This past week it seemed every time I turned on the television there was more news about the natural disasters taking place. And this is completely understandable, but it got me to thinking about the way in which we are all connected.
Multiple times we have discussed in our class whether or not the advancements in technology are good and if people are more connected now than in previous times. Being able to see and hear about what is currently going on in the world through television, the internet, and the radio seems to be a great positive for technology. Years ago the only way most people knew about what was happening on the other side of the world was through news stations, but now people are able to share their personal stories, photos, and videos. This creates a deeper connection with masses of people and gives individuals or groups the opportunities to make a difference.
Some people may go overboard with the sharing, but being able to show people what is happening outside of what they can see is important and the only true way to do this is for people to share through technology.
I believe this is a great point you are making about the internet and it very much relates to the issues we have discussed in class. A few times in class I have brought up the Egyptian revolution and how the protesters used social networking as a means to communicate and organize. This is, in my opinion, is one of the greatest achievements of social networking and it shows the potential good that it can be used for because the protesters were able to have a deeper connection with each other through social networking.
ReplyDeleteAs of right now revolts against corrupt governments have spread throughout the Middle East. Citizens of Libya are trying to overthrow their corrupt leader, unfortunately though the revolution has turned violent. Innocent protesters are dying because the Libyan dictator, Qaddafi, is ordering that violence be used against protesters. I feel terrible for these people that live in a country where they don’t have the freedoms we take for granted, if only there was a way to communicate with these people and show my support. Well thanks to the internet there is; a couple weeks ago I saw a few people walking around campus with shirts on that said things like “stop the massacre in Libya”, but now it is possible for us in the United States to do more than just wearing shirts with slogans on them. Thanks to the internet we can more effectively show our support to the unfortunate citizens in Libya and I think that is a great thing.
A lot of people are quick to point out the flaws of the internet. The internet is not perfect, but one of the great things about the internet is that it allows for more effective and efficient communication on a global scale which can lead to great things like eliminating corrupt dictatorships.
I would have to agree! With the earthquake occurring in Japan I don't believe we would have been able to fully grasp the severity of the situation if the personal videos submitted were not available. After seeing people scream and run through streets, you are better able to understand how it directly effects the lives of others. I couldn't help but think about 9/11 when the news coverage and other sources of information shared personal videos and web streams with survivors. The internet has allowed for us to make a deeper connection to people who are half-way around the world. It's been a great asset to have when heartbreaking occurrences such as the earthquake/tsunami in Japan take place.
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