RE: Web 2.0 is YOU!

1. How will emerging technology (ie: blogs, videos, e-readers,e-books) affect literacy?
I think emerging technology will negatively affect literacy. As stated in the video, we do not have to do as much anymore as technology makes everything easier. This could affect literacy and the fact that we do not have to be as literate as technology may be able to correct mistakes and make things more understandable. Also, internet slang is common in modern technology and people get used to using it. Some people may be using internet slang in their schoolwork.
2. How is Web 2.0 challenging us to "rethink ourselves" (ie: friendships, work, education, community, family etc...)?
Web 2.0 is challenging us to rethink ourselves because the internet may be very useful but comes with many consequences if not used properly.  For example, ANYTHING you put publicly on the internet can be seen by ANYONE with access to the internet. People you know are able to find out things about you just by looking on the internet. Also, the internet can negatively affect relationships with others as you will be spending less time with people and more time on the internet. Although you can communicate with others over the internet it is not the same as if you were talking to others in person.

RE: A Look at Music Videos

As requested by my sister, the video I have chosen to watch is Ignorance by Paramore.

 
Initial reaction: What are your immediate thoughts and observations when you view the music video?
The video seemed dark and weird, but plain. Most of the video is just the same thing happening.
Analysis and interpretation: Describe the Principles of Media Arts as they appear in the music video. Why do you think the musician, musical group, or director created this music video? What themes are promoted in this video? Are they aligned with Gospel Values, or do they counter them?
I think the group created this video because they thought this particular song was important to them. The song is about the reaction to being ignored by someone else. It is not clear whether this song aligns or counters Gospel Values.

Consideration of cultural context: What events may have influenced the musician, musical group, and director to create this music video?
Inspiration of the song may have come from being ignored by someone who used to love them. Inspiration for the video came from the song which is almost completely dark, representing ignorance.






Expression of aesthetic judgment: How does the cinematography, acting and performance, choreography, storyline, special effects, lyrics, and musicality work together in the music video? How do the visuals affect your admiration or disdain for the song? 
I noticed that the dark background around the band can represent ignorance, which is the theme of the song. The visuals did not really affect my view on the song.
Ongoing reflection: How has your chosen music video influenced your reception of the song?
The video for this song did not influence my reception of the song.

RE: Media and Self Esteem

1.  Why do you think people are portrayed this way in the media?

I think people are portrayed this way in media because the media wants to have "attractive" people so that they can draw attention from the audience. People are more attracted to "beautiful" people so the media tries to make it so everyone is portrayed in what society thinks looks the best.

2.  How are you affected by the images you see?
Different images affect me in different ways. I am obviously drawn to images I find more attractive. However, if others find an image attractive and I do not, I still do not pay much attention.

3.  What can be done to reduce the amount of young men and women that are 

     negatively affected by these images?
To reduce the amount of young men and women who are negatively affected by these images, the media should stop digitally editing the appearance of the people or at least mention that the images were digitally edited.

4.  What would your reaction be to a magazine cover where the subject isn’t   

     all glammed up?  Is this a possible route that society should take?  Why or

     why not?
My reaction to a magazine cover where the subject isn't all glammed up depends on the picture.  I would be surprised at first but I think that it can actually make the person look better in some instances.  I think that this route is possible but not all at once. If it happens instantly then it would surprise many people. I think that a gradual change would be best in which they edit it less each time so it would not be as noticable.

RE: To Share or Not to Share??

1.  What is your personal opinion towards file sharing?  Is it right or wrong? Please explain.
I think file sharing is fine as long as it is permitted by the original creator of the file being shared.
If the file is shared illegally but the person who owns the rights to the file is fine with it, I also think it is okay. However, if a file is shared illegally without permission from the owner, I believe it is wrong.
2.  If you produced your own piece of art/song/movie, would you hold the 
     same opinion?

If I produced my own piece of art/song/movie, I think I would hold the same opinion.  I would probably allow others to share my works illegally but would encourage them to buy them.  At the very least, I would permit sharing files of my works after a few years it has been released because I would not really be making money from them any more by then.

3.  Do you feel it is morally acceptable to download copyrighted material if it is
     only intended for personal use?
I think it is morally acceptable to download copyrighted material if only intended for personal use.  You will not make any money off of material that does not belong to you and the owners will not lose money because you are not sharing the file over the internet.

RE: Texting in Social Situations

So, here I shall answer these questions.

1.  What are your thoughts on texting in social situations?

I find that texting in social situations is a bit rude.  However, I understand if the text is necessary such as texting someone to get a ride home.  But I do not like it when others are being held back because of someone texting.  I believe that most of the time people are able to wait a while before texting, though. 

2.  Do you find it rude if you’re talking to somebody and they proceed to text  

     continuously on their cell phone? 

I do find it rude if you're talking to somebody who proceeds to text.  It makes me feel like the person does not care about listening to me.  I get used to it however as I have many friends who have their phone in hand 24/7.

3.  If you had to come up with a list of five etiquette rules for texting, what 

     would they be?

1.  If you want to text, it would be best to do it in such a way that you do not disturb others such as not texting in line for pretty much anything.

2.  Don't text when the person you are texting is nearby. That is completely unnecessary.

3.  Don't text people who are in school.  It may cause disruptions in class and the receiver may get in trouble.

4.  Learn to leave your phone away from your hands.  Your phone is not something you can't live without.

5.  The above rules can be broken in emergencies. But in EMERGENCIES ONLY. I mean when it's like, "THIS PERSON'S HORRIBLY INJURED!" emergencies or when you need to save the world from an evil alien army.

Day 1

Hello. I am supposed to post so I am.

EDIT: Just because I'm bored, I decided to edit this post.