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Rheingold cites his own personal experiences in determining the validity of information on the internet. For quite some time, it has been suggested that we as consumers, regard information on the internet in context. State Farm even pokes fun at the information provided on the web.
http://youtu.be/v_CgPsGY5MwThroughout Chapter 2, Rheingold divulges techniques to help the reader ensure that the information they are reading is correct. His first advise is to verify the source. Searching for the author and what other sites reference regarding him/her. It is imperative that we validate the site we are obtaining information or using at any given time. An example of ensuring validity, and looking for the .gov or .edu address would be when searching for the free FAFSA site for financial aid. If one does not verify the .gov on the web address, you could end up on a site charging for completing this form, where otherwise there is no charge.
Although I do believe that much of this information in Chapter is relevant, Rheingold is presented as less than professional in his titles and subtitles. This lack of professionalism could lead readers to discount his advice. His findings are often contained in numerous pages reiterating the same information, and may be more powerful in a more concise and organized fashion. -
Koan 3 states “There is Want in the Midst of Plenty”. Specifically this speaks about technology and the ability to use outdated sources of information. The lesson provides a telling example of a patient who has to inform a doctor of his medical history because it is not on his electronic medical file. This koan is designed to invoke though on forms of data that are now obsolete.
This koan can also be applied to the human beings. Many have the idea that they have to keep up their friends and neighbors. Most of society lives paycheck to paycheck, trying to maintain a lifestyle that may or may not be practical. We have to have the best and newest automobiles, the biggest homes, our kids going to the best schools, and wearing the best clothes. Our society has invoked an image of self worth based upon outward appearances. Many who already have so much, still want for more. It appears that more is never enough.
The end result for society as well as our data appears to be the same. We constantly advance in every area of technology. The cycle is unbreakable because no one will ever have the best of everything and there will constantly be new ways to use, store, and manipulate data. -
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Chapter 1 speaks of our generation being “always on”. I found this very insightful, especially since my family and myself are always on our cell phones. I check Facebook multiple times of day, during periods of insomnia, and often while watching tv.
Dr. Rheingold made interesting observations regarding his class and their attention during his lectures. He utilized various methods to help his class focus after identifying their lack of attention. It was very telling when he mentioned the student who was all over the internet checking email, reading blogs, and visiting various sites, but he was also one of the most attentive students.
The task of learning about attention control and metacognition provide great information on how we ourselves are not tied to the technological world. There are metacognitive strategies that would enable each of us to pay more attention to what’s going on around us. Dr. Stone published great advice in the Huffington Post, creating a list of simple tasks to aide in managing attention. -
Hello, my name is Patricia Boyle. I am the mother of 3 teenage boys with a new baby on the way in the July. I currently work for a major financial institution in Richmond, VA as a branch manager. At age 42, I am looking forward to finally completing my bachelor’s degree and gaining some great experience along the way!
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Chasity,
I would have to disagree with you as far as the writing style of the author. Although I find that he makes valid points throughout concerning using ones mind, but often his writing is repetitive and off track. I find that in textbooks, there is a logical order and there are not smattered, random thoughts commingled.
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What are your thoughts on medical websites and the recent surge in self-diagnosis? The medical and pharmaceutical industries lead consumers to self-diagnose themselves and now even self-prescribe medications.
How do you think Rheingold’s techniques can be utilized to ensure that consumers are provided the most accurate information? -
The thought that nothing ever goes away is very compelling, but true especially today in our social media based society. A post on Facebook or twitter is immediately seen by thousands. Even if you delete this immediately, it is still imprinted everywhere and as long as one person has seen it, it will never be forgotten.
This is an especially hard lesson for the youth of today. I have been working to instill this understanding in my teen sons. I stress the importance of being responsible in every area of your life, because we never know who might be looking. Many schools and employers now check social media before extending offers. Understanding how technology not only helps us each day, but also provides a telling electronic tale of your life. -
I, too, struggle with letting go of my iPhone. I check it entirely too much, even during family time. This text really made me think about my own usage and how my whole family has become dependent on their device, presumably to avoid interaction and conversation.
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Mike,
Do you think that age is the key to being able to avoid distraction from media outlets? My son can also study, watch tv, listen to music, and periodically check twitter. I am not sure he is maintaining all the information attempted, but if his grades are any indication it would not be much.
At age 42, having multimedia distractions is not conducive to a productive environment. While working daily, I find myself distracted by thinking about multimedia and websites, email, and Facebook.
