Claudia's Blog

Commenting Blogs

2009-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

1) http://ts124.blogspot.com/

In this blog, she discusses the effect that blogging and the internet have on young people nowadays, as well as the effect that it has on other aspects of our society. For example, she discusses the impact that blogging had on Obama's candidacy and how it inspired people to form intimate groups in support of Obama. I agreed with Tania when she talked about how young people use such social networking sites as myspace and facebook as an outlet for their feelings. I also agree in that social networking sites unites people from all across the world for usually one common interest. It's impact on the world as a whole is clearly evident in our society today.

2) http://jesusrulezz.blogspot.com/

I agree with the writer of this blog in that Second Life is used by people with social disabilities as a social outlet. It shows that you can form a virtual community and befriend people online solely by being a part of Second Life. Also, I found it interesting how the writer of this blog pinpointed certain parts of the article that were most appealing. The important points are all the certain ways in which social networking and the internet contributed to Obama's candidacy and success. Finally, the last paragraph made me think a lot. It is mainly the reason why I am not a part of facebook, twitter, myspace, or any other social networking website. The reason is solely because I don't feel like it's neccessary to try and be someone I'm not online and myself offline, there's no point at all.

2009-09-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Social Networking

2009-09-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Claudia Suarez

POINT 1 One issue raised in the PBS presentation are that social networking sites, like Myspace, is used as way to socialize with other peers. Kids use the social networking site as a way to express their emotions, something they don’t feel comfortable doing with their elders, namely their parents. Another issue raised is the fact that these websites like Myspace are kept so private and concealed from parents. Children are capable of taking provocative photos of themselves and their parents will not have a clue.

POINT 2 In order to branch out and be known, Barack Obama utilized every means necessary to popularize himself. By means of social networking, blogging, and the internet in general, he was able to get his name noticed and get more people involved with his campaign. His website alone helped him receive millions of dollars in donations from supporters. The website helped track down volunteers and helped to assign them with different tasks, all with the same goal of spreading the word about Obama. It was because of this blog that millions of dollars were raised and events were established in support of the presidential candidate. Such websites as youtube and support from celebrities helped spread the word about Obama and garnered tens of millions of viewers alone, adding to the word of Obama. SMS texting was also used in order to contact people who attended his rallies. Social networking websites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter helped to increase the number of Obama supporters in a massive amount. The massive influx of visitors on Obama’s website thus caused supporters to organize events, have small get-togethers, donate money, and spread the word about voting for Obama. McCain also attempted to reach the same goal as Obama by starting his own website as well and having his daughter blog about her daily experiences as the presidential candidate’s daughter. Ultimately, the effects of the internet world on the president are long-lasting, not only during his candidacy, but his presidency as well.

POINT 3 Second Life is a social networking site that serves the purpose of bringing together people to intermingle through chat rooms, forums, etc. These people may or may not have common interests. It is a website with no barriers as far as who you can speak to. It has been used for students to take online courses and interact with teachers. This shows that this website can be used for a positive purpose, and can bring education beyond the borders of a classroom. It is an open gateway for people of all shapes and sizes to converse, without actually knowing who the other person is. Much like the PBS presentation, this social networking site serves the purpose of allowing us to speak with fellow peers in a “virtual community”. We can express our emotions, our thoughts, and feelings, to whoever’s listening. Also, this website has been used for victims of abuse to relate and talk about their experiences. Similarly, it brings together people with different disorders such as Asberger’s syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.