Social Networks

KillerGremlin · 01-19-2012, 08:00 PM

I think we need to integrate social networking in K through 12 education. "Do not talk to strangers" is okay advice. "Do not trust strangers" is better advice. Would you go into some strange man's home?

People seem perfectly okay with giving Mark Zuckerface all their photos, contacts, friends, personal info, and whatever. That's a lot of trust to put in a stranger.

I don't think there is anything wrong in talking to strangers on the Internet....trusting strangers though? That's why you have good practice, like bring a friend along when you meet someone online. Or only friend people on Facebook you know in real life.

But other subtle stuff...like protect your pictures. People still don't grasp that a digital picture can be saved, reproduced, and once it reaches the Internet it is public data that is forever "out there." Think twice before you sext someone, or post any information you want to be kept private.

For the first time ever, I feel like the technology curve is working backwards. I feel like MY generation knows more about technology than the older generation, but the generation below me knows less about technology. When I grew up computers were advancing but still required a lot of power user skills. Today...computers are streamlined and automated. You just push -> NEXT to install things. Same goes with smart phones, smart music players....the more advanced technology becomes, the less skilled in technology you seem to need to be to use it.

I feel like the generation under mine now has technology that you do not need to tweak or configure. There is not a learning curve. I mean look at smart phones...sure, there is a learning curve...but it is mostly pushing "install" and next. Very little considerations to the tech behind the wizardry.

The generation below us won't grow up without cellphones and social networking. Think about this: I'm the last generation that could "disappear off the grid" for 2 week when I went on vacation. Do you folks remember the days when vacation meant you lost contact with friends? When the big thing was coming back to town and calling people up to get the latest news and gossip you missed during the past 2 weeks. Do you guys remember hand-writing fucking letters? Holy shit! I do.

I'm gonna miss that. Sometimes it is nice to disappear for 2 weeks.

Vampyr · 01-19-2012, 08:23 PM

Facebook in and of itself isn't really big brother-ish. People volunteer their data freely, and you can provide as much as you want.

You're right, kids just need to be better educated.

Your point about the technology curve going backwards is kind of fascinating. I think it's similar to how generations before us perceive our generation as being able to fix cars or things that break around the house.

KillerGremlin · 01-21-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vampyr

Facebook in and of itself isn't really big brother-ish. People volunteer their data freely, and you can provide as much as you want.

You're right, kids just need to be better educated.

Your point about the technology curve going backwards is kind of fascinating. I think it's similar to how generations before us perceive our generation as being able to fix cars or things that break around the house.

Yeah. I can't do shit about cars. I can't even change the oil....

My dad? The guy does plumbing, electricity, cars. I've picked up the fixing things in the house skill. I can do some plumbing. House wiring is pretty simple too. I know how to use a Volt and Ohm meter. I'm handy with wood and have experience with tools. Nowhere near my dad's level of knowledge or expertise, but I feel prepared to fix things when I own a house. I can soder and do basic electronic repairs. I can't fix an engine or compressor, which is something I should learn how to do. My dad just took apart his 20 year old refrigerator and fixed the compressor; I wouldn't even know where to start.

But when it comes to cars? I'm fucked. I have to go to Jiffy Lube. I can't fix anything either. Fortunately I network. I have friends who do the car thing, and they know what a "fair price" is when you buy or a fix a car. So those are the friends I will bring with me to the car dealer or car shop. I'm the tech savvy guy...so I help my friends with their computer stuff. I can reformat, change hardware, install cool software. So it balances out. I don't have to take my car to Rip Off Shop and my friends don't have to take their PCs to the Geek Squad.

But the youth of today....I feel like there is going to be an increasing need to go to Geek Squad. Technology also seems to have a much shorter life. Back in the day, my computer lasted for 5 or 6 years. During that time it was common to reformat, upgrade your OS, change hardware. Nowadays it seems like people get through one technology life cycle with the same OS. How many people these days feel comfortable reformatting, backing all their stuff up, reinstalling all their software, or changing hardware?

It is even worse with phones. That is a forced 2-year life cycle. I'm happy to see a ton of Android support though. Their are custom roms, kernels you can flash, backdoor Linux support. I love the Android development forums.

For me...I am very skeptical with new technology, and I like the long life cycle you get on old technology. I'm comfortable popping open an Ipod to change a battery, or reformatting, or changing hardware. I feel like some of those skills are lost on the younger generation....which may or may not be fine.