Studying the intersection of journalism, interactive communications and public discourse
The contentious post-election climate has left many Americans wondering how our democracy became so spiteful. I think it’s time to heap some blame on online comments. The ability to say offensive things online on a daily basis without consequences has led to new, and more harmful, norms for civic behavior. Toxic fuming online, ad hominem …
Growing up in a blue-collar, mixed-race family in Connecticut, I was exposed to two distinct styles of argument. My fiery paternal grandmother (a descendant of those witch-burning Salem, Massachusetts Puritans) was the type to declare her opinion on any and all topics, whether you asked for it or not. Shanahan family debates involved loud voices …
I recently noticed that all my mobile phone text messages have gone to the same recipient lately – Google. Instead of dialing 411 for information and paying a $1 charge, now I always text GOOGL. A recent example: I needed the number for Ginza Restaurant in Bloomfield to make a reservation. But I was traveling …
“You know why I like plants? Because they’re so mutable. Adaptation is a profound process. Means you figure out how to thrive in the world.” — John Laroche (Chris Cooper), in the 2002 film, “Adaptation.” Technologies that are highly responsive and adaptable to people’s needs are the ones that will have the greatest impact on …
The discussion about video games in ICM501 last week helped me spark lots of nostalgic conversations with my family this past weekend. My brother (29), my cousin (31) and I had a great time reminiscing about playing our favorite video games as kids. Here are a few, in no particular order: Bubble Bobble – My …
Are we getting too wired? A recent story by the Associated Press: “As the novelty of their wired lives wears off, young people are getting more sophisticated about the way they use such tools as social networking and text and instant messaging – not just constantly using them because they’re there. “I think we’re at …
Teens ID’d As Online Gossips, Police Say By Associated Press WATKINSVILLE, Ga. — A list that appeared on MySpace.com with the names of about two dozen students and their alleged sexual exploits was posted by two 15-year-old girls, authorities said Wednesday. The girls could be charged with distributing sexually explicit materials to minors, authorities said. …
An August 21,2006 Washington Post article talked about how musicians are using Second Life to connect with fans and listeners via virtual performances. Avatars are built to look like the real artists while the audio is piped in live. Way cool. Read “Hear the Music, Avoid the Mosh Pit.”
From a Newsday article: An overwhelming majority of adults who take part in online dating sites or other types of social networking are unwittingly exposing themselves to hackers or identity thieves, according to a survey released today that is described as a first look at such networking. About 83 percent of adults engaging in social …
Hoping to escape the office while vacationing on a cruise? Not anymore, according to this story from the Chicago Tribune: “For better or worse, your boss can reach you on your cellphone or BlackBerry even when you are vacationing on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. There’s no need for a …