E-mail: the new social network

Everything nowadays seems to be social networking. Facebook, Facebook, a little MySpace, and more Facebook. And everybody appears to put just about everything on these social networking sights to share with the rest of the world. A constant conversation we revert back to in class is how people should be wary of what they place on their social networking pages because recruiters and possible employers are scanning these pages so they get a better look at the possible employee.

Is this right? I don't think so; but if the information is out there and is open to others, why wouldn't they dig it up and check it out? It seems like a smart business move if they can avoid hiring people that could potentially become a liability.

Well things may be changing if the newest form of social networking has anything to say. And that would be e-mail. There are some new applications, like one called Thunderbird, that will allow internet users to use their e-mail accounts as their social networking page. This can limit what content is shared to people in user's address book based solely on the activity they have with them whether it's business or personal.

I feel this is the future because it will help limit the potential "dirt" others can find on you, and also simplify things for all users. Instead of having to go to several pages to check your e-mail, facebook, etc., it can turn into a hit on one website for all. In a society where time is everything, this seems to be the way to go.

Buddy Beacon: Worth the Money?

This idea of buddy beacon really intrigued me when i read about it. At first i really didnt see the point because why do you really need to stalk your friends and know exactly where they are at all times?

But the more i thought about it, the better the idea seemed to be. I first perceived it to be just another way for people to stalk others, but you have to authorize whether or not you want to be traced. But then i started thinking about the good things that could happen. Lets say you lose your phone (which happens way too much for some people), you can link it to your friends phone if they have the feature and track it down a lot easier. And it could also work for missing friends, because lets face it, sometimes on friday and saturday nights after a few too many drinks people tend to wander off without a word so this could be a real life saver.

It is pretty expensive, which may also turn people off; however, i think it would be a worth while investment. You just have to make sure not to tell your stalker friends about it or you may never have a moment of peace again.

Is the Internet Helping to Polarize your Thinking?

There seems to be an easy answer to this question:

• No.

And the reason:

• Because we are able to get our hands on limitless information and see issues from all sides of the spectrum.

But I have another question to ask:

• Is everyone really venturing into unfamiliar territory and seeking out information they don't necessarily agree with?

I guess only you can answer that question. I have never really thought of an answer to this question, but I'd have to say, personally, i really don't explore to much outside of my realm. I'm satisfied with just reading/hearing what i want to see/hear and I rarely seek out opinions of people with contrasting views from myself. I feel my upbringing partially has something to do with this because i was raised a catholic in a mainly all white neighborhood. I think coming to school at American has helped to broaden my views, but there is still things that can be done.