Week 6: Adolescent Interview: Internet and technology use

Interviewee: 15 year old, boy. This particular young adult lives in the country and is home school with assistance from his mother, but mostly on his own.

1. What type of technology do you use to access the Internet?
1. phone, laptop, but I do not use it that much, only for school.
2. How would you describe the purpose of the Internet? 
1. I would say it is universal, for entertainment, sometimes I use it for research for my school work
3. What do you use the Internet for? 
1. Mainly for my school work. 
4. Do you like to read? If yes, do you prefer to read on the computer/device or in print?
1. Yes, I prefer print, like a book
5. How many hours a day would you say you use the Internet? 
1. Umm, probably one hour to be honest
6. Do you use any type of social media? If so, what types?
1. Yes, snapchat, no twitter or Facebook
7. (Only if yes to 5) How many hours are devoted to social media?
1. Like, I use snapchat to talk to my cousin only because we like to use that over text, so about 30 minutes
8. Do you prefer to communicate through social media or in person?
1. In person, everything is better in person. I talk to my cousin all the time, but I miss the interaction in person
9. How long could you survive without access to the Internet? 
1. Oh, forever.
10. How has the Internet impacted your life? Positive and/or negative.
1. Positive- use for research on school, entertainment
2. Negative- clicking wrong websites cause sometimes there are some things you just don't want to see. 

In analysis of his answers, it is apparent that this youth is not among the many of today. In other discussions, we have chatted about his sister and her constant use of her phone. He mentioned one time, "She could never survive without her phone. She is on it all the time."  This young man is mature for his age and enjoys other activities more than being on the Internet. He is not against the use of technology, but is not one to be on his phone constantly. In situations, I have noticed he pulls out his phone when he feels uncomfortable, or there is no conversation among the group he is in. I believe it would be safe to say youth rely on technology to supply a constant feeling of belonging and comfort. As seen in the audio and video listings for this module, we see understand the use of technology as more than a resource, but as either a substitute for conversation, or a creator of one. 

Week 5: McLuhan and Media Education

The applicably of the McLuhan’s speech, within Living in an Acoustic

World, to today’s education is striking.McLuhan explains the “medium in the message” as the “hidden environment of services created by an innovation, and the hidden environment of services is the thing that changes people. It is the environment that changes people, not the technology” (1970, p. 11). Taking this message on, we recognize that how we relate to the Internet, or aspects of it, is the environment we associate with it. This revelation brings up new thoughts about how I work with my students in relation to technologies. They will likely take on what they learn in school and at home, and the opinions they see in relation to technologies. 

In connection to the statement from Jenkins (2010), calling schools to “foster a critical understanding of media as one of the most powerful social, economic, political, and cultural institutions of our era,” McLuhan hints the messages expressed. Technology as a tool in education is can be used to create and develop critical thinking skills for all types of students. Whether the discussion is questioning the use of technology, or using technology itself to discuss, educators must bring in technology into the classroom for the sense of providing world experiences for students and a tool to relate to what the world is turning to. As a cultural lesson, the environment we provide for our students in relation to the media is critical. 

I really appreciated McLuhan’s comments on the electric environment and the “total absence of secrecy” (1970, p. 8). In relevance to today, I do not know how many times I have told students, once you send it or post it, it is on the Internet forever, and accessible. “With the end of secrecy goes the end of monopolies of knowledge…there can no longer be a monopoly of knowledge in learning, in education, or in power” (McLuhan, 1970, p. 8). 

McLuhan, M. (1970). Living in an acoustic world. Marshall McLuhan Speaks Special Collection. Retrieved from http://www.marshallmcluhanspeaks.com/lecture/1970-living-in-an-acoustic-world

Week 5: Ad Deconstruction

For the assignment, I chose a piece that was less of an advertisement and more of a public awareness I thought related well to our subject matter of the class.

As you can see above, the ad depicts a seen of a person, appears to be a girl, being sexually assaulted by her phone. This “advertisement” is, to put plainly, disturbing with a clear message: watch out for predators on the phone.

Through the deconstruction process, I was able to delve into the content matter of the image in greater detail. Instead of selling a product, it was selling awareness of the dangers of social media and young children.

A girl, assuming young and stylish, is depicted in the image, through the clothing and body structure. The camera positioning puts emphasis on the rear end and phone, and the imagery is eye catching. The image retains attention because of the subject matter and message. The creators do a swell job portraying a young, innocent girl being sexually attacked by a “predator,” shown as her phone. The innocence is portrayed through the use of colors and statement. The text reads: “Sexual predators can hide in your child’s smartphone.” The assumption the ad makes is the girl is innocent, unaware, stupid, or “easy,” and also makes the assumption that is only girls that are attacked.  In reference to class, the assumptions relates somewhat that everyone and their child has a smartphone. Not true.

This image puts parents on alert and urges them to become aware of their child’s use of their smartphone. Not only does the image target parents, but also targets teens with phones. This places tensions and sometimes a unnecessary lack of trust instilled between parent and child.

All in all, this brings back the message of you can’t believe everything you see and read on the Internet. Any person can be conversing with a person online that is not being completely truthful with that person. With that said, and the message the advertisement sells, we all need to be aware and teach our children and students proper use of the Internet, with emphasis of social media. The unnerving imagery concerns me about my students and their social media activity not monitored.