#Selfie

It is very relevant that the "selfie" has made its way into mainstream culture, and there is no sign that it is going to disappear. Is this a good thing?

There are definitely those who support the selfie; they say that it is a great form of self expression and boosts self-esteem. However on the flip side of things, others say that it can actually degrade one's self-esteem. You can see two teens' opinions on the matter here.

How can a picture someone posts of themselves, because they think it looks good, lower their self-esteem? It has a lot to do with likes. If the person doesn't get "enough likes" they start to think, "What's wrong with me?"

As the video below points out, taking so many pictures of yourself can make you more prone to picking out the little things you don't like about yourself.

Others think the largest problem with the selfie culture is that it is making people more narcissistic. This article from The Guardian says it all.

In my opinion, taking a selfie now and then isn't a bad thing, but there are cases when I think it is out of control. In some of those cases I think I am the one who is out of control. There have been times my friends and I take way too much time taking pictures of ourselves and editing them. Why do we feel the need to do it?

For me, I do it to boost my confidence, but in reality it doesn't do much boosting. What do you think? Is the selfie culture really worth it?

"What's the Point in Doing Anything?"

While on Spotify the other day, I came across a song that made me stop and think--mid dance move. The song is called Digital Witness and is by S. Vincent. It has a tune that makes you want to jam, and catchy chorus, but as I was singing along, I realized it wasn't as happy of a song as I thought it was.

The chorus includes the lines "What's the point of even sleeping if I can't show it, if you can't see me? What's the point in doing anything?" You can find all of the lyrics here. What this particular line is talking about is social media.

The song is suggesting that social media is taking over peoples' minds and making them narcissistic and obsessed with themselves and anything digital.

This BuzzFeed article has a lot to say about this song and thinks the artist blows this issue way out of proportion. One of the arguments is it is just the latest thing people are doing that has not been accepted as "normal" yet. As if it is nothing different than how strange it was to be making phone calls or writing letters in their early development.

In my opinion this could definitely be the case, but anything without moderation can be turned into a bad thing. I think it is important for people to keep in check how much time they spend on social media and not go overboard. As well as to make sure they are not becoming too narcissistic--just confident.

Ultimately the decision is up to you, is there a point in doing anything if no one knows you did it? Check out St. Vincent's video for the song down below.

Social Activism vs Social Opinion

I am not one to post about my political views on social media. That is something I like to keep to myself. However, I have friends who tactfully share their point of view, and other Facebook “friends” who do the same not so tactfully.

While I think it is fantastic for people in the college age range to be able to get their voice out there and be active in movements and the political conversation of their choice, I also think it is important one is informed about what they are talking about.

This picture explains my and many others’ frustration . . . 

For example, I think there is such thing as an invalid opinion. To me, that means that someone is making a point just because; they have not back up for their words and no concrete reason behind their belief. In such cases, I think it is more appropriate for people to keep their thoughts to themselves, but continue to look at other’s valid opinions and comment and/or share their posts.

As this article points out, in reality, social activism online seems to be an illusion when it comes to numbers. Meaning online activism isn’t having as much as an effect on social issues as it may seem.

This is to say that all these opinions, whether valid or not, are still just opinions, and don’t make much of a difference. I think that while that may be the case now, that eventually those opinions will turn into actions. What do you think?

When it’s Time to put Down the Phone

We have all been in the situation where we go to hang out with a group of friends, and at some point every one of you are on your phones and there is just . . . silence.

Is there anything wrong with that? When is it the time to chill on your phone and when is it not appropriate?

This article outlines 10 situations you should really not use your phone. After looking at it however, I realized I do almost all of those things! How many do you do?

There are undeniably situations in which most of the population agrees that we shouldn't be messing around on our phones. For instance when driving. But we still do it.

I fear there will come a time when no situation is a time to put down your phone. This is a fear of mine because there is so much that can be done only without a cell phone, not to mention you don’t get the full experience of many events until you put down your cell.

This video says it all.

It is time we re-think how much we use our phones. 

#KylieJennerChallenge

Have you checked out what young teen girls have been doing lately? That’s right, the Kylie Jenner Challenge. If you have been living under a rock you may be asking, “Who is Kylie Jenner?”

She is this chick:

Photo Cred: Her Instagram . . .

She is a Kardashian, and is only 17. Her age and celebrity status makes her a source of inspiration to girls across the nation. However, she is a questionable role model, with her lavish lifestyle complete with parties and dropping out of high school.  Yikes!

So what’s the deal with this lip challenge thing?

Basically, girls are trying to achieve her luscious lip look by sucking on a cup; the challenge backfired for most and girls ended up with some seriously painful pouts.

This video highlights some of the worst of the worst, and let’s face it, is hilarious, so check it out.

This girl seems to have the right idea. Why would anyone do this to themselves? This encourages the question of how much influence to teen stars really have on the average teen that may be living under your roof? From this crazy example, the answer seems to be quite a lot.

According to the study in this article, celebrities do in fact influence teens a great deal. What else is new? I will answer that for you: social media.

I believe the interaction on social media between teens and their beloved celebrity creates a sort of foe friendship. In other words, teens think they are closer to them than they really are, and hence trust and admire them more.

What are your thoughts? 

“My Kid is Addicted to the Internet!!” . . . Really? . . .

Picture from Irina Dvalidze on the HuffingtonPost.com

It’s a concern parents have all across the country. Could their child really be addicted to the Internet? According to countless sources provided by Google, the answer is “Yes.”

 The website for Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has an entire section devoted to this addiction, right up there next to alcohol and drug addictions. There is even a hotline to call in case of emergency, and a list of warning signs, which after reading . . . I have some bad news. I apparently have fallen victim to Internet addiction! According to this list of signs, of which half I am guilty of.

My hesitation to accept Internet addiction as a serious health concern does not indicate that there are not those obscure cases out there, in which people really do suffer from such a condition. In a study conducted in 2000, three out of five participants appeared to really be addicted to the internet.

For example, in this study a poor guy named Gary considers the internet to be his friend, and “displays all the core components of addiction and like many addicts, denies he has any kind of problem.” Gary also, however, has a set of other mental health issues, and suffers from a condition called neurofibromatosis. He simply uses the internet as an escape.

In even more intense cases “internet addiction” can result in DEATH. Check out these 5 most extreme cases.

So what about your kid? Or yourself? Are you addicted to the internet? Probably not . . . but here’s a cool quiz to check and see if you are. I am “Borderline Addicted”.  

Back on a serious note, I personally think that what many-usually adults-consider to be internet addiction, is just that “sucked in” quality the media can have on people. Being “sucked in” does not compare to being truly addicted to something. Danah Boyd in her book It’s Complicated outlines this approach.

Boyd thinking labeling the time teens and kids spend on the Internet as “addiction” is just another way for adults to try to control the younger generation. It isn’t that kids cannot resist the Internet, they just really would rather check Instagram than clean the bathroom or do their homework. It is as simple as that. This however freaks adults out because they can’t control it, no matter how hard they try.

My advice? Take a deep breath, chill out, and watch some Netflix. You know what they say, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. 

Are You Googlized?

If you asked ten random people walking down the street if they knew what Google is, I am sure the answer would be “Yes”, along with some confusion as to why you would ask the question, because let’s face it, everyone knows Google. Most of us take part in Google multiple times a day. This can include the search engine, YouTube, Google Docs, Google Hangouts, or even Blogger. Is that a problem?

How difficult would it be to go throughout your day without using a product of Google? Personally, it would take a conscious effort, and I would have to go out of my way to not use it. This frustrates me for a few reasons.

            1- It would be unnecessary effort to not use Google, when it’s readily there.
            2- I do not like the fact I am so dependent on one franchise.
            3- It creeps me out a little bit that without Google, I would feel a little lost on the internet.

While Google makes me uneasy when I really think about the control and power it holds in our lives, it’s unlikely I’ll stop using it. Why? Because I am used to it, and I, along with many other human beings, am a creature of habit. Until Google seriously takes advantage of me to the point I can recognize it, I will continue to be blissfully Googlized. How about you? 

Media Convergence: Right at Your Fingertips

You may be wondering, “What is media convergence?” I can assure you that you most likely know what it is, just didn’t know the name of it. Basically media convergence is the combination of multiple forms of media. This includes using a computer to watch television, reading the New York Times online instead of in print, or, what the majority of us do every day, using your smartphone to do . . . well pretty much anything.

This idea of being able to access different forms of media in a variety of ways is almost expected in today’s world. It just seems natural that I should be able to watch Netflix on my T.V., on my laptop, or on my phone. We are starting to rely on this capability. We contribute to and use the internet on a day to day bases. Just think how frustrating it can be when we can’t find Wi-Fi. Being online has become a part of our everyday lives.

It is no secret that we tend to have our phones on hand almost always. This makes it insanely easy to stay connected, and gives us incredible power to use and contribute information to the internet. We ourselves are converging machines that never stop and never tire out, largely due to our smartphones.

This remarkable power enables us to connect faster than ever before. We can share and spread ideas in a way not possible 20 years ago. Together we are building an intriguing and complex community that will continue to contribute a wider understanding and endless possibilities in virtually every area of life.

All of this you and your phone are a part of. Every time you comment on a magazine’s website, or post a picture on Instagram, share a video off YouTube, or enter a search in Google, you are participating in media convergence. My advice? Don’t stop the movement; let’s find out what this can bloom into.

For more one media convergence, check out this video. 

A Blogger to Admire

A few years back Rebecca Blood, creator of rebecca’s pocket, did a project in which she interviewed notable bloggers. One interviewee in particular made an impact on me in what she blogged about and how she went about blogging; her name is Tiffany B. Brown.

There are three reasons why this intelligent woman stood out to me in her blogging style, all of which I consider important characteristics of a successful blogger.

Reason 1: Her blog consists of what all good blogs should.

Brown certainly puts considerable time and effort into her blogging, something that is crucial as a blogger. She has a direct focus that she keeps consistent, and updates her sites frequently. Doing so has created a community of followers who have the ability to comment and contribute themselves. Her blog also exhibits good design and many links. Not to mention she doesn’t rely on just the internet to support and produce new ideas; she continues to read offline and generate fresh thoughts.

Reason 2: This is a BIG part of her life. 

There is no question about whether or not Brown is passionate about blogging; it is her fondest and main hobby. You can see her commitment based on her site she has created and keeps updated: tiffanybbrown.com. She did have two other sites, but since the interview has stopped updating them. That being said, she still devotes hours upon hours to her hobby and it has positively influenced her life both inside and outside her professional life.

Reason 3: She makes it her own and listens to herself.

Brown blogs about issues and matters she considers valid and important. She exhibits her identity and beliefs, and while this always has the possibility of causing friction, it also has the possibility of being a role model. Without these characteristics, what is the point in even blogging?

Something I found particularly interesting is that she acknowledges that she burns out, roughly every six months. She doesn’t try to fight this. When it happens she allows herself the time she needs to be able to once again contribute quality information.
 

It is important to keep in mind this interview was done several years ago, so some of the facts in the initial post may not be relevant today. However, the characteristics Brown held as I read the interview prove to still be valid when aspiring to be a successful blogger.

Get Ready!

This is my first post on my new blog for my IMS class!

I am a student at North Central College, and we are to keep this blog updated throughout our term this year.

I will be using this blog to share my thoughts about anything and everything that has to do with the new age of media. I'll be including links to other articles and videos for your entertainment.

I hope you enjoy!