Technology has become the driving force of our world. But has it gone to the next level? Has technology extended to a point much further then it needs to be? Are those with access to the new technologies taking advantage of it and over stepping the boundaries? This article in the New York Times discusses a school in Philadelphia part the Lower Merion School District who had given mac laptops to all of there high school students. This school in Philadelphia takes pride in their advancement in technology but do they take advantage of this technology too?

The article outlines how this school added an application to all mac's that were given to the students. This application allowed for the webcam on these laptops to be remotely activated at anytime. So what did the school say about why this application was added? Strictly to locate the laptop if it was ever lots. I think that's obscure. What ever happened to the great GPS? May be it's out dated? And my previous point; technology has extended much further then it needs to be. I feel this technology was introduced and created with no real need and simply a purpose for this new technology needed to be developed. A void needed to be filled.

Furthermore the reason for this article, of course misuse of the remote activation of the camera. I student filed a claim to the police department when a teacher approached him saying they had footage of him being involved in "bad activities". I have a few problems with this right off the bat.

1) misuse and abuse of a privilege
2) why when the student signed for these laptops were they not notified of this application on their laptops?
3) if the laptop was not lost why was the camera turned on?
4) it is none of the schools business what the student is doing on their own time off school property
5) Aren't their privacy laws that should be in effect
6) What has high school and technology come too!

How do you feel about this situation? Do you think technology has gone to far in some case like I believe? That things are being produced without any real purpose first?

Paris...

When you hear the word Paris do you think of the place Paris where love is in the air, where the Eiffel tower is located and of course the worlds fashion capital. Or do you think of a 29 year old, 5.8 foot blond ditsy girl that's always in the public eye. Well for the majority of the world when they hear Paris they think Paris Hilton. But how could this be an individual who seems to have such little sense and enjoys nothing but partying hard be more popular then a city? And I personally feel its the way that she has branded herself. Now you can either hate her or love her but in order to do one or the other you must know her, and that's what she has achieved, being known.

Many people feel that Paris Hilton is just a blond haired girl that comes from an extremely rich family and has everything handed to her. Her fame, glory and name has developed only because of the family she comes from and her stupidity because she is not capable of much. But on the other hand, this documentary by CBC's doczone portrays her as someone completely different, a mastermind and a developer. She is a great example of branding, consumerism, cross-promotion, merchandising and making the best out of any situation.
Paris' marketing tactics are actually very effective, different and successful. She has created an image and brand that is known worldwide, and essentially that is what every brand strives to do. You can hate her or love her, but you for sure know of her.

The most interesting part of this documentary for me was seeing her ability to turn every situation in to a positive one. The day she is released from jail, would for anyone by an embarrassing and degrading moment in your life with hundreds of people watching, camera's catching footage for every news station in the world and of course magazines and other critical sources. But what does Paris do? She puts on a pair of jeans from her new line and struts through the crowds like a model. It was genius!!! Free publicity for her jean line and may I add, I am no fan of hers but she does look amazing and you got to say that was a real smart move!

In my opinion for a person that is either hated or loved and no in between she has been able to make her name a brand and a multimillion dollar business. No stereotypes intended but this has to change your mind about the ditsy, bubbly, blond girls. I guess it's true you got to always look out for the "undercover" ones.

SOCIAL NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET, GOOD OR BAD?

Obviously to many of us the Internet and specifically social networks like facebook, twitter, myspace, etc. seem to be the new, well not so new now, but BEST THING EVER. But are they really? We seem to think these social networks bring convenience, efficiency, easier interaction with those abroad and a way to meet new people. But what about privacy? Security? are these things being jeopardized as we continue to engage in the world wide web? Of course it is and for some more then you think it ever would or expect it would.

Watching a documentary titled Death Online available at www.cbc.ca/fifth/2009-2010/death_online/ really outlines how terrifying the Internet and its ability really is. The documentary is about a university student who because of personal issues went into depression and became suicidal. She turned to the Internet to find a virtual network of people who are dealing with the same issue. Eventual she found someone who was supporting and compassionate, so it seemed. Little did she know this person helped her plan her suicide with ease and pleasure.

This documentary disgusted me and instilled fear of what was out there in that virtual world. Most people think the Internet is a good thing, that social networks are a positive extension of ourselves, but after this it seems to be the opposite. An easier way for predators to track you, for stalkers to follow you and learn all about you, for basically anyone and everyone to virtually pursue you and worst case scenario have someone aid in planning your suicide.