Looking back at my first very blog post, I remember saying I'd never heard of the term 'Digital Culture' until I actually started university. I also mentioned that I chose this module to learn new things, and I must say I have learnt of hell of a lot!
Over the last couple of months I have been given the chance to explore a number of topics that I never knew Digital Culture would cover. Okay, so maybe I was a bit small minded in the beginning. I instantly thought I'd just be learning about Internet culture, but this module has covered numerous topics. From identity, to cyberspace, to blogging and even robots!
Studying this module has made me realise that the impact of technology on our everyday lives is bigger than I thought. As stated in may of my previous blog posts, technology is everywhere and we become dependent on it. As I stated in my blog 'Are we turning into cyborgs?'; In a way, technology is precisely what makes us human. Our dependence on technology has lead to us needing it to function in our lives.Looking back at last term, one topic I enjoyed discussing was old media vs new media and how it has changed. It was interesting to find out that an interactive power has been created due to digital technology taking over old media. Due to technological convergence we are now able to watch TV online, read books online and even make video calls online.
Here's an interesting video I found on YouTube which discusses the evolution of technology of the past century into our modern day and the transformation newspapers, TV and Internet has on our lives.
Another topic I found rather interesting was cyberspace and identity. It amazes me that we can become so immersed in cyberspace that we forget what is happening around us, we forget who we are in the real world. Why? Cyberspace allows you to create your own identity, it allows you to be that somebody who you've always wanted to be.
Moving onto this term, I must say that the topics we explored were a lot more difficult than the last. Globalisation was one area of digital culture that I enjoyed learning about. The whole issue with the global digital divide made me realise that not everyone is privileged to use technology. It also made me realise that we should count ourselves lucky that we have access to technology. However it made me question whether we are TOO Internet dependent. Yes, life has been made easier with the use of technology but it is as if we have become reliant on it.
There have been many areas in this module that I found difficult to understand, with open source being one of them. It took me a long while to grasp the whole concept of the topic.
Overall, Digital Cultures has been an experience and in my opinion, one of the most complicated modules I've ever come across. Saying that, although I am glad I chose this module I have realised this is definitely something I am not interested in.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Globalization
How much does technology impact on our everyday lives, careers, social circles, etc.?
Technology is literally everywhere nowadays so of course it has a big impact on our everyday lives. It's almost as if we are dependent on technology. Why? Because the majority of us use computers, watch TV, own a mobile phone and own a gadget. Whoever thought a mobile phone would become a camera, mp3 player AND an Internet browser! My question is: Do you remember life without the internet? Because I don't! Having access to the internet has benefited me in many ways, including personal, business and even family wise.
The Internet allows us to reunite with lost friends and family. It also allows us to keep in touch with others, even if they live half way across the world! Before the Internet, yes it was possible to this, but it was also expensive. However now, this is not the case. We have emails and social networking sites which are free and easy to use.
Business wise, the Internet is very useful. We are able to search for job opportunities in the comfort of our own home. Due to the number of different sites available to us, we are able to learn a number of new and different things everyday.
Overall, since we use technology on a daily basis, life without it would be somewhat difficult. We are able to access information within an instant due to its reachability.
However, there does seem to be an issue based around the global digital divide. Not everyone has equal access to technology. There are countries in the world who have easy access to the Internet, but on the other hand, there are countries with either limited or no access what so ever! For example, in Western societies people are very Internet dependent. But what causes this digital divide? Issues concerning income level and location are just two of many reasons. The less advantaged people with a low income level, such as Third World countries in Africa, may not be able to afford a computer, resulting in deprivation of Internet access. Also, location wise, those living in urban areas are likely yo have more access to technology than those living in rural places.
So life with technology has been made easier for some of us but we have to remember there are others who have never owned a computer let alone know how to use it! Let's just hope that one they we'll be able to bridge the digital divide.
Technology is literally everywhere nowadays so of course it has a big impact on our everyday lives. It's almost as if we are dependent on technology. Why? Because the majority of us use computers, watch TV, own a mobile phone and own a gadget. Whoever thought a mobile phone would become a camera, mp3 player AND an Internet browser! My question is: Do you remember life without the internet? Because I don't! Having access to the internet has benefited me in many ways, including personal, business and even family wise.
The Internet allows us to reunite with lost friends and family. It also allows us to keep in touch with others, even if they live half way across the world! Before the Internet, yes it was possible to this, but it was also expensive. However now, this is not the case. We have emails and social networking sites which are free and easy to use.
Business wise, the Internet is very useful. We are able to search for job opportunities in the comfort of our own home. Due to the number of different sites available to us, we are able to learn a number of new and different things everyday.
Overall, since we use technology on a daily basis, life without it would be somewhat difficult. We are able to access information within an instant due to its reachability.
However, there does seem to be an issue based around the global digital divide. Not everyone has equal access to technology. There are countries in the world who have easy access to the Internet, but on the other hand, there are countries with either limited or no access what so ever! For example, in Western societies people are very Internet dependent. But what causes this digital divide? Issues concerning income level and location are just two of many reasons. The less advantaged people with a low income level, such as Third World countries in Africa, may not be able to afford a computer, resulting in deprivation of Internet access. Also, location wise, those living in urban areas are likely yo have more access to technology than those living in rural places.
So life with technology has been made easier for some of us but we have to remember there are others who have never owned a computer let alone know how to use it! Let's just hope that one they we'll be able to bridge the digital divide.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Everywhere, Privacy & Surveillance
Online privacy, does it still exist anymore?
I found an article in class today and it made me question myself to whether privacy on Facebook really does exist. The article which was from May 2010 stated that:
I believe online privacy is gradually starting to disappear. There may be some sort of privacy but with the amount of email spamming, computer viruses, hackers and identity theft happening it makes it harder to keep details and information about ourselves private. On the other hand, it is down to us to be careful in what information we share online. I think the problem with Facebook is that people get too comfortable and tend to post anything and everything. I say never share too much as you do not know who could be reading it. Whoever thought that sharing information could get you into trouble. Here's another article i found:
This article just goes to show that your audience isn't as small as you think, anyone could be reading what we are saying and unfortunately it could lead to consequences like the the one above. But should teachers really be able to have access to your Facebook profile? This is just one of many disadvantages of surveillance, privacy and security online. Data can be recorded, people are able to hack into your information and police and government are able to track you down.
So when you use the Internet, THINK! We have to accept the fact that anything we post online has a chance of becoming public. My conclusion: Online privacy does not exist.
I found an article in class today and it made me question myself to whether privacy on Facebook really does exist. The article which was from May 2010 stated that:
"The social network has come under fire for a series of recent changes to its policies that have limited what users can keep private, as well as embarrassing technical glitches that exposed personal data."With Facebook being such a most trusted and popular social networking site you have to wonder how these technical glitches happened.
I believe online privacy is gradually starting to disappear. There may be some sort of privacy but with the amount of email spamming, computer viruses, hackers and identity theft happening it makes it harder to keep details and information about ourselves private. On the other hand, it is down to us to be careful in what information we share online. I think the problem with Facebook is that people get too comfortable and tend to post anything and everything. I say never share too much as you do not know who could be reading it. Whoever thought that sharing information could get you into trouble. Here's another article i found:
This article just goes to show that your audience isn't as small as you think, anyone could be reading what we are saying and unfortunately it could lead to consequences like the the one above. But should teachers really be able to have access to your Facebook profile? This is just one of many disadvantages of surveillance, privacy and security online. Data can be recorded, people are able to hack into your information and police and government are able to track you down.
So when you use the Internet, THINK! We have to accept the fact that anything we post online has a chance of becoming public. My conclusion: Online privacy does not exist.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Open Source - Important or not?
Open Source is the term used to describe free access to the source code of a program and extension free redistribution rights for the software. In simpler times (and what I understand), it is free software made available to the public, who are then able to modify and download with no costs.
Here's a video I found on YouTube which made me understand the whole concept of open source a bit better:
Here's a video I found on YouTube which made me understand the whole concept of open source a bit better:
Linux, Apache, PHP and MySQL are just a few examples of open source software. Linux is a popular operating system which is very similar to Windows and Mac OS.
I even use open source software myself. Instead of using Microsoft Office, I use Open Office, which is the "leading open-source office software suite". I am also a user of Audacity. Other examples of open source software include NVU, which is the equivalent to Dreamweaver. Firefox, which is the equivalent to Internet Explorer and The Gimp which can be used instead of Photoshop.
Brazil announced a few years ago that they will be adopting to open source software. The article, announced that Brazil's government ministries will be abandoning Windows in favour of the Linux operating system. By switching from Windows to open source software, they believe that they can save around $120 a year! The main reason for this switchover is down to economics. In my opinion, I would do the same as well considering you will be saving money. Plus, why use Windows when you have the alternative of using the Linux operating system which is free and shares the same functions.
Overall, it seems that open-source alternatives could be good for developing countries. Reason being, not only will it help decrease the digital divide but it is also the cheaper option for allow those living in developing countries to have access to technology. So i guess open source is important. Like Mitch Kapor said: "Without the Internet and the web, no open source - without open source, no Internet or Web."
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
The 'Spoilsports' of Video Games
Surely when playing video games everybody becomes competitive and is desperate to win. Many spoilsports exist in the world of gaming. This takes away the whole fun experience of it all. Why? Well, firstly they're breaking the rules and I know I wouldn't be happy with myself if I completed a video game through cheating. I prefer a challenge, no matter how long it takes to finish!
As we all know, every game has rules and when players abide by these rules, a magic circle is created. HOWEVER, when a player has no interest in adhering to these rules, they are known as a 'spoilsport'.
Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman applied Johan Huizinga's concept of the magic circle to digital media. They said:
So who are the 'spoilsports' of video games? Well there's:
- Hackers. [These include aimbots, wallhacks and texture models]
- Aimbots are one of the most widespread cheating devices used in first-person shooter games.
It will automatically aim to kill a players opponent once the player has established a line of
sight with an opponent and pulled the trigger.
- Wallhacking allows players to see through walls in order to know when their target/opponent is
near so that they can attack.
- Team-Killer
- The name says it all, these are the spoilsports who are out to kill members of their own team.
- Griefers
- These spoilsports will do anything to upset the magic circle. Whether it will be by spamming
offensive messages or even giving away their teams position.
Noone likes a spoilsport as their only intentions are to ruin the game for others. Here's a story I found:
This just goes to show that being a spoilsport in the gaming world could result in serious consequences!
As we all know, every game has rules and when players abide by these rules, a magic circle is created. HOWEVER, when a player has no interest in adhering to these rules, they are known as a 'spoilsport'.
Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman applied Johan Huizinga's concept of the magic circle to digital media. They said:
"In a very basic sense, the magic circle of a game is where the game takes place. To play a game means entering into a magic circle, or perhaps creating one as a game begins." Magic Circle (virtual worlds) - Wikipedia
So who are the 'spoilsports' of video games? Well there's:
- Hackers. [These include aimbots, wallhacks and texture models]
- Aimbots are one of the most widespread cheating devices used in first-person shooter games.
It will automatically aim to kill a players opponent once the player has established a line of
sight with an opponent and pulled the trigger.
- Wallhacking allows players to see through walls in order to know when their target/opponent is
near so that they can attack.
- Team-Killer
- The name says it all, these are the spoilsports who are out to kill members of their own team.
- Griefers
- These spoilsports will do anything to upset the magic circle. Whether it will be by spamming
offensive messages or even giving away their teams position.
Noone likes a spoilsport as their only intentions are to ruin the game for others. Here's a story I found:
 |
| Call of Duty Spoilsport Arrested |
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Digital Game Studies - The Magic Circle
In the gaming world we are expected to abide by a set of rules and have a certain mindset in order to play the game the right way. We are entering a magic circle, in other words, the space of play that defines being in play and out of play.
Examples of magic circles include a football pitch, the opera and the video game. In a football match, the boundaries are the edges of the pitch and players are expected to follow the rules of the game for the 90 minute duration of it. Imagine a footballer is about to score a goal, but instead of shooting he picks up the ball and places it in the goal area.In this situation, the footballer is not in the magic circle because he is not abiding by the rules.
In relation to video games, the magic circle has 4 types of game play, according to Roger Caillois;
1. Agon (Competition) - Games involving competitive play where the aim is to win.
2. Alea (Chance) - The game of dice, This is all games that are based on a decision independent of the player. The player has no control over what the outcome may be and winning is all down to fate.
3. Mimicry (Simulation) - Games where the subject makes believe or makes others believe that he is someone other than himself.
4. Ilinx (Vertigo) - Games that attempt to destroy the stability of perception.
Espen Aarseth came up with the theory of Aporia and Epiphany. These are studied by looking at the qualitative and sociological analysis of the game.
Aporia describes being the game whilst epiphany is all about finding the solution.
Looking at the game Pacman, the magic circle of this game is the screen itself. Players must follow the rules of keeping within the walls of the game in order to win. The basic rule of this game is to control Pacman around a maze full of dots and pellets. However there are 4 ghosts in the maze who are out to get Pacman, so in order to win the game you have to complete the maze without getting caught by these ghosts. In comparison to a board game, the magic circle is smaller as it is just you and a computer screen. The aporias of this game will be the ghosts chasing Pacman and the walls and its dead ends. Whilst the epiphany of this game is getting the power pills in order to avoid the ghosts.
Examples of magic circles include a football pitch, the opera and the video game. In a football match, the boundaries are the edges of the pitch and players are expected to follow the rules of the game for the 90 minute duration of it. Imagine a footballer is about to score a goal, but instead of shooting he picks up the ball and places it in the goal area.In this situation, the footballer is not in the magic circle because he is not abiding by the rules.
In relation to video games, the magic circle has 4 types of game play, according to Roger Caillois;
1. Agon (Competition) - Games involving competitive play where the aim is to win.
2. Alea (Chance) - The game of dice, This is all games that are based on a decision independent of the player. The player has no control over what the outcome may be and winning is all down to fate.
3. Mimicry (Simulation) - Games where the subject makes believe or makes others believe that he is someone other than himself.
4. Ilinx (Vertigo) - Games that attempt to destroy the stability of perception.
Espen Aarseth came up with the theory of Aporia and Epiphany. These are studied by looking at the qualitative and sociological analysis of the game.
Aporia describes being the game whilst epiphany is all about finding the solution.
Looking at the game Pacman, the magic circle of this game is the screen itself. Players must follow the rules of keeping within the walls of the game in order to win. The basic rule of this game is to control Pacman around a maze full of dots and pellets. However there are 4 ghosts in the maze who are out to get Pacman, so in order to win the game you have to complete the maze without getting caught by these ghosts. In comparison to a board game, the magic circle is smaller as it is just you and a computer screen. The aporias of this game will be the ghosts chasing Pacman and the walls and its dead ends. Whilst the epiphany of this game is getting the power pills in order to avoid the ghosts.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Aesthetics of Digital Literature - Is It The End Of The Book?
With technology constantly developing, questions are being raised to whether it is time to say R.I.P to the book. You can practically find anything and everything on the Internet nowadays. Although the book has been around for a number of years, new technologies have been introduced and may just one day completely replace the book.
Computer literature, such as, the Kindle, Ipad, Sony Reader and e-books have practically become the new book. Enabling us to find and read publications online instead of visiting the local library. We are now also able to read our books on the run because of the Kindle.
According to this Telegraph Article Amazon has released figures showing that for the first time, e-books have outsold paperbacks in the United States.
Yes, e-books may save time and money however, these new technologies do have their disadvantages. E-books are actually inconvenient to read. Annie Proulx said: "Nobody is going to sit down and read a novel on a twitchy little screen ever." Surely, I can talk for the majority of people when I say I wouldn't want to sit in front of a computer reading an e-book, plus it puts a strain on your eyes, Whereas, paper books are more convenient, you're able to read in in the bath, on the bus, on your sofa, almost anywhere! Also, e-books may be copied and distributed without the permission of the publisher, which is another downside. Another disadvantage is the fact that e-book devices are rather expensive and in fact more costly than printed books.
In my opinion I think I prefer e-books. BUT a few years ago I would of said I prefer paper books. When I was younger I was an avid book reader, I absolutely loved reading books....until my mum brought me a computer. I realised as soon as I had this computer, things changed. I was constantly on the Internet and all of a sudden forgot about my love for books. I think the reason I prefer e-books is because of its accessibility, I find it very useful when it comes to doing my work, reason being, text can be searched automatically and will take me to the relevant page in the e-book..It also saves me from taking out a book in the library.
But I guess everyone is used to books because me know how to use them. Whereas, on the other hand, not everyone is familiar with technological devices let alone some people do no even own a computer.
So maybe it isn't the end of the book. With technology constantly changing and bringing out new systems and devices, you never know, e-books might eventually be outdated.
Computer literature, such as, the Kindle, Ipad, Sony Reader and e-books have practically become the new book. Enabling us to find and read publications online instead of visiting the local library. We are now also able to read our books on the run because of the Kindle.
According to this Telegraph Article Amazon has released figures showing that for the first time, e-books have outsold paperbacks in the United States.Yes, e-books may save time and money however, these new technologies do have their disadvantages. E-books are actually inconvenient to read. Annie Proulx said: "Nobody is going to sit down and read a novel on a twitchy little screen ever." Surely, I can talk for the majority of people when I say I wouldn't want to sit in front of a computer reading an e-book, plus it puts a strain on your eyes, Whereas, paper books are more convenient, you're able to read in in the bath, on the bus, on your sofa, almost anywhere! Also, e-books may be copied and distributed without the permission of the publisher, which is another downside. Another disadvantage is the fact that e-book devices are rather expensive and in fact more costly than printed books.
In my opinion I think I prefer e-books. BUT a few years ago I would of said I prefer paper books. When I was younger I was an avid book reader, I absolutely loved reading books....until my mum brought me a computer. I realised as soon as I had this computer, things changed. I was constantly on the Internet and all of a sudden forgot about my love for books. I think the reason I prefer e-books is because of its accessibility, I find it very useful when it comes to doing my work, reason being, text can be searched automatically and will take me to the relevant page in the e-book..It also saves me from taking out a book in the library.
But I guess everyone is used to books because me know how to use them. Whereas, on the other hand, not everyone is familiar with technological devices let alone some people do no even own a computer.
So maybe it isn't the end of the book. With technology constantly changing and bringing out new systems and devices, you never know, e-books might eventually be outdated.
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