Journal 3

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. 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 still carful about even facebook, and other forms of social media, but I’m attached to my phone for email, and direct access to the Internet. I understand the need for connection that many people crave through gaming or even to keep in touch through something as simple as facebook, I’m still a little apprehensive about diving in head first with all the latest in social media. No twitter for me as of right now. Building a blog is exciting. Part of what excited me 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, that’s brilliant. Make in fun, more engaging, and get to know more about the people you talk with regularly but never see. Saving money on travel I’m sure was a plus for them. The negative effects also made me think. The way they spoke of South Korea, and the addiction aspect. There are many pros and cons that should be contemplated.  The rate of upgrade and change is growing exponentially and is impossible to keep up with. It seems like there should be more acknowledgement on the potential hazards. In an educational environment I love the idea. One thing I can safely say is the Internet and now our extreme dependence on it is necessary to stay in touch even at the most basic level. This is the point of no return. How will we move forward?