Technology; help or hindrance?

For this report, I have chosen to focus on the Internet in regards to technology. The invention and widespread use of the Internet has brought with it multiple issues, many unforeseen. The Internet has also become a whole new outlet for crime, it is blamed for antisocial behaviour and as a society, it is causing us to become lazy. Despite the obvious conveniences the Internet provides, there is the question of whether its harms are greater than its benefits.

Interview 1- Brent, 53 years old

Brent is my father, a 53 year old hypocrite. He is a man who once said "The Internet will never take off, it's just like the CB radio of the 90's".How wrong he was.My father is constantly lecturing me, "get off msn, stop talking to your friends" to which I remind him that is impossible as he has already blocked msn, Meebo, Facebook, Myspace and any other site that connects me with people off of my laptop. Why has he taken such a drastic measure? Paranoia I assume. Every time my laptop is open, 87 percent of the time for homework, the accusations fly "you're on Facebook, you're talking to your friends, you must be failing school". I admit, its a hard life, but I get by. Dad on the other hand is always on the Internet. He has, in fact, started his own Facebook, and has already mastered the art of adding friends. So far he has 10, he would have had 14 if my mother, myself, my sister and brother had not declined his request. He loves buying and reselling things online. He could be labelled as being a bit of an Internet addict, but apparently I'm the one with the problem. I have chosen to interview my father, because he has an aversion to me using the Internet for anything but homework, and, despite having Facebook, seems to resent the fact that I have an online social network. Here is what I discovered about why this is so.

Socially, what affect has the Internet had on society, and in particular, on younger generations?

"Young people are becoming antisocial, because they prefer a social network online.They are losing communication skills, and are losing touch with the art of face to face communication. Also, these younger generations are becoming reliant on those kinds of technologies and communications. They are becoming socially inept and awkward. They simply just can't pick up the phone anymore, or call over at their friends house when they need to have a conversation, they would much rather speak via the Internet or texting. I don't understand, why can't they make a 30 second phone call instead of texting back and forward to find out what they want? Kids these days hesitate in walking up to a stranger and asking a question. They are much too reliant on the Internet. They would rather just use google or their mobiles, or use Wikipedia rather than just approaching someone face to face."

How did you socialise when you were a teen compared to how teenager's socialise today?

"Teenager's would rather sit on the computer all day, and look at other people's lives, believing that they have a life. They think they have so many friends, in the real world these people online wouldn't give them the time of day. They think they are friends, but they are not really at all. When I was young, we actually went to peoples houses, all the time, and they came to ours. We'd call each other up and arrange to do things, all the time. You'd even ring a girl up on the phone and ask her out, instead of getting on Facebook and saying 'Oh I love you LOL'. Nowadays, people even text each other to break up! What will it be next? 'Hey, I want a divorce', 'No worries, LMAO'. They've lost their ability to speak face to face, its easier to hide behind an electronic wall."

Do you think that the Internet has allowed people to feel more free when expressing their personal thoughts and feelings towards others?

"I think they feel brave behind their keyboard, they are inside an electronic cocoon, safe at home. After half an hour, they probably regret saying the things they said. People say all kinds of things to each other and about each other which they'd never say in real life. They threaten each other, and have all that bravado, but in the real world if they said those things, they'd get a smack in the face!. It's like 'Omagawd I'll set my fully sick computer hackers onto you'."

Is the Internet having an affect on language and grammar?

"Yes, of course it does!I go on there now (Facebook) and I look at how they write, and I can't even understand what they are talking about! they use numbers instead of letters sometimes, for god's sakes! With the abbreviations, you'll need a dictionary to understand them all.My 11 year old son wrote me a note the other day, where he substituted the word you for the letter u. What is this doing to our kids?"

Is the Internet making us, as a society, lazy?

"In some ways it is. We are very dependant on the Internet now, people also feel that because they are on the Internet they can be lazy. For example, when I send an email I take care to make sure that everything is spelt properly.It's a sense of pride, and it's respectful to the recipient to show that you have taken the effort.People won't even go to the library and borrow a book anymore, all they want to do is to google it and have the answer appear before them. They are lacking proper research skills. The laziness however, is mostly on social networking."

Do you think technologies on the Internet such as Internet banking and shopping convenience users, or do they do more harm than good?

"Yes, they are a great convenience, I find them very clever, but people can become addicted to online shopping, because they are never physically handing over their cash, so it doesn't feel like they are using 'real' money. They put everything on cards.It's impulse buying. There is also the problem of less face to face communication. You can't talk to the shopkeeper, and you don't even need to set foot in the bank."

Does the Internet affect jobs?

"Yes and no. In terms of small business, and some customer services and things, maybe,but where jobs are lost, the Internet has opened up so many jobs in IT, advertising, marketing, that sort of thing".

Do you think the Internet and its technology is more of a hindrance than they are a help?

"Personally, no. I love the Internet, it is so convenient, but I hate the way social networking sites rule the way teens socialise. I can't get past the fact they would rather sit in front of a computer instead of actually chatting with their friends. And the Internet speak? I'm still trying to work that one out, LMFAO."

So there you have it. Brent seems to be not so worried about the technology of the Internet itself, but more the fact that networking sites are ruining social skills, grammar and ethics.What would a person, who is heavily involved in social networking sites, and (safe to say) addicted to them, have to comment about the Internet and its technologies? How many of the views would be the same as Brent's, and what would differ?

Interview 2- Lana, 16 years old

Lana is your average 16 year old girl. She goes to school, has a Facebook and is surgically attached to her mobile phone.I am under the impression she would not be able to live without Internet technology and social networking.In terms of social networking, Lana is a product of all the things that generation Y is notorious for.She is completely reliant on all things Internet, and is constantly checking her mobile, Facebook, twitter and anything else she can get her hands on. Here, I ask Lana about Internet technology in relation to her life.

How much time would you spend on social networking sites each week?

"I'm not sure, it varies. Usually I just check my Facebook and things on my iPhone, but at night I go on for a few hours, and chat to my friends on chat and msn. If it isn't a school night, I stay up quite late talking. I'd say I spend at least 2 or 3 hours a day"

Does the internet technology and social networking sites affect your life in anyway?

" It affects my school work. I spend a lot of time on Facebook, and it's distracting.So is the Internet, I can't really focus when it's there, and I always get sidetracked from my studies by Youtube, Facebook or my friends talking to me online. Apart from that, it doesn't affect my life, it makes it better!"

What do you use the internet for, and how would your life be different if you didn't have the Internet?

"I use the Internet for a lot of things. I check my shifts at work, my soccer timetable, my bank account, train and bus timetables, and I use social networking sites when I need to contact my friends, and keep in touch with people. If I didn't have the Internet, a lot of things would be very hard. I would have to visit work and the bank to check my shifts and money, and I would rely on not losing timetables for soccer, the bus and the train. Keeping in contact would be hard. A lot of my friends online I can't just call on the phone or anything, and it's nice to see what Everyone's doing."

Do you think that social networking is portrayed negatively?

" Yes, I think so. You hear bad things about our generation being lazy and things like that from the media.They talk about how 'bad' and 'dangerous' social networking is. I know it sounds stupid, but I think they are too old to understand how useful these sites are to us! They are right when they say sites like Facebook distract us, but I think they focus on the negative too much. It needs to be realised that sites like Facebook can be very useful. You can meet people who are friends of friends, organise to do things with people, and there is always someone there if you need to ask a question. They help us keep in touch, and a lot of our life is organised on there. I mean, most party invitations are done over Facebook now!"

When you use the Internet, do you use proper language and grammar?

" I try to, but sometimes you just get lazy! If everyone is speaking in 'Internet speak' you kind of just go with it. Also, abbreviations are easy.Some people are really terrible though, using numbers instead of letters and saying 'chu' instead of you, and other wannabe gangster things like that. It really is quite lame."

Have you found "Cyber bullying" or "harassment" a problem on social networking sites?

" Not really a major problem to me, but I've seen big Facebook bust-ups happen which the school even gets involved in. When it comes to Facebook and msn, you have to be really careful with what you say. Once something is on Facebook, everyone can see it and it's inescapable.That's why you have to be wary with what you say, one wrong move and it can haunt you back in reality. Fights online can be transferred into real life too, which isn't good. I always be careful, so harassment isn't a problem for me. Also, I know that if anyone is harassing me, I have block and report buttons there to use. The media always denounces social networking because of bullying, but the networking sites set up proper facilities to deal with those issues. It's the users responsibility to block and report someone, because the option is there for them."

Would you consider yourself reliant on the Internet, and has it made you lazy?

" Probably. I feel a bit lost if I don't have it. It's good, it helps me stay in touch with the world, I always know what's going on, whether in the news or in my social network.I guess it's made me a bit lazy, I don't have to visit the bank! And it's the only way to research these days."

Considering the negatives and the positives, would you consider the internet more of a help than a hindrance?

" Definately. It has made everything so easy! Sure we may be a bit lazy, but it saves us a lot of time, and I guess grammar is suffering, but only online. It is definately more helpful, but I think I should lay off on the social networking a bit if I want to pass school!"

So there you have it, both Brent, the middle aged social networking doubter, and Lana, the 16 year old Facebook addict both believe that the internets benefits far outweigh it's negative aspects.The internet as a piece of technology is an incredible thing, and I too agree that the way it will continue to help, convenience and amuse us could never allow it to be declared a hindrance.

Bree Wilkinson

Post 3- Three roles in Print Media

Role 1: Fashion Editor

With fashion editoring, the focus is less on writing, and more on fashion, but writing skills and a whole lot of creativity is still required.A fashion editor's job is to determine what is in style, and portray it within the magazine/newspaper (for print media) section to convince readers that this is the latest fashion.Television shows can also have fashion editors.A fashion editor is responsible for guiding the direction of publication in terms of shoes, clothing and accessories, as well as bringing new faces into the spotlight.Highly respected and successful fashion editors tend to have a lot of influence and power within the industry.They have been responsible for dictating beauty standards across much of the industrialised world.Fashion editors obviously have a love for fashion, they usually have good personal style and love other creative outlets such as photography.They are usually university educated, with a degree in fashion, arts or even journalism, although this isn't a requirement.Many work through the ranks to obtain positions, using contacts and gaining internships.To be successful in this field, ultimately you have to have integrity, originality and a good eye for style.

Role 2: Columnist

A columnist is somebody who writes for a publication in series, meaning that they write each week in a section repetitively. In print media, a columnist writes in a magazine or newspaper. They regularly prepare brief essays and commentaries for publication.A column does not neccessarily contain news, sometimes they can be small articles of opinion on recent topics or issues. The term "columnist" comes from the fact that columns were originally written in the columns of newspapers and magazines, and were usedto fill up the page.Nowadays, columns can take up an entire page of a magazine. To become a columnist, the individual obviously needs to have skills in writing. A univerity degree would not be necessary, but would be advised.

Role 3: Newspaper Journalist

The most generic kind of Journalist in print media, the newspaper journalist is responsible for writing news articles.The job of a newspaper journalist is to research for and compose articles on issues important to the jurisdiction, whether local, regional or national.In terms of print media, the newspaper is the most popular medium. The job includes covering a wide range of topics including Sport, Science, Arts, general issues and recent events. They must report to the public information about topics which are significant to that public.They need to collect information for their articles through research such as interviews, and compress the information into an informative and easy to read article.They often write under pressure, struggling to meet the deadline of the next days newspaper.

So, you want to be a Travel Journalist?

What is a Travel/tourism?

Travel Journalists come in all different shapes and sizes. Observe:

A travel journalist under contract

A "Freelance" Travel Journalist

Some examples of travel media:

How do I get into the business? What do I need to do?

http://http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/become-a-travel-writer/travel-journalists/

Want to hear about the job from an actual travel journalist?

http://http//www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs/cooljobs/profiles/s1701137.htm

Thankyou for listening :)

Post 2-Impact of technologies

New and emerging technologies have had a huge impact on the way that news gathering and presenting was originally practiced.Through utilising these new ways of communicating (the internet and mobile devices)the industry has been able to expand immensely, gradually lessening the demand and use of traditional communication mediums, such as newspapers.

The main impact that new and emerging technologies have had upon traditional presenting is the dramatic change in the amount and the content of news and information. Reports and stories can be created and broadcast to the public in a matter of hours, and people can keep up to date with the latest stories, as new information about the story is uncovered and posted on the web. As a result, the quality of stories has decreased, and focus has strayed from the bigger issues.

With the internet, audiences are able to choose what they want to be informed about, but unfortunately this means the media is beginning to cater for their interests of choice. This has resulted in more focus on soft news stories (such as celebrity gossip) as opposed to hard news stories and important current issues.

Thanks to technology, gone are the days when you had to wait a whole night to get the newest information from tomorrow's paper.

Post 1- Define the news media industry

The News Media Industry was once very restrictive,with the main forms limited to television,newspapers and the radio. Now-a-days however, with the huge growth of the internet, the accessability of information is faster, cheaper and easier than ever before. The news media industry's purpose is ultimately to give people information on current events, issues and affairs, but thanks to the huge extension of the industry due to technology, the news media industry can pretty much afford to provide the public with information on anything that is of interest to them, and if that means a story about lady gaga's latest publicity stunt, then so be it.Today, the news media industry is extremely profound, and can be hard to escape. They broadcast to mobiles,dominate the internet, and there are even television channels dedicated to presenting the news and latest stories from all over the world.Magazines even exist which are devoted entirely to one subject.Globalisation and improved technology has meant that for the news media industry, there is always something to report on in the world, and this can be done anywhere, anytime.

Bree Wilkinson

Postcode Patriotism- Youth gangs

Would you get your phone number tattooed on you? How about your tax file number? Or maybe your postcode? Sounds ridiculous, yes, but sadly, young males are branding themselves with four digit codes relevant to their place of residence. "What is the point?" you may ask, and indeed it does seem pointless act, but in the minds of these youth, all they really want is to belong.

Youth gangs, gang culture and gang activity in the Illawarra area is steadily on the rise. In recent years, the postcode patriotism has drawn large scale media attention, which unfortunately has done little more than make the gangs feel glorified and cast connotations of power toward their reputations. These gangs draw their inspiration from notorious postcode gangs, the most well known of these being the Maroubra "Bra boys" and their three infamous leaders, the Abberton Brothers. Like the "Bra boys", many of the illawarra's youth gangs, particularly from the northern suburbs, base their ideals and activities around beach and surf culture.

Youth gangs generally consist of young males who range in age from about 16 up to 24, but can also have a crowd following of females who take novelty from the fact they are in with the crowd. These girls could be described as being extremely "sexually interested" or more commonly reffered to as being "sluts". The members of these crowds usually come from a low socio economic background, or simply just aspire to be part of the crowd.

The gangs rival each other on the basis of their different postcodes, and are often involved in violent confrontations with members of the seperate groups. A good example of this is the rivalry between the "17 Soulja's" commonly known as the "Woonona Boys" and the "2516 Bulli BEAF" also known as the "Bulli Boys". The groups and its members glorify themselves mainly by use of public internet sites such as Facebook and Myspace, and attempt to intimidate rival groups by posting pictures depicting members holding different weapons and their various "tough" looking tattoos. Another way in which different groups like to compete and draw attention to themselves is by methods of vandalism. They "tag" places with their various slogans and postcodes to show dominance.

I personally believe that these youth express an underlying desire to belong and be part of "that crowd", and they are willing to go to lengths to feel included. If tattooing your body with your postcodes and symbols of "pride", and resorting to violence and crime is the way to do this, then this is what they will do. I believe this behaviour is quite excessive, and really just shows how weak these males are in succumbing to peer pressure. It is a ridiculous imitation of of the "Bra boys" and American gang culture, and is an unneccessary source of crime and worry for the police. Unfortunately, as gang culture is glorified more and more through the media, with books and films made by the "Bra Boys", Television series such as "underbelly" and constant films depicting American gang culture, the number and threat of these gangs will continue to rise. There really needs to be a tougher crackdown on youth gangs to avoid escalated levels of crime and violence within our communities.

I feel that these youth gangs such as the "2516 Bulli BEAF", "17 souljas", "dapto wolfpack", "Figi boys" and all the rest need not be encouraged. The gangs are groups of unimaginative youths with a lack of self confidence who develop a patriotic attitude toward the supposed supremacy of their suburbs in an attempt for power, pride and belonging.

Bree Wilkinson

Sydney becomes gang-war battlefront-Killers on the loose in our streets

Police are concerned that gangland war may erupt after two male victims, 24 and 25, were mercilessly gunned down last night without warning. The gunmen are yet to be found.

The incident occurred last night outside an exclusive Sydney real-estate agency in the Rocks area, within close proximity of the Sydney CBD.

A search is currently underway for the four criminals responsible,who authorities believe fired more than 20 shots from close range using semi automatic hand guns.

The incident is predicted to provoke a rise in Sydney's gang war activity.

Anti-firearm lobby groups have called for action to be taken to halt the spread of illegal hand guns in Sydney.

The NSW opposition leader John Brogden has criticised the government for letting gun crime get out of hand; "Bob Carr has run out of excuses" he stated "His policing strategies aren't working when criminals think shooting people in highly populated, tourist areas is easy".

These latest, brutal murders highlight the need for stronger enforcement in regard to gang crime and the spread of illegal weapons. Bree Wilkinson

New Moon- A non teenage-girl perspective

Review of Vicky Roach's review by Bree Wilkinson

"New Moon brings the limitations of Stephenie Meyer's teenage vampire romance into sharp relief."

After sifting through many reviews, this opening sentence provides a refreshing burst in a sea of monotony. It draws me in immediately, and after the first few paragraphs, I am already laughing out loud after her witty comments about the horrible diologue, and lead actor Kirsten Stewart, being "damaged goods" a claim with which I can strongly agree.But don't get me wrong, I myself am a bit of a sucker (no pun intended) for the vampire romance, but it is hard to ignore the obvious flaws in the movie, which are pointed out so cleverly by Vicky Roach.

I personally find this blog well written, maybe because it generally is, or possibly because I empathise with the reviewer's distaste for the highly irritating Kirsten Stewart, or the statements made implying that Taylor Lautner and his super ripped muscles bring "energy" to the film.

The wit, humour and perspective presented in this review seperate it from conventional film reviews, as well as differentiating it from news stories. The personal opinion added is used simply to give the author's opinion as well as get a reaction, as opposed to a news story, where the aim is to persuade the reader of a certain ideal or to simply present the facts.

I enjoyed this film review immensly for the way it criticises the film, although if I were to review New Moon, my teenage girl instincts would take over and I would become completely oblivious to any flaws when met with Taylor Lautner's perfectly sculpted body.

http://http//www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/twilights-new-moon-movie-vicky-roachs-first-review/story-e6frfmqr-1225799342259

Blake John Rigby

We sit down on the slightly-overused, but otherwise comfy, beanbags in the far end of the TAFE library. It's a Tuesday afternoon, and the first lesson of " Media and Journalism". The class has been paired off to casually interview other members. I am sitting with my new-found friend Natasha, and two other class members who I am yet to meet, Blake and Jake.We prepare ourselves to ask questions about each other, and at first it is slightly awkward, which is only to be expected. "So" I inquire as an attempt to break the ice " If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take 5 things, what would you take?" this seems to have the desired effect. Before long we are chatting, with the standardised questions "where are you from?", "What school do you go to?" and other trivial things. Soon, I begin to take notes on Blake Rigby, and form a brief overview of himself and his life.


Blake Rigby was born on October 26, 1993. Not to be confused with his best mate Jake, he is in year 11 at Figtree High School. Blake started his schooling at Mount St. Thomas primary school, and this year, Blake will be taking Business studies, Work studies, SLR, Photography, English and software & design. Blake explains work studies is his favourite subject, simply because "It's easy". He has also started studying the "Media and journalism" course at Wollongong TAFE, to "get out of doing geography".

Blake lives in Mount St Thomas, and plays Soccer as a goalkeeper at Wollongong Olympic. His main hobby is Soccer, but he is also partial to a bit of rugby league and cricket, and according to his best friend Jake, he "plays a lot of X-box". Blake supports two teams; Manchester city and the Penrith Panthers as far as Rugby goes.

He lives with his 13 year old brother, his mum, pet dog and 2 birds which he apparently "doesn't pay much attention to". Blake's taste in music is a broad "anything but heavy metal". He has never been overseas, but is hoping to travel when he turns 18. After travelling, he is unsure what he wants to do with his life.

In regards to popular fiction, Blake enjoys watching comedy films such as "Step brothers" and "Role Models". Blake hates reading, and it is obvious after asking him about his favourite novel, that he hates it with a passion.

Spiritually, Blake does not believe in God, or in any other greater force. He simply states that "when you die, you go underground".

Blake has developed an immense fear of snakes, after being chased by one in is early childhood, yet he is not afraid of heights, or spiders for that matter.

Through observing and interviewing Jake for 15 minutes, it is clear that Blake is a guy that loves his sport and Xbox. He is easygoing and friendly, and although not entirely sure what path he wants to take in life, it is obvious that he has an exciting future ahead of him.