Dans Blog

Social networking and Network Neutrality

// February 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Internet

Here is the first part in case you missed it.

Net neutrality is currently a hot topic, and unfortunately not enough people are aware of the importance of it. The idea of net neutrality revolves around theory that the Internet should be free and open. There has been an ongoing debate during recent years on defining net neutrality. There currently is no set definition and it simply means different things for different people and organizations. On Google’s blog they mention that it has been a major public policy priority for Google over the last two years. The problem is that most people do not have a wide array of choices when choosing an internet service provider.

“Most Americans (99.6%, to be exact) receive broadband service from their phone company or their cable company — in antitrust terms, a duopoly”. Since these big corporations, literally have full control over the distribution of the Internet, they can regulate prices, content or even limit certain web sites and/or applications.

This is similar to how the Bell Telephone Company operated over a hundred years ago. They were a monopoly, but the government allowed it from 1877 to 1984. Later, in 1984, the company was broken up into independent companies, by a Federal mandate because it got too powerful. This duopoly needs to be stopped soon, before it’s too late. The government stopped a monopoly in the past and I am almost certain they will support net neutrality to ensure huge corporations can’t control the Internet market and traffic. Obviously, internet service providers, like Comcast, are engaged in an all-out effort to challenge the Internet’s open nature. They feel the government shouldn’t have any say how to run their business. They want a system where giant corporations pay for speedy access while smaller organizations and start-ups and average people are left in the slow lane. It’s unfortunate to see what lengths already filthy rich companies will go to towards to make even more profits. These companies don’t need more money, but that’s true reason for this crazy debate. Money is something some people just can’t get enough of, even when they have more than enough.

Addicted to the Innertubes?

// November 23rd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Internet, Life

I’m doing a research paper right now, and I think like everyone, I keep multi tasking.  Switching music, watching youtube, checking facebook, playing a mini game here and there. However I found some information that was striking.

The first U.S. residential treatment center for Internet addiction opened this summer in Washington state.

The Internet has simplified our lives in numerous ways while allowing us to what we want, fast. It has also allowed us to reconnect with old friends, neighbors, co-workers and family through social networking sites such as Facebook. By communicating to others, regardless that is is done through the Internet, we are strengthening our relationships. Social networking along with social media has revolutionized how we live in society today. Social networking sites bring people with common interests together, offer exposure to new ideas from around the world, and are able overcome social anxiety. People who have a difficulty communicating in person are more comfortable interacting via the Internet. And not always are the most sociable people in real life are the most active online. Also, social networking sites allow for creative expression in a new modern way. They provide free messaging, blogging, photo storage, games, event invitations, and many other services to anybody, fast. Social networking sites had a huge impact with the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election and how the Iranian protesters used twitter to organize anti-government protests recently. I personally think the positive things that come from Social Networking and media outweigh the problems, and critics need to understand that it’s time for an information and social revolution.

However, pretty much like everything else in life: Advantages come with disadvantages. Social networking sites make give someone a false sense of security. Are your friends really your friends?  This leads to identity online. Social networking sites have no way to verify that people are who they claim to be, leaving people vulnerable to messages from online predators who are able to hide their true identities. Also, the hours a day of face-to-face socializing has declined as the use of social networking sites and other media has increased. Being anonymous online is so easy, even for sex offenders and criminals. Cybercriminals can gather information to be used for identity theft from social networking profiles, such as birthdays, pet names, mothers’ maiden names, names of children, and other details often used in passwords and security questions for bank accounts or to other important websites.

The bottom question I think is: Were these social networking sites created to make money or to ease people’s social lives?

If you’re curious take the net addiction test.