Are+We+Changing+With+Technology+or+Is+Technology+Changing+Us?

Student Name: Hieu Diep Student Number: n8277800 Tutor: Dr Katie Page

=**DREAMHACK Tournament - Technology and Gaming At Its Best**=

=**Artefact **= This picture was taken during a ‘Dreamhack’ Counter Strike Tournament. As you can see there are many viewers enticed by the evolution of technology and how fast it has evolved (lighting, computers, graphics cards, earphones). ‘Dreamhack’ provides many participants (over 1000+ teenagers, or Generation Y players, with some adults playing also in one room/theater) with the chance of qualifying to play in the finals (as seen with the 5 players here). Communication technology has evolved rapidly and has provided the world with devices such as headphones, mobiles, wireless web cams, the I-phone 4 and so forth. This artefact illustrates how embedded and influential technology is within our society, and how generations have adapted with it, such as Generation 'Y' and 'X'.

=**Public Health Issue **= Many groups of individuals would state that 'generation-y’ers' are the outcome of our future and have labeled this generation as techno savvy. It is also known that the this techno savvy generation comes with great risks and consequences such as cyber bullying and misuse of information and communication technology  (Juvonen, 2008) . If we don’t take this topic into mind or consideration, how will the future turn out? According to Manuel Castells Volume II on Information and Urban Change the  development of new information and communication technology has allowed the freedom for inviduals to find their own identity. For example, pluralisation, social identity and to fit into social groups that they wish to be a part of whether online or in reality.

=** Literature Review **= Through the years, communication and information technology have been seen throughout different types of media such as news reports and newspaper articles. However, through methodical research it is known that these reports within the media are mainly bias (only reporting positively on technological advancements in other countries yet negative technological events within Australia). Eight external media items used in previous studies in 2011 on this topic have been used and analysed further. Additionally four main media articles have been thoroughly analysed. These four media items are shown in Figure 1.0. Media item number one, SYS (Stop Youth Suicide) Facebook page was created in commemoration of teenagers that have taken their lives. The website creator has displayed on the Facebook page that her common interest for the group is Health and Wellness with a description of how two people took their lives due to depression on November 17th below it. Secondly, in media item number two, Oonagh Reidy states that new words (with a lot of reference to cyberspace) have been added to the 12th edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary (e.g. cyberbullying, sexting and textspeak). This article overall illustrates that cyberspace has become a necessity in the lives of daily citizens and that it will further progress along with the world itself (Christian, 2008).

Thirdly, media item number three displays that they (members of the Federation of Ontario) have attempted to make new policies after having meetings created by the ‘Federation of Ontario’ due to videos and unauthorised pictures taken on the 16th of August by students. There are several stakeholders that have their say in this article, for example: a U.S. digital crime expert who runs cybersafety.org said ‘the Internet and easy-to-use digital technology have created a new cyber schoolyard for bullying to take place’. Overall, the CTV News staffs are trying to convey the flaws in technology and how easy cyberbullying can occur online (John, 2005). Finally, media item number four, Twitter and Facebook don't connect people, they isolate them from reality, illustrates that there are a rising number of academics within the article and discussion thread. The mainstreams of academics view technology as threatening to dominate our lives and construct us as ‘less human’ or more inhumane. Under the illusion of allowing us to communicate better, it is in fact isolating and separating us from real human interactions in a ‘cyber-reality’ that is a poor replication of the real world. Limitations and barriers are apparent when looking at these media items and their methodologies. The numbers of participants (sample groups) that the researchers used are limited; views of summaries are analysed by restricted professions and the surveys conducted should have not been filled out honestly due to personal reasons.

 Conclusively from the data and research collected cyberspace plays a main part in the majority of stakeholders such as Gen Y. Technological communication and cyberspace are a place where individualisation and pluralisation of identity occur. These identities vary and depend on the cultural processes that influence on certain individuals, social groups and social networks. There are negative and positive views of cyberspace and technological communication. As seen the media articles and peer reviewed journal articles illustrate that cyberspace leads to consequences such as cyberbullying mainly amongst adolescents (Gen Y) but however do relate to adults. On the other hand, it also leads to positive outcomes (economical, politically and socially). This is supported through more positive and dominant media items located through research (which can be seen in the eight external media items). These media items demonstrate that we are passing from the 'industrial age into the information age' (Webster, 2004). Additionally reinforcing this, the majority of media items on the news recently illustrate mainly positive outcomes of cyberspace and technological communication. To further this ‘information age’ we must promote and advocate childhood and senior education to citizens all over the world. In the end through supporting research cyberspace and technological communications beneficial outcomes outweigh its consequences. Current and future generations will continue to adapt with the ever evolving technology in this information era.

=Cultural and Social Analysis =  The development of new information and communication technology has allowed the freedom for people to find their own identity (social groups or pluralisation and changes in social trends) as stated earlier. This cultural communication of pluralized choices of identity mainly takes places via modern media, for example, through the presentation of clothing, behaviour and belief patterns such as religion. As a result, the social media gain an enormous importance for the construction of identity in late modern societies such as Generation “Y”. Generation Y and X, and its social and cultural groups within are for the most part are mainly affected. <span class="normalblack" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Social networking sites and social media such Facebook and twitter all have somehow found a process in creating this identity of individualisation and pluralisation.

<span class="normalblack" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">It is vital to see how information and communication technology has affected the health of Generation “Y” in regards to how much time they spend in cyberspace and how much time they actually spend socialising in reality and how beneficial technology really is. Public health experts should be looking at this statement above. Without a doubt technology has changed the experience and the lives of the social world that Gen Y-ers currenlty live (gen x also have adapted to new technology in this day and age). With this all in mind we have to note that different viewpoints come with several variables such as locations and social groups (when looking at the influence and results of technology). <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">For the most part, after researching and conducting two additional studies on this topic, conclusion can be made that the benefits of information and communication technology outweigh the negative outcomes and that technology is leading us into a better world. As new technology evolves society will adapt with it. This involves economical and political adapting seeing as economically, technology is making tasks easier by creating new communication technology and therefore resulting in selling more new and popular products. Politically, communications through labour and liberal parties use technology, speakers, projections and more. These economic and political benefits will only further support cyberspaces growth and progress within our network society.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Analysis of Artefact and Learning Refelction = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Referring back to the artefact shown at top of this page. The artefact represents how Generation Y has adapted to new information and especially communication technologies such as computers and microphones. This artefact is a good case of point seeing as many people have different viewpoints on where technology is actually leading society to. Questions such as, will technology further the ever rising obesity rates? And does it really cause fewer issues when communicating to others? Or is adapting to new information technology the best strategy? There are many studies out there that will answer these questions, however, they will all have their own views and variables that come with the studies. For me personally, I believe that this artefact conveys that generation Y and the rest of the world are definitely moving into a different era. Looking at our network society, everything has changed quite rapidly (technology wise) and I accept as true that we are passing from the ‘industrial age into the information age’ (Webster, 2004). <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> This learning experience of being able to look into Generation Y as a part of PUB209 has influenced my views on how the future will turn out and how fast technology has really evolved. When looking at this topic further into the future I will have at least credible knowledge on information and communication technology therefore making me more aware and less bias.

Figure 1.0 - Four Specific Media Sources and Stories/Debates
 * Media Items used**


 * = #1 SYS (Stop Youth Suicide) Facebook page created by Allison Jean Walsh = || = It can be seen through the comments that individuals and groups have emotionally posted up wall posts to connect with the creator of the page & convey/illustrate that their views on suicide rates within out youths today. = ||
 * = #2 Talk Lyk Dis: Retweet Me, I’m OFFICIALLY A Word By Oonagh Reidy | Friday | 19/08/2011 and so are cyberbullying, domestic goddess and textspeak. Woot? Article. Channel News Australia, 2011. = || = This article written by Oonagh Reidy discusses how the slang of society today was altered due to social media and online socialising. This conveys how much the online world/cyber space has an influence on society. = ||
 * = #3 Teachers fight back about being on Youtube (news article with attached articles). Bell Media, 2011. = || = Teachers speak out against the form on media use to harass them and record (such as Youtube). = ||
 * = #4 Social networking under fresh attack as tide of cyber-scepticism sweeps US (article and forum/discussion thread). Guardian News, 2011. = || = This article with a forum discusses how individuals feel about the virus like spread of technology and its influences. = ||
 * Eight External Media Items**
 * Juvonen J, Gross EF. (2008). Bullying Experiences in cyberspace. //Journal of School Health,//78(9), 496-505.

*Negative* ||
 * Merchant G. (2001). An investigation of language use and change in internet chatrooms. //Journal of Reasearch in Reading//. Vol. 24 Issue 3, p293;, 14p.

*Negative* ||
 * Chadwick, A. (2006). Internet politics: States, citizens, and new communication technologies. New York: Oxford University Press. 384pages.

*Positive* ||
 * Watson, W. Joe. (2008). Politics and Media in Cyberspace: Two exploratins of the Internet’s growing influence. //Journal of Broadcasting& Electronic Medi//a. Mar2008, Vol. 52 Issue 1, p153-155.

*Positive* ||
 * Li-An, H. Tsung-Hsien, K. And Kuo Binshan, L. (2010). Influence of online learning skills in cyberspace. Internet research, Vol. 20 Iss: 1, pp.55-71.

*Positive* ||
 * Christian, R. (2008). The self in cyberspace. //Journal of Analytical Psychology//. May 2008, Vol 53 Issue 3. p421-436.

*Positive* ||
 * Young-Eisendrath, P. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> ( 1997 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">). The self in analysis <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">. // Journal. of Analytical Psychology // <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">. Jun 2008 Vol // 42 // <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">, Issue // 1 // <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">, p 157-166.

*Positive* ||
 * John, S. Terror in Cyberspace: Terrorist Will Exploit and Widen the Gap Between Governing Structures and the Public. //The journal of American Behavioural Scientist// Vol 45, no.6 1017-1032.

*Positive* ||

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Chadwick, A. (2006). Internet politics: States, citizens, and new communication technologies. New York: Oxford University Press. p384. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Christian, R. (2008). The self in cyberspace. //Journal of Analytical Psychology//. May 2008, Vol 53 Issue 3. p421-436. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">John, S. (2005). Terror in Cyberspace: Terrorist Will Exploit and Widen the Gap Between Governing Structures and the Public. //The journal of American Behavioural Scientist// Vol 45, no.6 1017-1032. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> Juvonen J, Gross EF. (2008). Bullying Experiences in cyberspace. //Journal of School Health,//78(9), p496-505. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> Li-An, H. Tsung-Hsien, K. And Kuo Binshan, L. (2010). Influence of online learning skills in cyberspace. Internet research, Vol. 20 Iss: 1, p55-71. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Merchant G. (2001). An investigation of language use and change in internet chatrooms. //Journal of Reasearch in Reading//. Vol. 24 Issue 3, p293;, 14p. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> Watson, W. Joe. (2008). Politics and Media in Cyberspace: Two exploratins of the Internet’s growing influence. //Journal of Broadcasting& Electronic Medi//a. Mar2008, Vol. 52 Issue 1, p153-155. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Webster, F. (2004). Information and Urban Change: Manuel Castells. In F. Webster & B. Dimitriou (Eds.), Manuel Castells, Volume II (pp. 15-39). London: Sage Publications. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Young-Eisendrath, P. ( <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">1997 ). //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">The self in analysis //. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Journal. of Analytical Psychology //. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> June 2008 Vol 42 Issue 1, p157-166
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Reference List **

Hey James, This is a very interesting artefact seeing as Zyzz has influenced a lot of people or adolescents (mainly generation Y). I believe that this certainly is a topic to look into. Your analysis and research on your artefact is very well constructed and looks like a lot of effort has been put into it. As I am also a Zyzz fan it is interesting to see how your page has been constructed. I strongly agree that different generations such as Gen Y and Gen X have very different views on the ideal male and female. Your page was very interesting to read. Student n8277800 ||
 * || [|n8277800] Saturday, 9:20 am

Hey Sonja Pajonck. The artefact you have chosen is very relevant. I liked the fact that you have stated that different generations have different values and beliefs and you have a lot of statistics in conjunction to technology and different media types used within modern society today. I strongly agree with the statement that you have under your analysis of of artefact 'health issues should not be underestimated, however some features the modern media provides us with, should not be stigmatised completely. It is important for generation Y members to be aware of the danger of getting addicted to being online all day'. Student n8277800 || <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">**Figure 1.0 - Specific Media Sources and Stories/Debates**
 * || [|n8277800] Saturday, 2:04 am