Government Eyes Crackdown On Texting And Driving

Do you get annoy when you drive behind bad drivers? When I say bad drivers, it does not mean that they are not good at driving. Bad drivers to me would define as those who do not pay attention to the road. I have been driving ever since I was sixteen. Drivers that aggravate me the most are those who talk and text on the phone while driving. I will list a few examples. I have noticed that drivers who talk and text at the same time seem to get out of focus. They drive like grandmas, do not check for blind spots when they change lanes, or realized that the stop lights had turned red ten seconds ago! Distractions while driving can lead to brutal consequences for friends and family members.

Without a doubt, drinking and driving is definitely dangerous. How about talking on mobile phones or texting while driving? Which would you rate being the most dangerous? Not too long ago, the State of California has strictly regulated the usage of hand-held cell phones while driving. Cell phones is the now “new drunk drivers”. If someone told me this back when I was in high school, I would have thought otherwise. Why would you risk your life because of a cell phone? That would be my initial reaction. Being the arrogant person I was, I finally realized how addicting cell phones can be.

As I try not to be the hypocritical person I am, I must confess that California laws are not stopping me. So far (knock on wood), I have not been caught for talking and texting while driving. Law enforcement can only help relieve the problem, but it will not solve the problem. Maybe the opposition for cell phones is not strictly regulated. Maybe the fines should increase to $5000.00.

We live in a society where technology advancement continues to grow at an alarming rate. Each and everyday many people are amazed by the new gadgets that have been released. Researchers predict emerging technologies will focus on preventing drivers from being distracted. In the near future, cells phones could potentially automatically shut off when users are driving. Vehicles in the future could emit audible warnings to alarm drivers who have their eyes off the road for too long. The front window shield could possibly transplant an LED image. It detects pedestrians or when a vehicle comes close in contact with another vehicle. Again, like I said in my previous post, all of these innovative technologies cost a fortune to put in practice. 

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/23/132276811/The-Last-Word-In-Business

Researchers Predict Next Big Thing in Cell Phones – 3D Hologram

Cell phones have been a part of our lives for many years. This innovative technology creates an efficient tool in today’s society. I remember it being started out as a big black brick with an extendable antenna. The phone can barely fit into our pockets in our pants. As our generation continues to grow, new creative ideas such as different styles, colors, and shapes for cell phones are introduced to attract consumers. Back then, people who had cell phones often use it to talk through the other line. Nowadays, talking on the phone is not as popular as before. Texting to each other seems much more convenient.

Back when I was in high school, I was afraid of paying the extra $5 for an additional 150 texts per month because it was a tool that I knew I did not need. Five years later, I knew I had to get the unlimited text plan because I go through on an average of 400 texts a month. Another useful tool with cell phones I notice in today’s society is the data plan which allows consumers to go on the internet on their cell phones. Consumers are used to getting things done fast and efficient. They do not like to wait for a page to load for 5 minutes on their phones. The faster it loads the happier they will be. Before, there was 1g internet, but now correct me if I am wrong, 4g is out there. Not only does a phone must perform top notch to their desire, but it also need to look sleek, clean, and small enough to fit in their pockets. Every dimensions, ounces, shapes, and colors count. To me, the way I decide how to chose my phone is whether the device has a full QWERTY keyboard so that it will be convenient for me to text my friends and contacts.

What will happen in the next five years from now? How will the hype for cell phones continue? My mind automatically thinks of Steve Jobs and wonder what will his next innovative technology will be. Ever since iPhone came out, all other phones have become their competitor. In this interesting article I found, the word is that “holographic conversation” will be the hype. By 2015, researchers predict that a “3D image of the caller will be able to pop up, or be projected, out of your mobile phone”. To me, I have not grasp the benefit from the concept of have a 3D hologram projected from the mobile phone. I can see that there is a more intimate, face-to-face interaction with the person from the other line. It would be perfect if it is through long distance, maybe a (father and son relationship). Otherwise, I do see it will be very expensive to put everything in practice to make a futuristic innovation. 

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/23/132276811/The-Last-Word-In-Business

Technology and Social Interaction

The spread of technology in today’s society promotes social interaction more convenient and efficient. Because of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Tumblr, I rarely have face time with my friends anymore. How I see it, is that this actually benefits me more or less. Usually, I am so caught up with school and work that I rarely have time for my friends. I find it difficult to arrange a small lunch with my friends from a busy schedule of mine and theirs. At least with Facebook, we are able to see how our friends are doing and what’s been new in their life. This definitely makes me feel like I have not completely been out of their life.

In terms of using internet to meet other people, I feel like it is a good way of creating meaningful relationships and network around the community. I am a car enthusiast and I go on forums to meet with other people with similar interest. I feel like it is easier to connect with other people who have a common interest as I am. I have more topics to talk about instead of randomly asking questions about a stranger’s life that I have no I idea what their interests are. I believe that we are not neglecting our everyday relationships. We only neglect them if we chose to. I also believe that friends come and go. If we want something, then we must work for it. That being said, if we want to keep our friends, we must work for it. After all, “It takes two to tango”.

As a society, I do not think we need to focus on creating more “real” spaces/public spheres for people to connect and discuss meaningful political and social issues. We already have enough in our hands. I believe that the reason why so many of us complain that time has gone by so quick is because most of us wish we wanted more time to do things that needed to be done. Thus, internet technology today is the most convenient way to connect with others with similar interest. Most of us have cell phones and access to the internet. We live in a society that we are so good at multitasking. We can tweet and at the same time have lunch with friends, family, coworkers, etc.

Social Networking and Privacy

Social networking sites have become a modern trend in many people’s lives in today’s society. I don’t often use social networking websites just because of the privacy issue. As I grow older into my adulthood, I shy myself from using social networking sites. I do use Facebook but not as often like most users. I remember in junior high Xanga was the trend, then in high school I started using Myspace. Now, I have started utilizing Facebook. I think Facebook is a great social networking website for school, work, and personal usage. Unfortunately, it is a dangerous tool for some people. One lesson I learned from my experience is that messages travel quickly. It will start off from friends to family to acquaintances, and then even also to strangers. Without thinking of the consequences, users display their personal information. I prefer to connect with my friends through my phone than Facebook. Other than Facebook, I do not have Twitter or FourSquare account. I have a Tumblr account that I use to only read other people’s blogs, instead of writing my own. Again, I get paranoid of others reading about life, thoughts, and interest.

  

I’ve seen people who constantly check their phones for texts and updates on Facebook. Phone is one of the necessities that I need on the daily. I spend my time texting at least 20-30 times a day. Texting is more efficient to send a quick message regarding about school, work, or a brief message of “Hey, how are you?” I rarely leave my phone at home, and when I do, I feel as if a part of me is missing. Facebook is more efficient to connect with old friends and new friends. It is a tool to get to know them a bit more or catch up on old things.

A few years ago Myspace was on the news. The purpose of the news was to warn Myspace users that child predators make fake accounts to lure children into their hands. I believe the cultural move on teens brings about a negative trend on the whole. Teenagers are still naïve with a lot of curiosity in their minds. Even when I was young, I gave out my AIM screen names at twice a week. I even ask for their screen names too. At the time, I felt the need to fit in with the popular groups so I started making more friends on Myspace. Making friends online seemed to be easier and I actually had fun doing it. The question is, who was it really that I was talking to?

  

The positive side of it is that it someone once said that, “it is not what you know, but who you know”. In this business world, having a network of people you know and get in touch with can get your foot in the door if you are looking for a job. Most companies rather hire someone that is referred to than having a resume turned at the receptionist desk. At the same time, what you say on Facebook is never private, yet some users fail to be aware of it. I also find that social networking sites can be a distraction from their priorities. People begin to engage in “poking” their friends than to focus in school and/or work. 

I get paranoid of people going through my belongings without my consent. I have been very careful of what I say and what I post online. Even so, there are times that I have regretted the things I posted. Back in my high school years, I often blog about my emotions, especially when I get angry. I realized the things I have said in the past may offended or hurt other’s feelings.

I am careful of what I say either through text or Facebook. I know what I say is not private and that people do talk and gossip. However, because my work revolves around kids, I have to be extra careful leaving my phone on the table or leave my computer on. On some level I have the tendency to keep my eyes on who looks at what I do.

My Media Diet

Friday - 1/14/2011

• Television 
• Playing games (30 mins)
• Watching t.v. shows (2 hours)
• Computer
• Pandora radio (3 hours)
• Homework (2 hours)
• Email (20 mins)
• Work (4 hours)
• Phone
• Playing games (30 mins)
• Call (30 mins)
• Text (1 hour)

Saturday - 1/15/2011

• Television 
• Playing games (30 mins)
• Watching t.v. shows/sports(4 hours)
• Computer
• Pandora radio (4 hours)
• Homework (4 hours)
• Email (5 mins)
• Phone
• Playing games (1hour)
• Call (15 mins)
• Text (2 hours)

Sunday - 1/16/2011

• Television 
• Watching t.v. shows/sports (3 hours)
• Computer
• Pandora radio (3 hours)
• Homework (2 hours)
• Phone
• Text (1 hour)

Monday - 1/17/2011

• Television 
• Watching t.v. shows/sports (1 hour)
• Computer
• Pandora radio (3 hours)
• Homework (3 hours)
• Phone
• Playing games (15 mins)
• Call (1 hour)
• Text (2 hours)

Tuesday - 1/18/2011

• Television 
• Playing games (30 mins)
• Watching t.v. (2 hours)
• Computer
• Pandora radio (3 hours)
• Homework (2 hours)
• Phone
• Playing games (30 mins)
• Call (30 mins)
• Text (1 hour)

After keeping records of my media consumption for the past 5 days, I noticed a distinctive pattern. Surprisingly, I used the exact same medias for five consecutive days which are television, computer, and phone (Blackberry). Watching t.v. sets me aside from the reality. To me, it is my time of enjoyment and relaxation. Most of the time, I watched comedy shows such as "My Wife and Kids" and "George Lopez". Getting a quick laugh of here and there takes my mind off of school and work. I also noticed that I watch a lot of sports on ESPN. I mostly watch basketball games, especially if the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, or Oaklahoma City are playing. After taking a break from an exhausting day, it is time to do my homework. Some people enjoy studying with music on, and some prefers their peace and quiet. I personally enjoy studying with music on, Pandora is a lifesaver. At times, it is distracting when the computer is in front of me while I am studying. Ever since Facebook has invented, it has consumed a lot of my time. Other times I would use the computer to check my emails, go on forums about cars, and homework purposes. I find that I use the computer more for entertainment purposes that school work. I also notice that my phone is very useful to communicate with my classmates and co-workers. I realized that I spent more hours using the medias more on weekdays than on weekends. I find it that I watch tv more on weekends than on weekdays. Seems like I have prioritize my entertainment from work and school-related. I focus studying more on weekdays and spend more time relaxing on weekends. 


I believe that most Americans between the ages of 18-24 are not going to diverge much from my media diet. As a student and an employee, I find that communication mediums are very important. In today's society, most of my peers are into some sort of social networking groups. I am guessing that whether it is Myspace, Twitter, or Facebook, people my age enjoy receiving and sending messages to each other. Likewise, text messaging is just as important. I also believe that people my age find it hard to survive without internet access. We need internet for several needs. Many of us in school need internet for checking notifications from professor, checking and composing email to colleagues and professors, and complete assignments online. 


My media consumptions also reflects on American society in general. In today's society, I find it difficult for Americans to deviate from internet usage. Internet is a useful innnovation that can make our lives much efficient and convenient. Internet can be used for entertainment, resources, and communication purposes. Americans who are a bit older may use it more towards for their entertainment such as shopping online. Why waste gas and mileage when you are just a few clicks away from buying your favorite item? I also fail to understand why Americans do not carry a cellphone with them at all times. It is understandable if they are 50+ years old. Cellphones are not used only for entertainment, but also for important phone calls such as work-related, family-related, and school-related. It is a tool for a quick access to the person we need to get in touch with. 


I feel like I have successfully prioritize my entertainment from work and school-related. I try not to get distracted so much from Facebook, AIM, or any other social networking groups. When it is time to study, I dedicate all my time to  it and not get side-tracked by the computer or cell phones. But I do have to agree that many times it is tempting to get off-road.