Shirky's Article

Shirky is expressing an argument that if we utilize this cognitive surplus that we have, we can contribute greatly to the information on the internet. Shirky also argues his view of literacy. Through this article, literacy is not as much about the ability to read or write or comprehend, but the ability to use our free time to contribute through reading and writing. Cognitive surplus is the time that we have that is not filled with responsibilities, but wasted relaxing or just sitting idle. The point and importance of the article is to express that we need to use our time wisely and contributing.

       The author keeps referring to someone working on a TV show that he is explaining his point to. This person keeps trying to shut down this idea of using time wisely. The intent of the argument is not extreme, but realizing that only so much will change, it is to show that a little bit of change can show a huge impact on gaining useful information. The repetition of the person attempting to shut down this idea is actually proving and even helping the point. It proves it because it is evidence that not everyone will change their ways. There will be many that benefit from wasteful cognitive surplus and will disagree with change. For those who do agree, this helps them see more clearly why this is needed. The first step will change the way that skeptics see this idea of using time wisely. The strategically added repetition of this negative opinion only strengthens the argument. The entire argument is built upon negativity, but strives from productivity.

Google Article

The title of the article "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" basically introduces the argument. The claim is that reading information on the internet makes us "stupid." More specifically, it lowers our attention span and ability to analyze text. The author explains that after using the internet for years he has felt that he cannot pay attention to long articles anymore and just skims longer reads. He is losing his literacy. Literacy according to this passage is the ability to interpret and understand text. This definition of literacy is similar to that of Socrates' Nightmare's definition of literacy. It is not about the ability to read words, but the ability to comprehend and analyze ideas.  This new age of networking has changed peoples' reading habits by enabling a "power browsing" mode to attempt to attain as much information as possible in the least amount of time. This is backed up by evidence of his own experience of skimming and skipping and his friends' experience having the same lack of interest in truly reading something. A study from University College of London also proved this with studies of people jumping to different sources for information after a few pages. Not only does this evidence have a personal aspect because it is the author's personal opinion, but it has a legitimate study backing up the claim. The author realizes that the internet is not going to cease to be used. It has too many advantages to it for users. The author is simply concluding that readers should be careful to be careless. Readers will lose all motivation to learn anything in depth if they continue to exploit the wonders of the internet.

Social Media Topic

     I will be analyzing the Facebook account of Tyler Carter of Issues. He is very public about his opinions and feelings on topics. He has an intention for his posts and shows his passion for his followers and fans. Overall, his account portrays his identity to be a passionate artist working and living for fans while also promoting his current band, Issues.

Social Networking

    Personally, my Facebook page is used for easy communication and link sharing. I rarely post things about myself besides my personal information. Other people, however, every once and while post pictures, statuses, or videos that tag me and add it to my profile page. The most recent posts on my profile are about various musical artists from friends and family. In addition to these are some videos intended to be humorous. My profile portrays a mostly passive profile with music and humor interests. The cover photo on my profile is very strange and also adds to this perception given. When the later part of high school starts is about the time when a Facebook profile should be monitored due to impressions it can leave on people from only seeing a profile. Actions should have already been done by the time college starts. Employers and anyone that could have interest in someone will always look at social media sites looking for inappropriate behavior to sway their opinion of a person. There is an option on Facebook to ask before anything is posted on a personal profile. I have this turned on and I approve what goes on my profile to avoid inappropriate posts getting to a public page. I do not have many security restrictions on my profile to prevent anyone from thinking there is something to hide. Everything on my profile is allowed through intentionally and is there to describe me in others ways other than on paper. This is a very important precaution to have to preserve innocence on first impressions on any future opportunities. It is always important to be aware than anything posted online can and will be released if it is desired. Any security can be breached. The best solution is to have nothing to hide.