Here Comes Everybody

"Filter-then-publish, whatever its advantages, rested on a scarcity of media that is a thing of the past. The expansion of social media means that the only working system is publish-then-filter."

Social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, provide amble opportunities for people to share news and experiences with other around the world. Friends and followers receive so many updates that they often can't sift through it all. Many times they simple pick and choose what to actually read. Browsing through entries, they make split second decisions about importance, interest, and applicability. It wasn't very long ago that these decisions were made by editors of newspapers in their decision of what to put headline everyday. Nowadays, the majority of people get their news from social sites, not news websites, which results in a wildfire like spreading of current events, good and bad. Since these sites connect millions, one post can be liked, retweeted, shared, and ultimately seen by people around the world in mere minutes.

However, social media sites come with risks. The ability of these sites to make everyone aware of a disaster halfway around the world can also be used in a less productive way. Some take advantage of the power and turn blogs into gossip sites. These outspoken bloggers can spread lies just as easily as truth and often overpower the voices of less bold people. Unlike professional journalism, no one is verifying facts or held responsible for inaccurate information. So, while social sites increase opportunities for anyone to become an amateur reporter, it also provides opportunities for others to take advantage of the system and report falsehoods.

"Given that everyone now has the tools to contribute equally, you might expect a huge increase in equality of participation. You'd be wrong."

Enhance, Don't Detract

Imagine keeping track of fourteen million people without the use of modern technology. Try to fathom the amount of paperwork. Computers make this impossible task more manageable by replacing the toppling piles of paper with compact systems and fast processors. What used to take months to process now takes mere seconds. However, new advancements haven't stopped at reducing paperwork--they've managed to impact nearly every aspect of life. Calendar apps. Restaurant apps. Games. Anything you can think of, there's probably an app for it. In fact, technology has become so ingrained in our society that it is completely acceptable to spend all day on a computer. While this isn't inherently bad, if the time is spent on pursuing a virtual life and detracting from what is real, it can ruin lives. The adversary is skilled in taking positive inventions and twisting them around for his own use. We all need to be wary of the negative power technology can weld with each of us personally. Let us use it to enhance our lives, not detract from it.

Passion is Key

Passion drives us all. Without it our existence is dull and drab. Everyday drags on and life comes to a standstill. If you don't love what you do, what's the point? In order to gain a meaningful life, find something you love to do, whether it's coding, designing, teaching, or a million other options. Never settle for a mundane job. Every great invention begins as a small thought in someone's mind; an itch that just wont go away. When this happens to you, run with it. Throw yourself into it. Find others that share your desire and create something great together. The dedication and passion reflected in whatever the outcome is will inspire others to pursue they're own dreams. Just remember that the key to success is passion.

Family History and Technology

Before recent advancements in technology, family research required a lot more physical research. Dusty rooms. Fragile pages. Dim lighting. Frustration. Exhilaration. Paper, paper, paper! However, new technology has made it possible to connect the world of family history and centralize information. Websites like Family Search and Ancestry.com have allowed people around the world to connect and share information about common ancestors. Instead of duplicate research being performed, results can be compared and shared with ease. These websites also contain images which can be examined and many have even been indexed, allowing users to search for a specific name. Although physical research will never be replaced (guaranteeing completeness and accuracy would be a nightmare), technology has made it easier to start. So if you have ever been interested in family history, visit a site and start searching. But be warned--it's addicting.

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should

"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should" is a mentality everyone needs to have when faced with a situation dealing with media sharing. New technological advancements have made it easier and more convenient to share media. Where once you had to physically borrow a CD or movie in order to enjoy it without purchasing it yourself, now your friend can make a copy for you. In fact, they could make you a copy and then you could make your own copies and send them to other friends. Even more convenient, you don't even have to make a physical copy; you can just send it over the web in digital form. It sounds like a great way to share your favorite song or movie. However, someone worked hard to produce that media and is relying on people buying the CD or movie in order to cover costs of production. It isn't fair to them if only one in ten people who enjoy their creation actually purchased it. On the other hand, you purchased the CD and believe you have a right to share it with friends. This is a dilemma that faces society. Orson Scott Card offers the following solution, in MP3's are not the Devil: ". . .educate people that it's OK to let people hear a sample, but don't give away whole albums of work you didn't create. This is not a hard concept; people would get it." So, yes, you could make numerous copies of a purchased CD and hand them out like candy, but you shouldn't. Instead, send samples from the CD to interested friends and let them make the decision on whether they want to be content with the sample or purchase the entire CD.