1. Do the transformations that have been taking place in communication technology deserve to be called revolutionary?
I believe that the transformations in Communication Technology revolutionized each and everyone else's way of living. With the outburst of different electronic contraptions, the world is just at the touch of a button. Who would ever think that we'll be living this conveniently today?
Drastic change. Conversion. Reform. Innovation. These are just a few definitions of such a strong word -- Revolutionary. In my opinion, the Pros’ of technologies today triumphs over the Cons’. From simple writing on the rocks, to disseminating information through print, the invention of the telegraph, then the telephone, to satellite broadcasting over radio and television, then the computer, the mobile phone and the greatest, for me, the evolution of the Internet.
I remember being conscious of the Internet through a classmate in high school. Yes, we have a personal computer at home but no connection of internet. It was such a desperate move that what I really wanted in the beginning was a Friendster account (that was the trend then), and in order for that to happen, I have to have an e-mail address. The rest, for me is history. Electronic messages from our relatives in the states, keeping records of pictures in Multiply, blogging, then along came Facebook where reconnecting with friends is as easy as pie. Sending files for work, bank transactions and doing business via video conferencing and online shops. Search engines that makes researching a breeze.
Convenience of being in touch with the world -- whether for work or leisure has reached great heights over the last couple of years and amazingly, it will still bring about constant revolution.
2. Which predictions do you agree with in the Trendspotter’s Guide to New Communication and which do you not agree with and why?
AYE! |
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With all the means to research and with a number of facilities available for upgrade, I believe there will be new inventions wherein we can harvest better connections - be it satellite cable TV, wireless phone connections and Internet connections. Thus, improvement from this field will bring about Increased Mobility -- there is a possibility that in the coming years, Wi-Fi would be readily available in developed cities all over the world, and with free access too. (Afar from free internet connections in coffee shops wherein you have to purchase a drink) And so, people with Wi-Fi enabled phones, laptops and netbooks can be on-line 24/7 with no network interruptions.
But even now, we can attest the strong effect of communication technology towards our everyday living. Notice how there are a lot of home-based jobs that are currently available right now -- it is because of the availability of wireless transaction and communication between an employer and employee. And with just the right resources one has to have at home that gets the job done: internet connection and a multi-functional computer, it's a full-blast convenience.
English as the de facto universal language - I guess everyone knows that already. In the BPO industry that I am in right now, one has to speak English whole-heartedly. Not just the basic grammar usage and subject-verb agreement know-how but you have to have the twang or the accent. You have to be plausible to make it seem that you know what you're talking about.
But then again, why English? It has the widest geographic reach, used as official language in more than 70 countries. If you know English then basically, you can do business in and outside of your own country, you can travel the world without hassle, you can communicate your needs, you can easily transact with anyone. The need for learning English is becoming a necessity -- thus, people are taking classes on learning how to speak the language, more that I know of are the Asian people. And it really makes me proud to say that at least we Filipinos have a knack in conversing in English, and that as of now, we are the go-to country in Asia that offers quality English lessons.
NAY! |
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Basically, the ideas from the lecture entails more positive turn-outs than negative. Although when it comes to politics, in any form, in any part of the world, and in any situation linked with it --- is considered dirty. From the Watergate scandal, JFK's assassination in the US, our own Maguindanao Massacre, ZET scandal, Hello Garci controversy are a few of tragic occurrences in the history of Politics. So, unless money doesn't have the power to make the world go round anymore (as if that's going to happen), and unless the honest and deserving people of the government overpowers those filthy scoundrels protecting their position through unjust violence, then we can say that there will be a rebalance of Political Power. And with the success of technologies, I am sure there will be more ways for these people of power to abuse their jurisdiction.
Peace on Earth, as much as everyone is hoping for this to happen, I believe it's not going to be too soon, or none at all. Maybe in a couple more lifetimes, or in a different dimension already. It's logical that if you think that with the great rise and success of communication today, that it'll bring all people to unite and share the same sentiments of world peace. But we also have to consider each person's background, culture, upbringing and beliefs. That greed can also rule the minds of these people paving the way for easier and convenient lives -- with negative intentions behind the successful inventions of today. It ends a positive note on the whole presentation, but we have to admit that it's kind of improbable, though it's never too late to pray and act on it.
