MnLV Musings

 Okay, I started my Instagram journey today.  Unsure what that means, but here are my initial thoughts: 1.  What is this? 2.  Who decided that I am or should be interested in World Cup and DIY videos? 3.  Why do I keep realizing I've just watched another 10 videos and can't reclaim that time? 4.  Then, I watch another 10... 5.  I attempted to "Post" but I think I only sent a "Message".   6.  Okay, I think I see what this is about now.   7.  My initial #7 was a simple 4-letter word with an exclamation point -  but I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression... {':'}

In the textbook, Networked:  The New Social Operating System, the focus of Chapter 5, "Network Relations", centers around the debate regarding the internet's impact on traditional community structures and social relationships.  I found it interesting that this is not a new debate as the ntext pointed out that every epoch has experienced these same anxieties that are normally commensurate with the advent of the era's newest innovations.  Our traditional community structures were built around connections and relationships driven by proximity, family and daily in-person interactions within the community.  Relationships were strongly tied to physical places such as neighborhoods, churches, workplaces, or extended families.  In many ways, a person's identity was shaped largely by the group to which they belonged.  The text describes this as "door-to-door" style of community. The text also asserts that networked individualism represents a shift away from this ...

 As I look at my two teenage daughters who are Digital Natives of this strange new internet world to which I've been introduced, I've come to understand a metaphor:  Growing up near the ocean may make someone naturally comfortable in the water, but it doesn't automatically make them a marine engineer or a rescue diver.   I'm relying on their expertise to help me find my way around but I also see the pitfalls and hazards that abound in this ocean of information to someone not adept at evaluating information critically.  This reminded me of this post's title, a quote attributed to George Carlin.   The vastness of the internet makes it impossible to vet all sources of information, so it's up to us to prepare our youth, arguably the most prolific produsers, to learn the value of critical analysis.

This has been an INTERESTING week to say the least as I returned to the academic arena after a thirteen-year hiatus.  My, how things have changed!! It didn't help that I started class on the last day of enrollment!  Still sorting through the technology and trying to establish my processes.  Once I establish a cadence for what needs to be done and when, the rest is going to be smoother sailing.   My motivation and mindset this go-round is quite different than when I was completing my undergrad work.  Then, I was just chasing the "paper" and only wanted to graduate with as little friction as possible.   This time - I'm chasing the knowledge!   Though I'm not a Tom Brady fan, I hear his rally cry right now, "LFG!"

Years ago, I read a novel titled, "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert A. Heinlein.   The book, published in 1961, centers on a character raised by Martians who comes to Earth as an adult. This is my first blog post  - a grad school assignment and my initial plunge into the Internet Sociosphere. I'm not sure I've used 'Sociosphere' correctly.  I am a complete social media neophyte.  The term just seems appropriately daunting enough to match my confusion and curiosity as I look around to ponder my next steps... Well, here we go.  If nothing else, I will always rely on, "Fake it until you make it!" Cheers! -MnLV