Facebook vs. Google

The other day in class we discussed the types of news that people actually paid attention to. We were asked four different questions and based on what people's answers were determined the type of news that appeals more to people in our generation. The questions were:

1. What is the difference between the new health care bill that was passed and medicaid?

2. What criminal charges has Tiger Woods been accused of?

3. Why is Pakistan the most dangerous country in the world?

4. Why is Sarah Palin's daughter famous?

You might think these questions are fairly easy, but depending on your age, your interests might be different. Our class has the most correct answers for the last question about Bristol Palin. Some might say that's not a surprise and some would agree that that is pretty sad and pathetic. The reason for this can be best understood from this article from Techtree.com titled "Facebook Most Visited Site in US, beats Google".

According to this article that was written March 18, 2010, Facebook is the most visited site in the United States. "In 2010, the world's largest social networking website Facebook has managed to do what no other website has ever done. It actually managed to topple Google and become the most visited website in U.S. last week! This helps understand why more people knew about Sarah Palin's daughter than why Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world. Aside from the fact that entertainment news is much more appealing then "real" news, but more people search on facebook and use that as a source for news than they actually search websites that offer news.

I know this much is true because i can personally relate. I remember I first found out about Michael Jackson's death from someone's newsfeed on Facebook. I saw that it said "RIP MJ" and I continued to search on facebook to see if anyone else had it written on their status. I saw a few others with similar status' so I decided to do some research. I went to Google and typed in "Michael Jackson" and saw a couple news stories. Only some of the sites I could potentially trust, but not all. I waited until a reliable news source could confirm, such as CNN or NBC.

It is just amazing to see how much our world has changed in terms of technology and social medias, but also to see that our generation's interest in news has completely changed. Luckily my parents and I knew all the answers to each of the four questions, but that is only because I try and pay close attention to all types of news, not just entertainment.

"Duck the Puck"...Literally

Mark today's date in your calender as the first day to broadcast something in 3D to televisions that are able to receive 3D pictures. According to CBS, in an article titled "Duck the Puck: Hockey in 3D Makes TV Debut" published today, March 24, an NHL hockey game between the NY Rangers and the NY Islanders at Madison Square Garden will be broadcast live in 3D. However, only "to customers who subscribe to the local MSG sports network and have television sets that can receive a 3D picture". They are not expecting a big audience because not many people have these television sets that allow for 3D pictures, but just as CBS News and CNET technology analyst Larry Magid says "every new technology has to start somewhere - and this is one of those products that may have strong appeal for some people".

While this sounds like it is going to be a great idea and seems like it will be really cool, I don't see myself or many others running off to buy 3D televisions. At this point, the technology is not 100% and its hard to invest in something so new that hasn't be exposed to everyone. This was something we discussed in class a few weeks ago about 3D televisions. The idea sounds exciting, but how is it going to work? Are we going to have to wear glasses when we watch TV? And what happens when we have guests over to watch a show, whether its the Academy Awards, the Superbowl, or even an episode of Glee, are the homeowners expected to provide glasses for everyone?

I saw Avatar in 3D and absolutely LOVED it. I thought the technology was unlike anything else I have ever seen or experienced and it really set itself apart from any other kind of movie, not even including the story line of Avatar. Wearing the glasses during the three hour movie wasn't really that bad, but I cannot imagine having to sit with them every time I watch TV. Unless, wearing glasses is not even an option and all you need is a specific television that broadcasts pictures in 3D, but even then, is it going to be a clear picture or just look weird? Like during the MTV Music Awards they had a 3D segment during the Michael Jackson dedication that only some people actually got to enjoy because they had 3D glasses, but for those of us at home, the screen just looked fuzzy and it was somewhat dizzy on the screen. If that is how 3D television pictures are going to look if you don't have the proper glasses, then count me out.

The New Form of Advertising

I am not even sure when social medias became the latest trend, but it has, and not only have social medias attracted younger generations, it has spread to adults, as well as businesses. One in particular that I automatically think of is Facebook. Facebook is an extremely well-known social media that companies are using as advertising tools. Oh, Twitter can also be included in that, because between Twitter and Facebook almost every company, corporation, restaurant, or store has a Facebook page or a Twitter page. It is somewhat disturbing.

I joined Facebook before coming to college as a way to meet new freshman that were attending Indiana University the same time as me. So what started as a social networking site to me, has turned into people asking me to become fans of their products or company. According to Direct Traffic Media, "The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) are widening their net of influence to include promotions through new media sources like Twitter and Facebook as social networks become a more prominent advertising tool for businesses". The original idea of Facebook has completety shifted in the last couple of years since I started using the site. What started as being a social networking site has now become a promotional social site.

There is so much one can do on Twitter and Facebook that can promote a product or company, of course businesses are willing to adapt to the new and improved technology. Slowly less and less papers and magazines are being published because more stuff is being produced and updated online, no one has time to sit and read the paper. People are catching up on CNN.com while sitting on the bus going to class. As I've mentioned before, technology has really taken a turn, and I can only imagine what will become of these social medias. Businesses have every intention of making online promoting through social medias an important job, in fact, this might be the ideal position for a young college graduate who spent more time on Facebook or Twitter than they did studying for a test, well, assuming that is the case for some.

It will be very interesting to see the kind of advertising that comes through this social medias and how they were learn to advertise specifically to each individual. This was something we started discussing in class, the idea of specialization and to what extent will businesses use Facebook and Twitter as a way to map your likes and dislikes and use your "information" to cater advertisments special for each individual. Kind of scary to think about.

Lost in Technology

I have been awful. I have no idea what has gotten into me, but it seems that I have not blogged in weeks, which is absolutely unacceptable. I realize that with a few days left before spring break I am going to have to do an excessive amount of blogging on topics that have already been put in the past, however, I am going to revisit them anyways.

For starters, I would like to discuss this new Mobile TV thing technicians have developed. I think that it is absolutely crazy. I did not even have to read an article online to tell you how I feel about this new advancement. I think its absolutely ridiculous that people are able to watch television on their cell phones. This topic has come up a lot in class and I still do not understand how people are enjoying this. I think television is meant to be watched at home, in a comfortable "family room" like setting, preferably with others. Does not matter really the situation, I just do not believe TV should be watched from one's cell phone.

I think people have gotten so caught up in technology that they have forgotten the hidden meanings of entertainment. They are supposed to provide a sense of togetherness, a shared experience, as we discussed in class, however, walking around with your cell phone as you watch the MTV Music Awards does not give you that same shared experience as it would if you sat and watched that program with your friends. No more are people getting together to watch a movie or TV shows, however times are different and people's schedules are much more hectic, but still, TV is a time of relaxing and bonding. Instead, watching TV has become routine for some, especially during their forty-five minute commute to work everyday on the train.

I do not see myself watching television on my cell phone anytime soon, in fact, I hope that such an offer is not even available on my phone. I refuse subject myself to becoming one of those people who would rather watch TV on the go than sit and enjoy the opportunity to watch a favorite show with friends or family.