Gass1           

Christopher Gass

Professor Kelly Warren

ENC 1102

February 19^th, 2013

                                                  Response to Digital Nation

Digital Nation was extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation.  Although there is much controversy surrounding digital media and its impact on the world we live in, it is a subject that needs to be addressed. The opposition finds it more challenging to see the possible positive benefits of being so well connected. There are more than just a few benefits of using social media to our advantage. The Educational aspect is huge. How we can a collective can use our digital nation as a tremendous tool for educational improvement. Big business also stands to benefit from being on the cutting edge of staying connected, making a better work environment for other wise bored employees. The amount of relationships that have developed from the introduction of the internet is astronomical. There is no possible way to survive in today’s modern life with out being plugged in or connected in one way or another.

The opposition has any number of reasons why being so plugged in may pose more harm than good. This is the question that we face.  At a time when technology is moving at an exponential rate, these questions need to be addressed. Who are we as a people, and are we headed in a healthy direction with so much time spent online. Is the time online taking us away from human interaction? In South Korea the amount of time spent online or gaming has now led to addiction centers for young people who have become so immersed in gaming they would spend days at a time consumed by one game.

The educational aspect has improved in schools throughout the country. The numbers say that math and reading scores have increased due to having access to internet in the class room. Teachers have complained about skills sets not being up to par, but in the right circumstance it has been proven to teach kids in away that has never really been done before until this last decade. According to Digital nation reading scores are up 40%, and math scores are up 50% in particular school districts. Especially today, kids learn so differently. The brain is stimulated, and you now have multiple ways to engage children that would other wise be left behind.

Part of what excited me most about digital nation was the idea of virtual worlds. Not in a gaming aspect, but more for using these tools in a business environment. I know plenty of people that work from home, and have their teams they meet with a few times a week on conference calls. When I saw what IMB was doing with second life, I thought to myself, brilliant. Corporate settings are loosing ground, unless your working for Google, most people don’t love their cubicles. With Options like virtual workspaces, just like education, you are again instantly engaged. Making it fun, while getting to know the people you talk with regularly, but rarely get to meet. Further more there are other options for keeping in touch with your neighbor.

Building a blog is exciting, just another way to share your life online. Many relationships form online with or without intention, but they are happening left and right. These could be professional relationships or romantic involvement. I read that forty million Americans have attempted online dating, and many of these first dates lead to successful marriage and family. Sometimes just meeting a kindred spirit, a close friend, or someone who you can share  hobbies with.

Digital Nation was extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation. It’s interesting how you don’t seem to be given much of a choice especially when if your younger, or being raised in this environment that is by most defaults somehow connected in one way or another. A question to ask is weather this huge phenomenon is doing more harm than good. I personally kicked and screamed when it came to the idea of being “connected”. I could not stand the idea of being plugged in, this was about six years ago. I waited as long as possible, even to get something as simple as an email address. One day it just hit me, there is no possible way to survive in today’s society without some connection or plug in.

                  I’m attached to my phone for email, and direct access to the Internet. I understand the need for connection.  I originally kicked and screamed when it came to the idea of being “connected”. I could not stand the idea of being plugged in; this was about six years ago. I waited as long as possible, even to get something as simple as an email address. One day it just hit me, there is no possible way to survive in today’s society without some connection or plug in.