Baym-Baym suggests that those individuals that did not grow up with the internet will continue to minimize the importance of it along with the usage of cellphones. Further, noting that along with being, “savvy interpreters of the messages in popular medial and interactions instead of taking them at face value.” By this I think we are in to realize that we cannot take all blogs, FB Posts, or SMS communication to heart and will have to work harder at clear, concise communication through technology.
Smith evaluates the usage of cell phones, particularly comparing smartphone users to regular cellphone users. What was interesting here was the gap of internet activity from each type of user with contributing factors such as age and ethnicity. One key factor to why 83% of Americans are using smart phones is to have quick access to the information that they need. Communication is the driver for the success and desire to have a cellphone of any type. However, the luxuries of internet, text, and mobile phone access are favorable by young ages 18-29 are using all functions of the phones features, while older people are not utilizing the features to their full potential.
boyd & Hargittai address the issue of privacy. This is a huge issue that is affiliated with the “e” world as a whole. More than ever people are exchanging personal/private/intimate information rapidly with a large audience. Facebook is one of the larger SNS’s available for individuals to self disclose. The issue of privacy did not become big until Facebook’s appeal to businesses and apps came about. With the extension of employers and businesses using the social network to reach consumers, the limit of sharing was basically Friends, Friends of Friends, No one, or specific Networks specified by the users. However, with the implementation of Apps, Marketing, News Feeds, & Like buttons users are now connected more than ever. Facebook offers the users privacy options but the “settings” are questionable. Most high traffic users of Facebook do not limit their privacy because they are sending and receiving the information they want. Therefore, they are willing to dismiss the privacy issue.
After reading the articles above the main problems we will see grow in 5 years is the interest in technology. There are so many versions of computers, cellphones, and within each piece of technology 1,000’s of options to communicate with friends, strangers, and family. It will be challenging to keep the users engaged and we will become more distracted. The communication ties and quality of relationships are also going to be in a test to see if the users will still be connected with the same people
Distraction is an interesting topic. I’ve noticed that even when watching TV, I’m constantly checking my phone. I’m paying less attention to both mediums now, but multi-tasking has become almost second nature to me now. I’ve also noticed that only very few apps stay on my phone for more than a couple of weeks, as I get bored with them easily. Throw away technology may become the norm if it becomes easier to create and distribute applications.
It’s no secret that the younger generations are more apt to use new technology to its full potential. It’s funny because my dad finally figured out how to text and email on his work blackberry. But if you ask him to look up a movie time on it or download a funny YouTube clip, you will blow his mind. And he refused to go beyond a certain point. I’ve tried explaining to him that he can use GPS on his phone if he’s not in the car and he gets lost while visiting a new city. But still he refuses. I think the older generations can only handle so much.
The young are using technology because of the fads and the yearn to stay cool. Technology is become the norm and people especially youth are not really considered with privacy. It has become a big because everyone feel they cannot live without their phones, tablets etc. If you want into a room where people are sitting watching TV you will notice that most of them are interacting with technology devices instead of watching a movie. Also if a teacher gave a lecture and then gave a pop quiz on the material many people will not pass it. We use technology throughout the day no matter our location or the time.
Like you stated, I also noticed that there is not a high level of privacy in relation to web pages now. Participants in sites such as Facebook or Twitter are more willing to reveal their true selves to others than ever before. Perhaps this helps to gain the trust of the other members so they can have more people to whom they can relate. Unfortunately, this could easily provide identity theives with a golden opportunity. These ill-intended people could potentially ruin the reputation of innocent civilians without warning. This is why some facts should never be published in a location that is readily available to the public.
Only 35% of Americans are using smartphones as a way of obtaining information, so we still have a ways to go. I don’t think anyone else directly mentioned that the biggest trend is the increasing interest and use of technology. Though, it is certainly true and ingrained in our visions of the future, it is a striking number. As we grow together, the majority of society will adopt these technologies.