Looking back on what all I have learned from this class, I have learned countless facts about technology as a whole, especially the benefits and drawbacks of posting personal information on the internet. For example, I learned that the internet can have a massive impact on both group dynamics and specific individuals. However, out of everything discussed during the semester, I would have to say that the most memorable lesson would have to be based around the consequences, both good and bad, from participating in online communities. While these “chat rooms” can allow for some individuals to find friends from other countries, they could also permit other people to post blogs about people in their lives that may permanently harm their reputation. What makes this worse is that once the harmful blog is posted on the internet, it can not ever be deleted.
I have also learned, due to the class assignments, that technology is even more advanced in today’s world than many people can possibly realize. It is simply overwhelming that certain forms of technology that didn’t exist several years ago, such as cell phones and online chat sessions, have become such important parts of everyday life. Despite all of these technological advances, researchers should really consider asking themselves some important questions in order to prevent people from becoming completely dependent on cell phones and the internet. For instance, they could ask themselves questions like: 1) should we monitor what is posted on these online conversations so nothing inappropriate is revealed? and 2) should limits be put on how long these chats last? These questions and many more could easily help the internet, and potentially all forms of technology, to progress.
You bring up a good point about how we need to be more aware of putting personal information online. When I was growing up, my parents were very strict about when I could be online, what websites I could go on, and other things. I didn’t even have a cell phone until I was 13, and it certainly wasn’t “smart”! Now, with the internet on almost everyone’s phone, I think schools need to be very proactive in educating students about the dangers of technology.
I definitely agree that this course has exposed me to things about the internet I never knew about. It has been interesting finding about all of this existing information and research. I do agree that use of communities was a very interesting a memorable topic in this class. I never knew they were as popular as this course has revealed. It is really interesting to see technology developing at such a rapid pace.
You pointed out important thing about posting publicly private information that may be harmful in the future. Just like what we learned from the readings throughout the course semester, we must be careful in what we post whether it is photos, or writing posts in the end not all people are there to meet with new people and socialized, there are sick people who like to hurt the others and use their information to ruin their reputation. And don’t forget that in some SNSs such as Facebook your freinds freinds can read your comments and see your photos, so becaful expecially when you join an online community that you never knew its members offline or know anything about them except the things that they want you to know and read about them.