One Day on the Web...My Dependence Frightens Me!

I can remember the first time I ever used the internet on my family's computer; my Dad letting me know what sites I could use, explaining how to dial-up works and why I couldn't be on the telephone. I think I was 8 years old, and eleven years later I'm sitting on my bed, holding my laptop, typing away as if this is nothing new.

The internet has influenced my life most significantly in how I communicate with everyone; whether it be my sister, parents, extended family, friends or even employers. Communication has become effortless for me through the use of e-mails, MSN Messenger and online networks such as Facebook. Inching its way into my day-to-day, the internet has eliminated phone calls, meetings and I don't even need to mention letters; I can't recall the last time I write one unfortunately. Communication has become electronic in many aspects of my life; forget about paper or face to face chatting.

Being a student, the internet has provided all the information you could ever need right at my finger tips; saving my ass every time I'm pulling a night-before research paper. Whenever I get a research project the first thing I do is start "googling" ideas to see what I can find. But if I were in university 15 years ago, I probably would have gone straight to the library. The internet has made research less intensive and time consuming for me. Unfortunately, this makes me less selective about the information that I find. I find myself, and many students have become dependent upon the convenience of internet.

The Ecology of Media - A Flashy New Toy

In my last year of highschool I completed a cooperative placement at a photography Studio in my hometown, Owen Sound. When researching potential placements, I discovered that there was only one remaining photographer that still used film, and he was aged 75! With the introduction of the digital camera, there have been countless innovations and expansions in the art of photography, but many unfortunate losses.

Having had an interest in the creative side of photography for a very long time, I wanted to learn some of the technical aspects of the trade. My Dad and I still own both an Olympus digital and a Kodak film camera. Unfortunately, teaching about film photography for many people has become secondary or irrelevant.

The purpose of digital photography was to create a more "user friendly" technology - no hassels with film, loading new canisters, damaged film, better storage capacities, manipulitable images and easier sharing of images for both personal use and media outlets. Some of the unforseen functions of the digital camera include an explosion of photo sharing (espcially on the internet) and consequently, millions on copyright infringements. Also, the "over-manipulation" of photos; it seems that with the digital photography software availible today such as Photoshop CS3, there is no worry of over exposure, shadows, red eye, lighting levels, contrast, composition or blemishes. All of these things can be fixed even after the photo is taken. And lastly, with the rise of the digital camera, the use of film cameras has become obsolete. Unfortunately, most photo labs no longer sell or develop film anymore. Highschools do not offer photography classes, but only "digital media". I still love to use my old Kodak, even if I do have to hunt for somewhere to get my film develeoped.

The Joys Of Making My Blog...

When first hearing that the larger portion of my mark for Theatre Studies would be made up of blogs, I was surprised, that is until I remember my severe technological impairment! I was mildly excited about starting my own blog - having never done one before - until this morning when the newly installed wireless connection in my house would work for everyone except me. Hah!

When in a pinch - like Murphy’s Law - if something can go wrong with my computer, cell phone, printer, iPod or alarm clock, it will. However, once getting past my own technological speed bump I found it remarkably easy, almost too easy to set up my blog. An e-mail address, a password, check-check, "I accept" and tadaaa, everyone online could read my online journal if they wanted to. No names required.

Keeping a diary is something I have loved doing since I could barely write, but somewhere along the way lost the habit. Today there seems to be a whole new idea behind blogging. When I was little you would never dare let anyone lay eyes on your journal, or there would be nothing but pointing, laughing and teasing to come. But today it seems that the purpose of a blog is that others can read your entries, and you can share your thoughts on whatever the hell you want. Other people can even comment on your entries. I don't think I would have wanted people reading and commenting on my diary as a 9 year old.

Today I am much less concerned with the fact that people could read my blog - nothing I wouldn't want people to hear. However, it is still strange for me how easy it is to "put yourself out there" on the internet, whether it be Facebook or MySpace. It’s like broadcasting your thoughts to billions of people around the world. I have never read anyone else’s blog, and right now I don't feel compelled to. But at the same time I think it is intriguing that people could read mine if they wish.