1. Digital Divide
Defining the "Digital Divide"
Interaction between human and computers has greatly increased as we embark on the twenty-first century. The ability to access computers and the internet has become increasingly important to completely immerse oneself in the economic, political, and social aspects of not just America, but of the world. However, not everyone has access to this technology. The idea of the "digital divide" refers to the growing gap between the underprivileged members of society, especially the poor, rural, elderly, and handicapped portion of the population who do not have access to computers or the internet; and the wealthy, middle-class, and young Americans living in urban and suburban areas who have access.
Reference: http://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/cs201/projects/digital-divide/start.html

Nonprofits and civic leaders seeking to close the digital divide in their communities should instead consider these major insights outlined in Warner’s report:

Image: https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi74vv-ruHOAhXGkJQKHTU1BY0QjhwIBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftomorrowtoday.uk.com%2Fwhatwedo%2Fpresentations%2Fbridging-the-digital-divide%2F&psig=AFQjCNHggmx9hUQF9gwEgeyKpwPAD4wKkQ&ust=1472378850555395

1)   Focus on Digital Literacy: If the report has one big conclusion it’s this: training on how to use the Internet is critical to closing the digital gap. Of the efforts on the ground, the digital literary courses held at local public libraries were the most effective elements in encouraging broadband adoption. In fact, after graduating from the courses, a majority of the participants chose to purchase Internet access immediately on the open market, instead of waiting for the free network. Through the training, many came to realize how integral the Internet had become to everyday tasks like paying bills, applying for jobs, searching for medical information and helping with kids’ homework, Warner writes.

2)   Provide computers: While digital literacy was key, free or low-cost computers removed another significant barrier in Detroit. (We were able to provide 1,700 through a donation from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.) In this case, the computers offered a good incentive for taking a digital literacy course, and maintaining skills. The participants’ children and extended family also benefitted. Participant Stephen Pitts, for example, an art teacher who suffered a head injury in a car accident, used his free laptop to brush up his painting skills through online training videos.

3)   Remove other financial barriers:  As Warner writes, Internet providers often require security deposits and a credit check before handing out equipment like routers and modems – making it harder for low-income Americans get service. Nonprofits should focus on finding a way to pay for those upfront costs.

4)   Low rates are still needed:  The average rate for monthly Internet access in Detroit is $30, still prohibitive for many in the city.

5)   Partner for success: A range of partnerships between local community organizations, private companies, libraries and government were essential to this project’s achievements, and included a federal stimulus grant that brought in additional funding, and the donated, refurbished laptops.

Reference: http://www.knightfoundation.org/blogs/knightblog/2012/4/5/five-lessons-bridging-digital-divide/

2. Digital Addiction 

What Causes Internet/Computer Addictions? 

Image: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louis-efron/four-questions-all-techno_b_4172731.html

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, Internet addiction is comprised of three different subtypes. These subtypes are sexual preoccupations, gaming, and email or text messaging. Each of these different types of Internet addiction feature four common components:

• Excessive use
• Withdrawal
• Tolerance
• Negative repercussions

As computers, laptops and tablets become increasingly commonplace in today’s modern world, the question of how much Internet usage is too much naturally arises and thus, leads to the query of what causes Internet and computer addictions. It should be understood that everyone’s experience of using the Internet is different. Some people rely on the Internet extensively for their jobs. Others take advantage of the Internet to socialize with family and friends who do not live nearby. Ultimately, use of the Internet may become a problem when you begin to neglect important areas of your life, such as school, work or relationships in order to use the computer.

The following symptoms could indicate Internet or computer addiction:

• Losing track of time spent online
• Experiencing difficulty completing tasks at home or work
• Isolation from friends and family
• Feeling defensive or guilty about Internet usage
• Experiencing a sense of euphoria when involved in online activities

Individuals who have an Internet addiction may also experience physical symptoms that could include:

• Strained vision
• Sleep problems
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Severe headaches

Internet addiction has become a global problem. The American Journal of Psychiatry reports that Internet addiction is now considered one of the most serious health issues facing South Korea while approximately 10 million teenagers in China are considered Internet addicts.

Reference: http://www.psychguides.com/guides/internet-and-computer-addiction-treatment-program-options/

5 Ways to Stop Technology Addiction (1/5)

Research suggests that at least 64 per cent of people now spend up to 4 hours daily of leisure time in front of a screen. Just as TV watching has been linked to higher rates of obesity and diabetes, this extra sedentary time is bad news for our health. Here a few easy tips to help kick a technology addiction.

1. Choose Outdoor Activities Over Technology

When you’re at home, make it a rule that you can’t be online if the sun is shining. Instead, you have to go for a walk, ride a bike or get some other kind of healthy physical activity for at least an hour before you can pull out your phone or tablet, or take a seat at the computer. This rule should apply to everyone in your household.

2. Rearrange the Family Room Furniture

Design your family room so that the television is no longer the focal point of the room, but an afterthought that requires twisting around or rearranging chairs to view it.

3. Limit Social Media Use

Social networks have transformed computer and mobile use for Canadians of all ages. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, impose limits on the amount of time you spend on socia media. Avoid aimless browsing and give your time online a purpose: Research holidays, catch up on the news of the day or find the answer to that random question that’s been bothering you for ages. Then log off!

4. Set Aside Reading Time

Challenge yourself to read at least 30 pages of a great book before you check your computer or mobile device. Pick the right reading material and you’ll soon find you’ve created a new pastime!

5. Create Projects for Yourself

It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you’re not glued to a screen. Compile a list of one-hour evening projects. List everything you can possibly think of: Organizing kitchen cupboards, touching up the paint on your bedroom walls, sharpening knives, sorting through your sewing materials. Then try to do one each evening.

References: http://www.readersdigest.ca/health/healthy-living/5-ways-avoid-technology-addiction/

3. Cyber bullying

 Reference: https://infogr.am/cyber-bullying-268

Cyber bullying is a different kind of bullying in that your child can be the perpetrator or the victim in your own home. Following is a list of some precautions you can take to minimize the chances of your child becoming a cyber bully or a victim of cyber bullying.

Reference: http://www.americanhumane.org/children/stop-child-abuse/fact-sheets/cyber-bullying-prevention-and-intervention.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.ph/

Cyber bullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyber bullying include: mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Reference: https://infogr.am/cyber-bullying-268

4. Ethical Use Of Media And Information 

Digital media ethics deals with the distinct ethical problems, practices and norms of digital news media. Digital news media includes online journalism, blogging, digital photojournalism, citizen journalism and social media. It includes questions about how professional journalism should use this ‘new media’ to research and publish stories, as well as how to use text or images provided by citizens.

Reference: http://ethics.journalism.wisc.edu/resources/digital-media-ethics/

Image: http://scrippsmediaethics.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-importance-of-ethics-codes.html

Media ethics is the subdivision of applied ethics dealing with the specific ethical principles and standards of media, including broadcast media, film, theatre, the arts, print media and the internet. The field covers many varied and highly controversial topics, ranging from war journalism to Benetton advertising.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_ethics

5. Opportunities And Challenges of Media And Information

Social networking isn’t for everyone, but it’s now such a massive part of all our lives, whether we embrace or reject the notion, that it can no longer be ignored. But are social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ a force for good or evil? As with most questions there are multiple angles to approach this quandary from.

Having already looked at the negative impact of social networking sites on society, I thought it only fair to redress the balance. Every ying has its yang, after all. Using the previous article as a loose template it’s clear to see that what some people would conceive as negatives can also be positives. I guess there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the effect social networks are having on us all in this day and age.

Reference: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/positive-impact-social-networking-sites-society-opinion/

• Media Opportunities

Trade fairs are one of the most powerful, versatile and effective promotion instruments available. But it is not just having an inviting stand in a good location that leads to your trade fair success, also other promotional activities play a role. In order to get the maximum benefit out of the exhibitions, the organizers offer exhibitors the opportunity to enhance their trade fair participation with additional marketing tools. These tools give exhibitors the possibility to boost their visibility and set them apart from their competitors.

When booking a stand exhibitors are required to book a promotion package which they can use to optimize their trade fair participation. This service normally includes at least printed catalogues as well as online directories and search tools. We highly recommend you to take care that your company and contact details are correct and all information you want to enter is included both in catalogues and online directories.

Online directories give exhibitors also a possibility to present their ideas, products and services. They enable to build new advertising and sales channels, already far before and long after the event. You should not miss the opportunity of this useful 24-hour information and communication platform.

Besides these the trade fair organizers offer you many other additional opportunities to gain more attention for your company, products or services. These include advertising space indoor and outdoor, print media, PR services, seminars, briefings, presentations, press conferences etc. The available service range depends on the trade fair company and has to be checked individually. We are happy to help you to find promotion activities that are suitable to your company and increase your success at the trade fair.

• Just a blink of the eye in world history, the 40-year existence of the Internet has been revolutionary, its impact comparable to the invention of the printing press nearly 600 years ago. The World Wide Web has become a societal foundation for global communications, economics, science and politics. And it has increasingly opened the doors for millions of people to take part in the world well beyond their immediate communities. The digital era has opened vast opportunities, but it also poses risks. Internet abuse takes many forms, such as cyber crime, and combating it is a challenge to both policy makers and business.

Once primarily a one-way street, "the information highway" has since about the turn of the century developed into a truly interactive medium. People can go online to create and co-shape social and political movements, forcing "conventional" media to consistently rethink and revitalize the ways they perceive, address and engage their audiences. More participation, social action and public interest in political decision-making is democratizing news and societies. What does this mean for media reporting, public opinion-making and forms of governance? And how do they impact each other in the ways they operate?

Reference: http://www.digital-development-debates.org/challenges-for-the-media-from-information-to-participation.html

Shinmie Padua  XI SOCRATES