Gaming Benefits

Even though there has been a great deal of controversy over the fact that online gaming can be a huge distraction and have a negative impact on the behaviors of some of the individuals who play them, I believe that video games can also have a very positive impact on the self esteem of many peoples.  Although some individuals feel that the overly life-like graphics have caused some gamers to act out negatively towards others, I have always been able to separate reality from fantasy.  As a result, with the exception of sometimes wasting too much time playing the games when I should have probably used my time more constructively, I see no negative side to playing online games.  In fact, on the positive side, I believe that not only can video games provides a way for individuals to reduce the level of stress in their everyday lives, but it can also give them an opportunity to obtain a level of success that they may not be accustomed to gaining in the real world.  For example, from what I have seen of online games, most of the creators have done an amazing job of developing a product that can easily help to increase an individual’s feeling of self worth.  For anyone who is familiar with online games, I am sure they’ll agree that most games provide a sufficient level of challenge while also offering ample opportunities for reducing the chances of failure.  Whether the assistance comes in the form of the availability of multiple attempts to achieve success, or whether it has to do with the opportunity to be rewarded by moving up to the next level, I believe that the overall system is an effective motivator towards continued play.  In terms of my own personal experience online gaming provides me with an outlet to free my mind of the troubles and problems that I might be facing in life, by allowing me to enter my own little fantasy world.  As a result, I believe that it greatly reduces my stress level and greatly increases my sense of self-worth by providing me with an area in my life where I continually have an opportunity to succeed. 

Technology and Social Interaction

Although it is clear that the technological advancements, that continually seem to be taking place, are extremely beneficial to society as a whole, there is definitely a negative impact on some aspects of a person’s overall social interaction.  From my perspective, I know that I am probably not participating in as many face-to-face conversations as I probably should be; however, in terms of my online gaming experiences, I believe that the current technology has actually made a positive impact.  When it comes to gaming, the new technological advancements have been helpful because it brings together complete strangers, who happen to possess like interests, into a venue that allows similar skill levels to face off against each other.  In addition, I personally find it fun (from time to time) to play a challenging game against a complete stranger, because it generally provides me with an opportunity to challenge my abilities in a new, and often unique, way.  In addition, I find the gaming connection to be a good way to keep in touch with many of my high school friends by signing on to my Xbox live and playing a wide variety of games with them.  Now, even though there are many benefits to online interactions, I feel that I should admit that, for the most part, I believe that online social interactions are definitely negatively impacting the more formal face-to-face interactions that used to exist.  Even though many people benefit from online interactions such as dating web sites, Craigslist, message boards, etc., there are also many people who can provide the world with horror stories about their utilization of these types of sites.  From a business and social standpoint, however, there are a number of individuals who have benefited from the existence of these types of sites; because, not only have these companies created jobs for many people while also adding a vast amount of wealth to Silicon Valley, but they have also improved the ability to connection with individuals who may not be living in your particular area.  What people need to remember, when utilizing these sites, however, is that they should remain cautious at all times.  As with Facebook, and other social media sites, it is important to be careful about not sharing too much personal information.   In addition, since it appears as though many people try to hide their real identity, by creating an alternative person, those individuals who decide to use these types of sites should do so under the assumption that they may not actually be chatting with the person that they think they are. 

Social Networking and Privacy

            As much as some people may try to deny it, the fact of the matter is that online social networking is taking over in a big way.  Simply look around and you will see people, of all ages, busily using their phones or computers to keep in touch with friends, family members, and even the activities of celebrities.  Clearly, a vast amount of people’s time, at least in Silicon Valley, is now spent going back and forth between Facebook, tweeting, and texting.  Even though all of these methods do an admirable job of keeping friends connected, I believe that face-to-face interactions may be becoming a lost art, which may end up causing social problems that could prove to be detrimental to society as a whole.  For example, I always have my phone on me and, as a result, find that (unless I’m in class) I continually hold texting “conversations” with my friends.  In addition, it is not uncommon for me to be continually checking the updates of a variety of professional sporting events throughout the day.  In terms of the positive or negative impact that social networking has to offer I, personally, have only had positive experiences so far; however, I am well aware of the negative impact that a person could have when utilizing social networking.  Take the case of Ashton Kutcher’s recent, heavily publicized tweet concerning Joe Paterno’s involvement in his alleged sexual harassment of young boys.  Prior to waiting for adequate information, Mr. Kutcher decided to voice his opinion, and then found himself having to deal with a tremendous amount of back-lash from people who felt he spoken out of turn.  As a result, Mr. Kutcher had to apologize, publicly, and let everyone know that his Manager would be handling his tweeting activities in the future.  Clearly, his decision to “over-share” not only had a negative impact (for some) to his reputation; but, also, impacted his future tweeting freedom.

     In terms of privacy, I have never really worried about the impact my utilization of these tools could have on me.  Although I try to be extra careful by only adding actual friends to my list, by utilizing the privacy settings, by trying to keep my postings non-personal, and by managing the security settings on my pictures, I suspect that I need to remain diligent in order to continually protect myself.  

Media Diet

The fact that media and social networking is taking over is as clear to me as it probably is to most everyone else in Silicon Valley.  Within the five-day margin that I tracked, I was actually a bit surprised to learn that I managed to consume a little over eleven hours of Facebook viewing, ten hours of playing Xbox live, approximately five hours of watching TV, and about five hours of random internet searches.  Although I would have felt better about my statistics if they had included some sort of educational benefits; sadly, I must admit that I did not think to use my media consumption time in a more constructive manner by, for instance, reading a book.  Although I don’t feel as though my media consumption is all that different from my peers, I will say that the task of actually calculating the amount of time spent on media consumption was a bit of an eye-opener for me.  Although I am well aware that these forms of media are often a distraction that causes me to procrastinate from the more important schoolwork that I’m faced with, I still find it hard to reduce, or redefine, the number of media consumption hours that I log in.  Even though the occasional use of media consumption can be an affective break for me, the draw and hook of it (and, let’s be honest addictiveness of it); is, I believe, proving to have a negative impact on my everyday life.  As a result of this now, quite clear, realization; I fully believe that I should either tone down my media consumption or shift my uses of media sites in a more productive or, more specifically, academically beneficial direction.  Frankly, my over-use of the types of media that I choose is, most likely, having a direct impact (most likely in a negative way) on the development of my social skills and, probably even more important, also heavily impacting, in a negative way, test scores and overall grades.  Even though there are definitely some benefits to having people use media sites (such as, keeping extended families and friends connected to each other), I find that I am probably spending more time utilizing those sites for my overall amusement (such as, Xbox gaming), rather than for social or intellectual gratification.  Further, I feel that those of us who have been raised in the Silicon Valley are probably at a larger risk of becoming addicted to media sites, because of the existence of affluent life-styles (that provides for easy access to computers), as well as the fact that Facebook, and other media sites, have actually been created in Silicon Valley.