as enriching the ideas I already have.

To what extent is privacy a concern for you as a user of communications technology and new media? How has privacy as a concern changed over time?

psezeano — 2024-05-13 17:17:05 UTC

Privacy is a huge concern for me as an individual in an ever digital society. I have noticed recently that there has been an emphasis in gathering data for the purposes of selling. Advertising is almost political in almost every industry, consciously and unconsciously. With that in mind I know a lot of corporations are looking for any way to gather data on me, all in hopes turning a profit. If and when my data is being collected it is being sold to corporations. These ads that were once randomized become strategic in the way they target my interests. It's dangerous because it changes the use of platforms.

Privacy has changed as a concern because- to me- I am no longer a user but a potential consumer. It changes the ways in which creators, producers, and developers make software.

What has been some of the hype about new media, in terms of the expectation that it is able to change everything, typically for the better? What has been some of the counter-hype?

psezeano — 2024-05-15 17:30:17 UTC

There has been a lot of excitement surrounding new media, with many people thinking it can improve everything. It is widely anticipated that this will revolutionize communication. Social media networks allow us to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at any time. This has enabled the quick spread of ideas and information and "shrunk" the world. I used the word shrunk because it implies an erasure of borders. Distance is no longer a factor. The hype around higher education is another. Learning is now more accessible thanks to new media technologies like educational apps and online courses. Nowadays, people can attend classes at highly regarded institutions without ever leaving their homes. This might create more opportunities and level the playing field for everyone. There is counter-hype, though. Some claim that positive developments aren't necessarily the result of new media. One big worry, for example, is the spread of false information and fake news. On social media, misleading information can spread quickly, causing confusion and even harm in real life. And last, there are privacy issues. Due to the widespread sharing of personal information online, there is a chance that information may be misused or stolen. Some people find it bothersome that companies are able to track our internet behaviour and utilize it for targeted advertising.

What are your thoughts on the debate about whether dependance on mobile devices (and other new media technologies) has resulted in an unhealthy relationship with these technologies? Give an example in support of your argument.

psezeano — 2024-05-24 19:08:52 UTC

It's a fascinating discussion whether relying too much on mobile devices and other new media technology has resulted in unhealthy relationships. On the one hand, these technological advancements have made life far easier. We are able to stay in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, interact immediately, and find information quickly. But I do believe that dependency can get out of control. The impact of social media on our mental health is one obvious example. A lot of people browse through applications like TikTok and Instagram for hours at a time. Many compare their life to the supposedly ideal lives they see online, which can create feelings of inferiority or anxiety. Excessive use of social media has been linked to loneliness and depression, according to studies. Our attention spans and mobile gadgets are two more examples. Even in social situations, it's typical to see people glued to their phones. Focusing on work and conversations in real life may become challenging as a result. We shouldn't use our phones late at night because it can disrupt our circadian rhythms and be damaging to our health. All things considered, even while new media and cellphones offer multiple benefits, it's crucial to understand how they impact our wellbeing. Establishing boundaries and exercising caution when using technology can help maintain a positive relationship between us and it.

How do you think advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) will transform the creative industries, and what are the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into fields such as art, music, film, and design?

psezeano — 2024-05-29 17:21:56 UTC

Artificial intelligence (AI) developments, in my opinion, will have a significant influence on the creative sectors. AI has the exciting potential to change many aspects of art, music, entertainment, and design. For example, depending on certain "commands", AI can help artists by coming up with ideas or even making complete works of art. This could encourage artists to experiment with new looks and methods that they had not previously thought about. AI is capable of creating tracks, proposing harmonies, and writing songs. This gives musicians new avenues for experimentation and creative partnership with AI. The legitimacy of content generated by AI presents a challenge. When a machine plays a significant role in the creative process, there may be disagreements on what qualifies as "genuine" art or music. Concerns over AI-generated works losing their human element and emotional depth may also exist.

What are your three main take aways from the video?

psezeano — 2024-06-03 17:29:51 UTC

the job market is expanding in a way that hasn't been seen before
following the traditional route isn't the only way to make lots of money
there is sacrifices that one will only know about once they are in a specific industry

Try to discover the country of origin of the product you are using right now. Such as your laptop, clothing, backpack, apps in your phone, etc. Try to account for raw materials and multiple points of origin for complex items with embedded components, as discussed in Naomi Klein's video. Identify how much- if anything -is "made in Canada." What do your conclusions suggest about Canada's role in the knowledge economy?

psezeano — 2024-06-06 04:45:12 UTC

Thinking back to where my MacBook came from helps me understand the worldwide supply systems that shape modern products. Even though Apple is an American firm, several nations are involved in the manufacturing and assembly of my MacBook. The display panel is from Japan, the memory chips are from Taiwan, the processor is probably from South Korea, and the final assembly is usually done in China. Even the basic materials used in electronics, like rare earth metals, may come from different parts of South America and Africa. Interestingly, hardly much of the stuff I use on a daily basis is marked as "made in Canada." This demonstrates how Canada's manufacturing sector is comparatively smaller than that of the US or China. Alternatively, the knowledge economy is Canada's strongest asset. Particularly in areas like biotechnology, advanced manufacturing processes, and artificial intelligence, the nation leads the world in research, innovation, and technical progress. Canadian knowledge plays a major role in high-tech businesses and worldwide supply chains, demonstrating its leadership in intellectual contributions as opposed to traditional manufacturing.

Where have you seen examples of this in the media? Additionally have you experienced a situation in your own life where a dominant narrative has overshadowed your identity or personal story? How did it affect you, and what can be done to ensure more balanced storytelling in media?

psezeano — 2024-06-17 17:14:02 UTC

I have also been in a situation where my story was overshadowed by a dominant narrative. In my school growing up, there was a misconception that students from particular neighbourhoods weren't as intelligent or driven. At times, this presumption made it more difficult for me to get recognition for my own contributions and skills. It felt like certain students were only recognized for their athletic ability and weren't considered in intellectual conversations. It was annoying as it seemed like a skewed, overarching narrative was overshadowing my individual accomplishments.

My determination to prove myself was strengthened by this experience, but it also helped me appreciate the impact and destructiveness of a single story. We need to offer a variety of voices and viewpoints in order to guarantee more fair storytelling in the media. I think growing up around childhood from a variety of backgrounds makes the world of a difference when it comes to eliminating stereotypes early. I believe it is critical to support media outlets in featuring narratives from a range of backgrounds and experiences. It might also be beneficial to support independent media and artists who present novel perspectives. As consumers, we also have the ability to discover and pass on a greater variety of narratives, which contributes to a more complex comprehension of the world. By doing this, we may contribute to dispelling myths and creating a story that is more truthful and inclusive.

psezeano — 2024-06-17 17:18:20 UTC

How does this documentary tie into any of the concepts you have learned in this term in COMS 203?

psezeano — 2024-06-17 17:50:10 UTC

The "The Dark Side of Social Media" documentary touches on a number of important ideas from this COMS 203 course. The influence of AI on how we interact with the internet is one important topic. Social media companies curate our feeds by using advanced AI algorithms to present us stuff that is relevant to our interests and consumption habits. Although personalization has the potential to improve user experience, it can also lead to echo chambers where we are only exposed to data that validates our preexisting opinions. This could decrease exposure to opposing viewpoints and further divide opinions.

Another important topic covered in the video and our classroom discussions is misinformation. Because social media algorithms frequently favour dramatic and emotionally charged content, social media has turned into a haven for the spread of false information. This may cause false information to spread quickly and have negative effects on the real world. We looked at how disinformation can sway public opinion and possibly have an impact on political or electoral systems.

Understanding the history of communication changes with the help of technological advancement, especially with regard to the telephone. While direct communication was revolutionized by the telephone, social media has allowed for immediate, worldwide engagement. Nevertheless, there are disadvantages to this ease of use, such the possibility of cyberbullying and the need to uphold a particular online persona.

What could be the possible drawbacks of a manual switch? Or largely a manual transmission system?

psezeano — 2024-06-17 22:51:00 UTC

Reading this question made me immediately think of the evolution of tv's. Some drawbacks:

First, manual switches can wear out over time. I remember having to physically press a button every time I wanted to change a channel or adjust the volume, it was either those buttons broke or stoped working well. This is less likely with remote controls or touch screens, which don’t get as much wear and tear
Second, it is less convenient to use manual switches. You must get up and walk to the TV if you want to change the station while you're seated on the couch. Staying comfortable and effortlessly making adjustments from a distance can be done with voice controlled remote or a regular one
Additionally, manual switches have fewer options. Smart devices and modern remote controllers are much more capable than simple on/off switches. They have the ability to connect to other smart home devices, change settings, and access streaming services. That is too much for a basic manual switch to pull off

Overall, while manual switches are simple and reliable, they don’t offer the same convenience and functionality as more modern options.

psezeano — 2024-06-18 01:56:22 UTC

psezeano — 2024-06-18 02:30:43 UTC

Aldridge and Colleagues (2002) distinguish among three main types of social capital. Discuss these, identify examples of these in your own work and life, and consider the implications for you (and others).

psezeano — 2024-06-18 03:17:16 UTC

There are 3 different types of social capital I believe are:

Bonding Social Capital: This has to do with relationships within a close-knit community, such as friends or family. It encourages support, trust, and a feeling of community. In my experience, bonds with close friends and family provide common values and emotional support, which is a form of bonding social capital.
Bridging Social Capital: This kind speaks of relationships between diverse individuals or groups. It encourages communication of ideas, variety, and understanding. Networks with coworkers from different cultures and involvement in community organizations are two examples.
Linking Social Capital: Relationships with formal institutions, such as organizations or government agencies, are involved in this. It gives consumers access to opportunities and resources outside of their immediate networks. In my work, professional associations and partnerships with partners in academia or industry demonstrate how to link social capital.

Comprehending various forms of social capital promotes the development of dependable interpersonal connections, encourages diversity and originality, and provides access to avenues for career advancement. Maintaining a balance between these social capital types can strengthen networks, increase resilience, and positively impact both career and personal satisfaction.