Living in the Age of New Media - My Thoughts

It is no secret that we live in an instant world. People have become instant consumers. We want what we want, when we want it. The internet has made this scenario the norm.

In todays world, we can get news, literally, as it happens. Gone are the days of the nightly newscast, where everyone gathers around to hear what happened in the world on that day. I feel this change has been in the works for a long time, but I have really noticed a significant change within the last three years or so. I believe this stems from a couple of things: the explosion of social media sites (Facebook, Twitter) into the main stream, as well as the more constant connectivity we're experiencing thanks to invitation in the mobile space.

The internet the ultimate globalazation tool. We now have the ability to know what is going on all over the world, instantly.

My school of thought is (and always has been) that you can never have too much information... so this instant exchange of vast amounts of information should be a good thing, right? I'd say yes, But, as with all good, comes the potential for bad.

One of the biggest, and most valid complaints I've heard about this situation is that we now consume "couture" news. in other words, the internet has made it possible for everyone to select the news that they read. While this may seem convenient... it can easily remove the "balance" from journalism, one of the biggest and most valued traits of all reputable journalist. This is why it is important to do the research on any issue and become informed, of both sides.

The other issue people have experienced in this situation is the loss of privacy. Today, it is not just celebrities who are under the microscope. Today, everyone has the spotlight shined on them. Anything any of us say or do could be public, in one form or another, and on the web in a matter of seconds. And, as we all know... once it's out there, it's out there for good. But, my view on this is as follows:

It is not going to change, so people need to become more aware of their actions, keeping in mind that everything they say or do could wind up very public.

I have thought about this for awhile, and I now pay much more attention to my surroundings as well as what I say. I personally try to not say or do in public that I wouldn't want on the internet.

But, I'd like to know, what's your take on the new social environment?

What Not To Post To A Social Network

We have all come to love our social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or YouTube. Chances are, it’s your drug, and you’re smoking it. Over the past few years, these popular sites are booming with visitors, users, and web traffic. I encourage you 100% to get involved in your community and with your fellow friends. As long as you keep it secure and protected to "outsiders".

Of course, not everybody takes these measures into play. I am writing this article to explain about a cause and effect situation that can turn your world, upside-down.

For example, I am about to leave for a weeklong vacation on a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean. I feel it is necessary to update my social networks with the status: "is going on a cruise for a week to the Caribbean. Be home next Sunday!" Now only my friends and family are aware, right? WRONG. Now that you informed the internet about your absence, you are vulnerable to house robberies, break-ins, and many more crimes.

Why? It is because somebody searched for either a profile in a certain location, or pin-pointed by local updates (For example, the feature through Twitter that lets a user find “tweets” sent by others in a certain amount of miles from their location).

Let’s break this down. A burglar was searching through popular updates in your city, Boston. He came across a status update you sent from both your Twitter account and your Facebook. He noticed you were going to be out of town for a week. He then proceeded to track down your IP address to pin-point your house location. He figured you’re not home, so your house is a perfect spot for a robbery.

All I am trying to say is that you have to be very careful about the internet. Anybody in the world has access. Keep what you say low-key and just stay safe with what you post.

Thanks for reading, and please pass the word.

-Brandon (iTalkTech)

www.italktech.tk