I have not had much experience with non-english languages on the internet, nor have I have given much thought to the fact that the internet appears to be mainly written in English. However, I found Baym’s assertion that the predominance of the english language to be “further colonization of poor nations by those with greater wealth” to be a very interesting perspective (Baym, 70.) The internet is a great way to spread knowledge and information around the world, but sometimes we forget that many do not have access to the internet. Does this mean that they don’t have access to the same knowledge that others do? The answer to that question is yes. These poorer nations are now being left out of the world in an even larger way than before, while wealthier nations are moving ahead at an increasingly fast pace. This situation can lead to an larger socio-economic divide. Before I read this chapter, though, it was not something I had ever thought about before.

Another interesting chunk of knowledge from this chapter was that online female gaming avatars sell for 10% less than male avatars. This was such a small piece of information, but I think it speaks volumes of sexism in the gaming industry. I do not play online games, but I do play games for the Playstation and XBox. I have always noticed that female gaming characters are often portrayed in skimpy clothing and are generally not featured as the lead character. Often they are regulated to supporting players or victims.Even in games in which females can be used as the main character, they are usually not featured on the advertisements. The fact that evenly matched female avatars sell for less than their male equivalents is a disturbing fact.

Finally, I found the information about “flaming” to be some of the most interesting material in this chapter. I do not participate in online message boards nor do I ever comment on articles on the internet. One of the most entertaining things, though, is how heated the debates between different responders can become. I often think that these people, who are cursing at and demeaning others online, would not often be the kinds of people to speak like this to strangers in the real world. The anonymity of the internet does allow for people to act in ways that would not be allowed in face to face situations.

Many of the hopes and fears brought about in these readings revolve around the idea that the internet will effect how human beings communicate with one another. The negative effects range from a loss of personal identity to the absence of real human relationships. The hopes are largely the opposite of this, that CMC will help bring people together. I understand the fear that text messages and emails are somehow creating less meaningful relationships, but I disagree with that point. In our world, more and more families are finding themselves living in different parts of the country. Without access to text messaging, email or even video chatting services such as Skype or FaceTime, it would be almost impossible to maintain a close bond with family members. I feel like Skype and FaceTime are helping to keep the internet from “slouching towards the ordinary.” Whereas email is very much like traditional letter writing, a FaceTime call is completely different than anything we as a society were able to do a decade ago. In fact, in 2003 most Americans did not even have text messaging. Now, we can call a family member in another country and actually see their face while we talk to them. Its a truly amazing thing! We are finding ways to make communication on the internet a less ordinary experience than it was a decade or even five years ago.
It is important to realize, though, that there is truth to the fear that the internet can rob a person of their privacy. In fact, the internet is becoming the first place new employers look for information on prospective hires. If any trace of that potential employee is found doing something crazy, illegal or morally objective, its likely they will not be hired. And it applies to current employers as well. You have to be extremely careful about what you put out there. Overall, though, the user can be completely in control of what exists about them on the web. It is always a good idea to be aware of what you are sending out into cyberspace. The internet never forgets!

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Tech User Quiz I am a “Roving Node.” According to Horrigan (2009), Roving Nodes use “ICTs as a way to do their jobs, connect with family and friends, and generally be more productive in their lives.” I believe this is a very accurate description of me. I am constantly receiving and sending text messages, mainly to my family and friends. My siblings and I live in many different areas of the country. We are a very connected, though, and spend a lot of time during the week texting, emailing, calling one another and even Face Timing. I value my phone as a tool to help me stay in touch with my family. In addition to using my iPhone and internet access to communicate with my family, I also rely heavily on my phone to help me manage my life. I am an avid user of productivity applications, such as iCal, Notes and Reminders. My phone is my electronic day planner, only its better because it makes noises when I need to remember to do something. Another accurate description of me from Horrigan (2009) is that Roving Nodes “consume a lot of digital content for the purpose of passing it along to others.” This is extremely true of myself. I don’t have a Facebook page, I don’t blog and I’ve only ever created a website as part of a school project. I am uncomfortable putting too much information onto the internet. I do, however, pass along interesting articles that I stumble across on the internet. I also do quite a bit of online shopping, which is a characteristic of the Roving Node. Overall, I feel that the quiz was a truthful description of myself.

Hello Everyone. I am Laura Delcambre, and I am a senior communications major. After a few potholes, I will be (knock on wood) graduating this May! I work at the Apple Store, so I am surrounded by technology and avid technology users all day long. I find the influence of technology on our lives and communication habits to be fascinating. I thought this class would be very interesting and informative, both for my personal and academic life. I am looking forward to spending this semester with everyone!