Social Interaction

When it comes to social interaction the internet can be good and bad. I really can't choose sides on this argument because I have had an experience where the internet fostered my social interaction and hindered it. I believe the interpretation one has on social interaction can sway a persons argument also. I define social interaction as communicating with people plain and simple. One might argue that chatting online or tweeting is not social interaction but in some cases I believe it is. When companies market their products they have advertise to a wide range of audiences. They do this by communicating with people via multiple media sources. I see that as a form of social interaction. Another example would be me enjoying playing video games online. I feel that if I do not have my headset on then I am not communicating with the other players. It is still a form of social interaction because there are multiple people in one game setting playing together but but the verbal communication is lost. I think the problem arises with social interaction when people are on their electronic devices in public places and there is no person to person interaction. I can see how that can be a problem because our society is so engaged in our technology we lose connecting with people on a personal level and seeing who they really are. It is so easy to alter who you are on the internet because people only see that one side of you. I met a girl on facebook and after a some exchanging of messages we eventually dated. We met up and went on a few dates but she turned out to be not the person she was portraying or that I thought I knew. So yes you can interact with a wider range of people but until you see that person eye to eye, you will never know who they really are or what they are all about.

CBS Thought

CBS correspondent Jeff Greenfield's statement that information users should have a love for story telling, a love of clear vivid language and a respect for history does matter and is also agreeable. Even though the method in which people receive information has changed the overall purpose is still the same. That purpose is to tell a story and to read the information to grasp a full vivid understanding of the content. The respect for history comes when information users realize how the method of giving and receiving information has progressed. Coming from paper press and type writers to online subscriptions and tablets amazes me. To see how far technology has progressed and I was only born in the 90's is baffling. I do believe that no matter how advanced our society gets we will always appreciate those 3 things Jeff Greenfield stated. Look at it like this, people watch and listen to the news to hear about the stories. Whether it be past, present or future, people will read or listen to a story and will have love for the clear vivid language of the text or speaker. It is all about getting the people to understand and that will never change. I see it as reading a book with all periods and no other punctuation marks. The punctuation marks are suppose to emphasize the emotion in the text and makes reading fun and understandable. Without them the book would be boring and monotone. Secondly, without other punctuation marks, there is not a clear understanding of how the author or character felt. Who likes reading a book that they don't understand? So yes, I do agree with Jeff Greenfield for that very reason.

Media Junkie

According to the internet junkie test I am a frequent user of the internet. I need to reevaluate the time I spend on the internet because it could lead to problems within my life. I believe the test was kind of accurate because I believe I spend approximately 12-15 hours on the internet whether I notice or not. I spend most of my leisure time playing Call of Duty or NBA 2K13 online with other playstation 3 users. Seeing how I do not have cable, the time I spend watching television is based around the internet as well. I am huge Netflixer (if that's a word) . So the time I spend off my game console,Netflix is surely on. I am not a huge social network person though. I occasionally check my Facebook or Twitter during class when I am bored but I rarely use it at home. Please do not think I only use the internet for my entertainment because I am a student and need the internet for my classes. Whether it be checking my grades or doing research for a paper. I would say the internet was the best thing invented since lights.