Group items tagged

Facebook is thinking of getting rid of its policy of allowing users to vote on changes to major governance policy. It also notes that a vote is only binding if 30% of users participate - a number they didn't reached in their last two votes.

This article introduces the news that the Pope now has Twitter. His first tweet will be on Dec. 12th. This article provides an interesting analysis on the latest adoption of this social media platform, and the reasoning behind the chosen Twitter handle.

Interesting study which claims that people suffer from Email apnea, where they hold their breath while reading emails. Just another example of new illnesses forming from out technology addiction

Article that discusses how social media sites like Facebook and Twitter may not be effective for certain businesses that are more successful with traditional marketing tools.

In Advanced Speaking and Presentation Technology last week we practiced answering tough questions. This article has some great tips that would be useful for answering questions in all of our classes, during our seminars and in our careers. Enjoy!

Interesting article on potential free broadband internet implementation in New Zealand. Kim Dotcom is proposing free broadband to all New Zealanders through an attempt to connect New Zealand to the United States via a $400 million Pacific Fibre cable.  Brings up notions of access to technology - and would be interesting to explore what this kind of access would mean for Canada - allowing all Canadians to access free broadband internet. 

Facebook picking up cues from instagram and adding editing software to their IOS app. Social construction of technology? 

My 89 year old grandpa of all people tipped me on to this article. Interesting because much of the action happens at Ryersons Digital Media Zone. Also, for those of you who heard my educative speech about apps - this is a somewhat complementary article.

Interesting article in relation to our discussion of technological determinism - are we shaping the tools or are they shaping us?

Really interested article about YouTube shifting from user-generated amateur content to professional content. Wonder if becoming a YouTube superstar will still exist if YouTube becomes just another TV channel?

Cyber Consequences Unit, a non-profit organization that helps companies analyze the potential for targeted computer attacks on their networks and products is suggesting the potential for hacking or computer worms and Trojans being delivered to automobiles. Interesting how much everything is so intertwined with our mobile devices and internet technology that even our cars can get hacked.

I am not pushing either side of this argument but I thought this documentary did a really good job of illustrating Baym's notion of how there is a discourse of fear surrounding technology.

Guess what? According to this article, "among CEOs of the world's Fortune 500 companies, a mere 20 have Twitter accounts." This article explores the business case of social media, beyond just a soft PR tool. P.s. If you're not familiar with it yet, Fast Company is an incredible website. I highly encourage you to poke around. I gets tons of great info/inspiration/new ideas from this site. Hope you enjoy!

.A very topical article for next week's class in "The Virtual Organization" regarding the changing workplace due to digital technologies.Suprisingly, this article reveals that only 20 of the world fortune 500 companies have twitter accounts. Enjoy. 

Interesting article about how Apple is now on a course similar to other techno companies -- "tweaking" their products and using timely release dates to maximize profits. But will they be able to innovate?

Another example of how technology is always moving forward and if you haven't caught up, it's easy to fall behind.

Interesting article about our dependence on mobile technology when traveling. I also found it related well to the discussion this week and the readings on virtual teams and virtual organizations.

The author makes an interesting argument about how cellphone use and constant data connection has become "domesticated" in the last five years. He makes a strong case for being cut off every once and awhile.

After reading some of the articles for this week this article seemed relevant as it looks at the effects our mobile technology and the need to be always connected is starting to have on consumers.

I haven't seen this film, but it seems like  it is a great take on the intersection between semiotics, and the coercive aspects of visual culture! From reading the description it might attempt to tackle some of the issues we've been focusing on in all three core courses. "BEWARE OF IMAGES is a feature-length, animated documentary about the history of visual representation. The movie explores the intricate relationship between the technology, regulation and social effects of mass media. "

An infographic depicting the growth of Internet usage and technology from 2002 to 2012. Mashable is also a great resource that reports on the importance of digital innovation. Another daily read of mine.

This article is interesting, but what strikes my attention is that there seems to be no regulations on apps being sold to the public. Would you buy an interactive app of Einstein's brain for $9.99? In the article, it states that it could "spark a whole new generation of neuroscientists," but there is debate as to whether anyone (most importantly Einstein) would want a "circus made of his remains." Yikes.