Category: Technology & Culture

The latest report from the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, “New Media, Old Media findings.” More than 99% of the stories linked to blogs came from legacy outlets such as newspapers and broadcast networks. And just four – the BBC, CNN, the New York Times and the Washington Post- accounted for 80% of all links.”

Kids find some of these 5-minute clips more informative than their textbooks. Some kids have even been found to be online teaching themselves subjects unavailable at school.

But the question has to be, are YouTube Videos a reliable form of education? Is the content verified? Is it valid? How do you know the good ones from the bad ones?

Only 56 per cent of households with incomes of $30,000 or less use the internet, why?
Are Canadian Internet service providers charging a premium for such an invaluable service?
Do you have thoughts?

Do we really need a million sheep following us, or do we need a few good friends?
Is Social Media just a Big Ego Boost, or does it have merit?

Social media has become a powerful tool for free speech, allowing individuals to express their opinions and connect with others on a global scale. However, there are concerns that this freedom can sometimes lead to harmful or false information being spread and incite violence or hate speech. Some argue that regulations and internet advisory policies are necessary to ensure responsible use and protect users from harmful content. Others argue that such regulations could stifle free speech and limit the potential of social media as a platform for diverse voices. Ultimately, finding a balance between free expression and responsible use will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration between governments, tech companies, and users themselves to navigate the complex landscape of social media use.

So every week just in case I run out of things to talk about I have a little list of extra things that have happened on Facebook or Youtube or changes in other social media platforms within the last few days.

Facebook constantly evolves to adapt to changing trends and user behavior. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it faces pressure to improve user experience, generate more revenue, address issues like misinformation and privacy, and prevent abuse. To keep users engaged, Facebook introduced new features like Stories, Live Videos and Messenger Rooms, and invests in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies. Facebook aims to remain a relevant, useful, and profitable platform for users and advertisers, which requires constant experimentation and adaptation to changing markets and user preferences.

User-generated content is on the rise thanks to social media platforms, giving individuals the power to create and share their own stories and experiences. This shift has resulted in a more democratic landscape where traditional gatekeepers have less control over what is seen or heard. However, it has also presented challenges in quality control, authenticity, and credibility. This trend reflects a societal shift towards participatory culture, where individuals want an active role in shaping their own identities.