Wi-Fi Changed the World

Wi-Fi is the most significant technological advancement of my generation. I am a 31-year-old who remembers being stuck on the dial-up internet craze wondering if it would ever allow me to log on. Remember picking up the phone and hearing the zings and zaps of the internet instead of a dial tone? Sweet memories. It feels like a huge crutch to go anywhere that does not have Wi-Fi, am I right? As a society, we are more connected than ever. No, not to each other, but to the internet. We are plugged in. Unplugging is not an option.

If you gain an entry level job out of college and express to your boss that you do not have an email account, how do you think they will react? It is a fact that everyone must be well versed in digital technology in order to be marketable as an employee. Consider this, “Around 40% of the world population has an internet connection today. In 1995, it was less than 1%. The number of internet users has increased tenfold from 1999 to 2013. The first billion was reached in 2005. The second billion in 2010. The third billion in 2014” (Internet Live Stats, 2016). The increase in connectivity suggests the trend of being digital technology savvy is not going to waver. There is such a generation known as the Wi-Fi generation. An entire age group that knows no differently than being connected, whether by smartphone, iPhone, PlayStation (or other gaming device), even infant video monitors. Want a visual? Check out this live tally of people on the internet right now! 

The ways in which Wi-Fi affects our world are amazing. Wi-Fi has allowed for healthcare aid, environmental aid, advancements in news reporting and entertainment, even education has been affected. “A math teacher instructing her students about parallel and perpendicular lines had them use their cell phone cameras to photograph items in their everyday lives that illustrate such lines, then email the photos in for display. A physics instructor teaching about astronomy had his students use apps on their smartphones to map the night sky. Schools that once had to seek grants for funding to bring the Internet into their classrooms now have students carrying broadband Internet with them in their pockets” (Joseph, 2016). Wi-Fi opened up possibilities. The world will never be the same.

References

(2016). Internet Live Stats. Retrieved from http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/

Joseph, C. (2016). How Wireless Communication Changed the World. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/wireless-communication-changed-world-33596.html

The "Smart" Transition

Advanced technology makes society crave instant gratification. Email, texts, messaging apps, live streaming, all of these and more are results of advancements in technology. Everyone owns a smartphone, with many instantly gratifying activities at their fingertips. But what if there could be more? What about smart appliances? A smart home?

“A full 17% of U.S. broadband households intend to buy a smart kitchen appliance by end of 2016, according to Parks Associates” (Morris, 2016). We are talking dishwashers, refrigerators, cooking appliances, it’s remarkable. Could it be? Are we no longer satisfied with having a fridge with the singular purpose of keeping our foods from spoiling? Now we have to be able to surf the web, watch television, and who knows what else. These appliances are dictating where we are headed as a society. It is changing, we are becoming connected. It isn’t always a bad thing either. Consider this TED Talk. This TED talk brings up many valid points. When is it too much? When are we too connected? The one thing we can agree on is that it will change our lives.

References

Morris, C. (January 6, 2016). Ordinary Home Appliances Are About to Get Really Sexy. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2016/01/06/home-appliances-ces-2016/

Social Media Influences Perception

Mass media is really altering the perception of reality. Society today will flow with the masses according to what they are watching on the internet. The invention of the internet, in its mass expansion that can reach almost anyone in the world, has opened the world to its users. There are a million reasons why this is an amazing feat, along with a million negatives.

Perception is defined as a “Way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.” (Webster, 2016). The mental impression the internet leaves on society is important to note when opinions are formed as a whole on a particular person or culture. Certainly, everyone has heard the campaigns for #blacklivesmatter and #bluelivesmatter. There have been a large number of violent attacks on these two group of people. Would we have seen actual video footage of these incidents had it not been for the internet? Likely not. What is alarming is the immediate opinion formed by the sharer of those videos. Not that they are right or wrong, but there is no room for a conflicting opinion. Within the black lives matter site, you can see there is an actual organization behind the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. The internet is responsible for allowing a group of people to gather and fight for their rights. Something that would have proven much more difficult without the ease of communication through the internet. The negative side is, of course, opposing views. Those that do not fear to express hate because they are behind a computer. This is the altered reality caused by social media.

At the hands of the masses, everyone is striving to have a “perfect” perception of their social media selves. “As we know, perception is everything; especially in the world of social media. In terms of perception, we all have an ideal self. We all wish to maximize our careers, our profession, and aspire to be like those who we find most successful. As the use of social media continues to evolve; the concept of presenting our ideal selves versus our real selves has become more and more prevalent on social media” (Green, 2013). Technology is amazing. It allows simplification of daily tasks. Technology that allows humans to see each other constantly, even people we don’t know? Well, that was bound to cause the influx of silliness seen on social media today.

References

Perception [def. 3]. (n.d.). in Merriman-Webster Online retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=perception+definition&oq=perception+definition&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3237j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Green, K. (August 7, 2013). The Social Media Effect: Are You Really Who You Portray Online?. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/r-kay-green/the-social-media-effect-a_b_3721029.html

Digital Technology Effects on the Employee

Digital technology has evolved greatly in the last few years. Nearly everyone carries a smartphone with them. Tablets, such as an iPad, are a household item. If you don't participate in social media, then you are missing a chunk of the happenings of the world. What does this mean for the workplace? While some effects are negative, there are certainly positives.

1. You can reach people outside of the office. Yes, this is a positive and a negative. With the development of smartphones, email can be accessed from any location. beyond email, employers have access to texting and other forms of media communication which allows them to connect with others outside of the office. "More recently, though, the rise of personal cell phones and social media have allowed us to stay in touch with other individuals regardless of location. This, according to Wellman, is “networked individualism.” We no longer require homes, offices, or cafes to stay in touch with people; we can do it wherever we happen to be" (Masket, 2014). It is easy to fall into the trap of being accessible at all times. It is best to set boundaries around times to answer emails or communicate about work.

2. Smartphones allow for on the go work, you can create documents, blog, create charts and even video. This use of technology has truly allowed for employees to be more efficient with their time.

3. Employers are always connected, this can become exhausting. Are employees stretching themselves too thin? Demands at work, communication solely through digital technology bay be interfering in their face to face skills. Becoming too connected can cause issues with employees social interactions, which often times is important when dealing with personalities in the workplace. If you don't know how to interact with people face to face, this could affect team projects and other facets associated with working as a cohesive unit. "We are, perhaps, too wired — more attuned to events and friends thousands of miles away than to what’s going on right in front of our faces, more likely to share cat videos over smartphones than to play catch in our backyards. Perhaps these technological changes are compelling us to withdraw from the physical world, promoting antisocial behavior and undermining our true relationships" (Masket, 2014).

Everything in moderation. The use of digital technology is beneficial in many instances, but if not careful it can begin to affect face to face interactions. Set boundaries, allow yourself time away from phones or other digital technology, and enjoy the world around you in real time.

References

Masket, S. (June 2, 2014).

Don’t Fear the Network: The Internet Is Changing the Way We Communicate for the Better. Retrieved from https://psmag.com/don-t-fear-the-network-the-internet-is-changing-the-way-we-communicate-for-the-better-32352d7b302#.9f5cjcxit

Video as an Effective Training Tool

Video is one of the most effective ways in which information can be delivered. Visual processing, along with graphics and other media within the video, can only enhance the reception of information. "Oftentimes, showing someone how to do something is better than explaining it in writing. Tutorial videos can be a great way to train employees. This is an interesting article about simulation training. Maybe you need to demonstrate how to properly assemble a new piece of equipment. Show employees how it’s done in a video or video series" (Cox, 2012). Through video presentations, you have the ability to share a message that is clear, consistent, and easily shared through multiple platforms. More companies are moving towards using video as a means of internal communication. A new trend seems to include video game use as a method of training. "Seventy percent of major employers utilize interactive software and games to train employees according to a new study released today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). The study data also showed that more than 75 percent of businesses and non-profits already offering video game-based training plan to expand their usage in the next three to five years" (Fahey, 2008). Interactive/entertainment based training has the potential to keep the employee engaged and focused, which allows for better reception of the intended communication. It would benefit businesses to be open minded to this approach to training. As technology evolves, so do the people. Evolve with your future employers, they don't read training manuals any longer. 

References

Cox, L. (July 2, 2012). 8 Benefits of using video to communicate with employees. Retrieved from https://www.iabc.com/8-benefits-of-using-video-to-communicate-with-employees/

Fahey, M. (June 23, 2008). Employers turn to games for training. Retrieved from http://kotaku.com/5018846/employers-turning-to-games-for-training

3 Essential Guidelines for Social Media use in the Office

Access to social media in the workplace is something which is unavoidable. There is a large benefit for businesses to encourage the use of Twitter, Facebook, or other various platforms. The issues arise when the lines between professionalism and personal use are blurred. Here are 3 things to keep in mind when using social media for the workplace.

1. Are you sharing valuable information? When engaging in an active social media post or creating

 your own, be sure that any views expressed are pertinent to your brand. As an employee, you represent the company you work for, exude professionalism. “Try to remain neutral, especially when it comes to political and religious issues. It’s really easy to come off as extreme, close-minded or judgmental when posting highly opinionated content. By all means have opinions! Just share them tactfully” (Reusnik, 2014).

 2. Is your profile appropriate? It is a good idea to perform a sweep of your social media profile for any pictures which may give off a negative view. Perhaps someone tagged you in a photo on Facebook from happy hour last week? There are settings on most social media which can ensure you can review anything someone may tag you in or post on your Facebook wall. “In 2013, 43 percent of employers who used social media to screen potential candidates said they found content that caused them not to hire. Half of these employers pointed the finger at provocative or inappropriate photos or content as the reason for their decision” (Reusnik, 2014).

3. Be careful with your secondary social media activity. What links are you sharing? What content are you ‘liking?’ Every move you make builds your internet personality, assure that any content you are expressing interest in is appropriate, non-controversial, and non-harassing. Be especially mindful of memes (pictures depicting humorous captions). “Staying primarily neutral and keeping your comments, likes and shares appropriate should protect you from having to wonder if what you post might be seen as inappropriate or offensive” (Reusnik, 2014).

Consider using these statistics to determine how to manage social media use at work and perhaps how to make it work for you. 

Keeping these points in mind will assure you utilize social media for personal use yet still remain professional.

References

Reusnik, M. (January 30, 2014). Social Media Do's & Don'ts: 10 Tips for Keeping Your Profiles Professional. Retrieved from http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/main/guide-to-soc-media-dos-and-donts/