Author: e.leon

Grand Theft Auto Video Game – E.leon

 

 

Picture: Daily Mail

I did not grew up playing video games so I decided to ask one of my cousins about the games he plays and he told me about GTA. I did some research about this game and I found interesting information and critiques about this popular game.

Nakaruma mentions “while telecommunications and medical technologies can challenge some gender and racial stereotypes, they can produce and reflect them as well” (p.4). The GTA videogame supports her theory. In this video game the problem is not the absence of women. Yes, there are women characters but the women who appear play  secondary characters, prostitutes or strippers. This video-game promotes discriminatory roles and stereotypes towards women. The main character (men) can pay women to have sex with them and then kill them to recover their money. Women are presented as a sexual object with tight clothing, miniskirts and large breasts.

Video games like GTA influence people who play it because  they can explore their masculine identity and reinforce beliefs about what men are expected to be, behave, think, feel in society. These types of stereotypes affect both boys and girls negatively.

Schaap mentions “the possibilities for “playing” with gender were accessible to a growing number of people, and the general perception of the researchers seemed to be that this could lead to a shift in the popular understanding of gender, similar to the shift that had occurred in the social sciences” (p. 10). The video game GTA does not have the option to users choose the gender. The game is based on crime, and violence where the main character is always a man.  Unfortunately, GTA does  not support gender equality in this game. The women character keeps being projected as a secondary one.  In spite of the enormous violent and sexist load of the plot, the product has been one of the most successful and with millionaire profits. As I mentioned earlier. I am not a fan of videogames but I am really sure that a game where women are portrayed in the way GTA does I will not play.

Why does sexism persist in the video games industry? is an interesting article from BBC that gives some reasons about the reasons of sexism in videogames

Questions:

  1. What kind of actions users can take in order to demand a more equal treatment in the role of women in video games?
  2. What do you think is the main reason why some video games has not incorporate women as main characters or stronger physical qualities?

The future of shopping – E.Leon

 

Sources: T4ango

 

The digital communication revolution has been going on without pause for years. There can be no doubt of the great contribution that digital technologies have had in the development of new methods of creation and dissemination of content.  Athique mentioned in the book “The digital experience must therefore be understood as an intimate affair, a form of mass communication that is radically individualized in both its function and appearance” (p. 116). There is no doubt, the model of online communication and in Social Networks has changed our patterns of communication, allows working with different formats: text, video, photography and audio, according to the needs of the user. And tools like social media and the internet are an opportunity where they can more easily impact their audience.

In this blog I will focus on the future of online shopping. The retail industry is undergoing major changes. The way we do business and consumer behavior has changed by digital advances, which has made it easy to reach the global market. This has transformed the spaces where consumers and sellers do business. In the present, we see that brands have their own website for online shopping. But, there other websites such as e-bay which allow to do business without having a physical store. In my opinion, this is one of the changes that is going to happen which is online stores and web pages will increase. It will reshape the human interaction when buying. Antique mentioned “In that sense, eBay is a self-regulating mechanism for distributing goods by matching genuine buyers and sellers. It does not rely on the central management of those transactions, but relies instead upon the commonly accepted rules of the market and the reasonable self-interest of all its users” (p.215). It is important to cover consumers needs, and those changes quickly. So, companies will need to implement their traditional ways to do business online if they do not want to step down because of the competition.

Now, because of these changes in consumption, companies or stores  will not disappear, buy they have to study and focus on how technology will help shape their businesses and need to adapt to these changes quickly. I love the idea of being able to shop online. To be honest, I do not like to go to stores. I always rather to buy through my phone or PC. Nevertheless, one of the things I would like to see in the future is that stores not only focused on developing their websites, but also on worrying about maintaining and improving the consumer experience in their physical store, as it currently is. Therefore, online and offline stores need to develop strategies and change their behavior to cover these two important means of doing business. Companies need not to forget to personalize their brands and give the best experience to their customers online and in store. As a consumer, we like to feel at home when we visit a store either it is physical or online.

Companies have the challenge to convince their online consumers that their product is great and they have to buy it. In the following article The Future of Augmented Reality and Online Shopping<!–By –>  we can find some of the challenges companies have to face when their consumers return a product, or instead of making a purchase they just see the catalog. So, what is coming soon for companies is not easy. They need to focus and work hard in developing a well done marketing in store and online.

Questions:

  1. What do you think are the biggest challenges a company face with online consumers?
  2. What are some of the aspects you would like to see in the future regarding our online shopping experience?

Privacy is dead – Leon E

Source: WordPress

I will be honest. I feel under surveillance. The documentary makes me think deeply about the way I am using technology. Well, not only me but society. There were many times I was shocked and scared and I will tell you some of those moments.  I feel over watched  by the government 24/7. Now that I am writing this blog, and from the moment I was watching the documentary I started thinking that my data is collected and can be used anytime by third parties. One of the speakers in the documentary says “be careful with  your posts on social media.” Our society nowadays share everything on social media platforms, follow people, brands, write thoughts and jokes, and make business as well. In other words social media and internet are our primary tool of everyday communication. There is nothing negative about it. Which it is negative is that what you share can be considered harmful or inappropriate for the government. In other words, we all need to think twice before we share on social media platforms if we do not want to catch the attention of the security agency and they get in trouble.A second point that shocks me is the power a company has over users when we agree on their terms and conditions. It is unbelievable the way users accept to share all personal information without knowledge of all the consequences it can bring. It is true that the terms and conditions section is long and sometimes boring to read. But, it is essential to know what we are accepting to. If later we get in trouble for a post, or one of our pictures  is used by a third party we cannot complain about it because all these actions are legal since we accepted the conditions. Did everyone knows it? Maybe not, because not many people ready terms and conditions.  The third point that catch my attention is that nothing is free. As one of the speaker in the documentary says and we have discussed in class. We all like to get free things, free service, internet, food, and more. But, have we stopped and think what is it the real cost of these “free” things? The answer is the exchange of our privacy. One example is Google service “in return for free wireless access, Google announced its plans to use the information it gathered about users’ locations within the city to bombard them with time- and location-specific ads, or what it calls “contextual advertising” (Andrejevic,1). In other words when we get “free Wi-F” we all are allowing google to get our personal information and use it as they need. Due to this exchange of services we are bombarded with advertising, and allow surveillance programs to have power on us.

Based on this documentary and discussions in class I believe Federal Government has power over everything and everyone in this society. Federal Government controls each movement we do and enforce services such as google or Facebook to retain information of their users. Which it is shocks me because there is no privacy since our personal information can be shared when it is necessary. NSA National Security Agency has access to all American communication such as: phone-calls, and everything is recorded. Ex President Obama says “Surveillance company is consider as a program from national security.”  From my point, the relationship between economic system and the system of government control is that both entities have a huge power and work together. Facebook, google and other platforms are spies in order to give information to the American government. The majority of police department track social media for criminal investigations. These different powers of control, spies activities, and surveillance programs affects people freedom of speech. For example, people who are afraid of government because it is monitoring their messages are more likely to create other accounts, and do not share everything they think about specific topics such as political and social issues. Although one of the purposes of surveillance programs is to prevent terrorist attacks, when those laws are created should be developed and applied with safeguards that do not eliminate our freedom of speech. Is there any way to prevent sharing our information? Well, I do not think so since the society we live in is controlled by technology. For example, the way we do business has changed and one of the biggest examples is the platform eBay. This platform allows people to buy and sell goods. “eBay is a ‘free market’ that allows individuals and small traders to compete effectively with larger companies” (Athique, 214). As a consumer this is a great opportunity to buy anything we want from our house, whenever we want it. But, let’s think deeply. When we use an app or a webpage to buy or do a research our personal information such as names, address, and credit card numbers is saved and shared with either the government or other third parties. I do not see a way we can have to avoid sharing information.

In other words privacy is dead.

I will leave you a reading which I found interesting about actions that the Government is taking about post on social media platforms. The reading is from The Intercept (source)  The U.S. Government Wants to Read Travelers’ Tweets Before Letting Them In

Questions:

  1. Do you think people have lost their freedom speech due to surveillance activities? If so, how?
  2. In the last couple of month immigration officers are more strict with tourists. An example of this is a friend of mine who came from Ecuador for vacations and was took his phone away to be searched. He mentioned that the officer started looking for keywords such as “work” in his conversation history in order to make sure he is not staying as undocumented. Have you heard another story like this where our privacy is violated.  What do you think about the last incidents related with post on social media?

Estefania Leon- Digital Individuals

 

The person I interviewed is Mariuxi one of my best friends. She is 24 years old and lives in Quito, Ecuador.

  1. What social media platforms and apps they have used now and in the past?

“In the past, I used to have account in hi5, but once Facebook became popular, I changed to this platform. Now, I have accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat and whatsapp.”

  1. Do they use their real name(s)? Have they ever used aliases or created fake accounts? Why?

“I have always used my real names and have never create fake accounts. But, I do know many friends who have fake accounts to spy on their couples or have a separate accounts. One for friends and one for their families.”

  1. What different personas do you construct in each of these platforms and how do you relate to aspects of your experiences in life?

“In my Facebook account, specially when I just started using it, I used to use this social media platform to share poems, short stories or songs written by me. On Instagram, I used to post pictures with poems, or quotes from books I read.

I have always like literature and painted art. I am a lawyer, and my profession requires me to read a lot. But painted art has nothing related with my career. Therefore, I use social media as a tool to express that part of myself that I cannot share in my professional life. I think, social media is the most appropriate space I have to share this hobby.”

  1. Do the digital personas they construct help them cope with the problems they face or do they create new problems? In what ways?

“Through social media, I had the chance to express myself in different ways specially showing my interest with art and literature. I did not have problems regarding the personas I construct on it. But, social media got me in many problems with my boyfriend. I received many friend requests from people I do not know and fake accounts that tried to hurt me and hurt my relationship. I had problems that I have not experienced before but in social media.”

The article “Introduction: Identity in the Age of the Internet” by Turkle, Sherry refers about the relationship between people and computers and the way technology is causing us to reevaluate our identities in the age of the Internet. Turkle also in chapter seven “Aspects of the Self” says “the internet has become a significant social laboratory for experimenting with the construction and reconstruction of the self that characterize postmodern life” (Turkles,180). Internet has become one of the most powerful tools to communicate worldwide. Though the combination on internet, technology, social media platforms and games people create different characters or personas with different identities that express themselves in different ways. Mariuxi, says that through social media platforms she has the option to take the role of a persona who likes painted art and literature. This part of herself she is not able to share in real life.

Athique in chapter five says “participants in online forums were seen to compensate for the lack of social cues by expressing themselves in new ways, such as the early use of emoticons to provide a graphical representation of the mood of the writer.” (Atique,118) Athique points out that people are using life on computer screens to become comfortable with new ways of thinking about life and identity, but at the same time as a way to express themselves. As Mariuxi mentioned she likes to post or share pictures with quotes or painted art. Her pictures are a representation of her mood and hobbies. Nowadays, social media is a way to express yourself not only about hobbies or personas you cannot express face to face with other people, but a way to express your feelings and mood. The easy way to share or post images, videos or any graphical representation let other people know about your life, interest and mood.

 

Photo source: Philippine star

This picture makes me think that human beings are leaving  and sharing all our identity and personal information in web. Just with a click we can login to our profiles in different social media platforms. All our personal information is out there, we are sharing everything we do and everything we think.  We do not know how safe our information is right now. Just with a click we are making our life public.

Meghan Casserly,  in the article Multiple Personalities and Social Media: The many faces of me by Forbes says how media platforms give us the chance to show different sides of our personalities such as professional and personal. It is a way to communicating and self-promoting.

 

Questions:

  1. Have you ever created a different persona in any of social media platforms and why? What are some of the experiences you had?
  2. What are some of the biggest changes you see in apps you used five years ago and the apps you use now?

Estefania Leon

Dell XPS 13 2 in 1

Computers are now everywhere, from the house to the office. It has become a fundamental tool to carry out daily activities, since it allows us to work, study and connect with others. One of the most outstanding aspects about computers are the evolution in their designs and the availability to respond to the different uses and needs of different targets.

The purpose of the article Hands on with the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 hybrid was to show the new changes and advances in the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 hybrid. The author mentioned the company’s  innovation through this device and how the evolution of the design can make people’s lives easier. In the article the author also explains the software and hardware changes and the utility of these in our daily life. Display and design, ports, performance, facilities and price were explained as well.

The article is divided by session in which each subtopic is analyzed and the device is compared with the first version of the Dell XPS 13. Such as the hardware characteristics which is 20% lighter than the ultra portable Microsoft. As a user, I think most of us before getting a new device we take under consideration the size and weight of the equipment since beside an excellent product we look for greater mobility and comfort as well.

The argument of the article is that the new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a great option if the user wants a lighter and innovated device. The overall idea, I took from the reading is that Dell wants to demonstrate that there is still much room for innovation when it comes to the design and performance of PCs. In addition to meeting the needs of users, these devices are easy to use and allow users to get more, offering them a unique multimedia entertainment experience.

Sarah K. White, Senior Writer, CIO mentioned “It isn’t the sleekest or fastest hybrid on the market, but I’d be more than happy if my IT department handed me one to use for work” (White, 2017)  so? Is the new PC convincing? Well, to be honest I do not know much about technology, I am not sure if I buy it. But as White mentioned the new device is innovative and might not be the fastest one but I would like to use it.

One point I take from this reading is that the Dell XPS 13 might not be the best option for everyone, but it might cover the needs of  other users. The information I notice that is missing in the analysis and I would liked to know is the new tools, apps and programs the PC has and the biggest differences with other competitive brands or Pcs.

The article described the transcoding model from the  Lee Manovich’s new media principle . In his article Manovich mentioned “What I call “the computer layer” is not itself fixed but rather changes over time. As hardware and software keep evolving and as the computer is used for new tasks and in new ways, this layer undergoes continuous transformation” ( Lev, 46). In other words as long as the technology develops, the same happen with apps such as: photo applications, office programs, web pages, size and weight of each device. Sara White in article explains the changes in the hardware and software in the new PC. She compares the new version with the original machine such as the new Intel Core i7 processor, a Quad HD display and 16GB of RAM.

Here is a review video http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsvsVldqaWc

Questions:

  1. The article mentioned software and hardware changes in the new PC. They say it is an innovative product, lighter and greater mobility. As a customer what are some of the most important characteristics you consider before buying a PC?
  2. Manovich mentioned that hardware and software keep evolving. What are the major changes you see in the new media from the last 5 years to now?

The digital world has changed our lives

        Saturday night, I did Facetime  with a friend who lives in Ecuador. We were planning his summer vacations in NY, and talking about politics here in the US and future presidential elections in Ecuador. My friend told me that during his vacations he wants to visit Canada as well, so we researched on the Canadian Embassy website the requisites for the Visa. Then, my friend tagged me on a picture on Instagram of places in the East Side that he wants to visit. We both were looking at the pictures, making comments and deciding some possible places to go. A couple of minutes later, I realized my friend and I have visited six different Instagram profiles related with NYC spots.I think having this chance is cool because although my friend and I are in different countries we can see the same information at the same time.

     Then, my friend send me a link from a video on Facebook related with politics in Ecuador. We discussed about it and watched other related videos that appeared in that profile. Next to the video I was watching different ads from my favorite stores showed up. I clicked on the ads and started looking for clothes and shoes. I visited about three different websites and ended up buying a pair of winter shoes. While I was talking to my friend I got a Facebook message from my club here at Baruch. The president asked information about Ecuadorian singers and dancers that could perform for us in an event. I immediately send him back the contact information, YouTube videos and Facebook profiles from these groups. My friend and I looked for airplane tickets in different websites, we did not buy it yet, but we signed up for alerts to receive notifications when there are low-price tickets.

     Once I finished doing the activity, I realize the powerful influence technology and media has over human beings nowadays. Our lives are based on the interaction with media and activities such as google information, like pictures, follow profiles on social media, or shop online. Digital media made our life easier because we can find all information we want just with a click on the website and even talk or see with people in other countries anytime we want. I thought, how could I do all these activities in a pre-digital era? my first thought was “ I would not be able to do it. There is no way for this.” For example, doing Facetime with my friends would not be possible. The only option to be in contact with him would be through letters that will take about a month to him to receive and then get my answer back.In order to have information about places to visit for vacations I might had to go to a tourist office, or if I wanted to buy a pair of shoes, I must had to go to the store and buy them there. In other words, these activities could not been done in a pre-digital media era. In a few words, I concluded that all human activities and interactions have changed with digital media. Through this activity, I analyzed some advantages we have nowadays with digital media such as a quicker and more access to information, facilitate communication through social media, mails, or video calls apps such as FaceTime or Skype. One of the biggest changes in media is the easy of exchange information through the use of smartphones and different social media platforms. As Couldry states on page 7, “the years since 2005 have seen a more fundamental disruption to media and media research. Digital media convergence has accelerate hugely. Circulating your photos and videos online has become commonplace; so too commenting on other people’s blogs mashups and online self-presentations. The increased availability of mobile phones with fast internet access has increased (exponentially), people’s capacities to be receivers and  circulator of media. The fast growth of social networking sites has added an entirely new dimension”. Different social media platforms give us the chance to exchange information very quickly with million people around the world. These communication platforms has influenced in the way people relate to each other and the way information is delivered. Millions of people use social media platforms as Facebook and twitter as sources of news.  The article News consumption in a digital world explains “a significant increase in social media and access via mobile devices.” Everyday more people are using smartphones and have access to internet, which has influenced in the way people read news or find information. A negative aspect about digital media era is the irresponsible way in which some people manage their social networks. There is not much control on what is published then unwanted information can be delivered to everyone in a matter of seconds.

     One of the biggest changes human beings experience with digital media is the chance to shop online. The following video  Digital Transformation – The Business World of Tomorrow talks about the future of digital business. Companies has the responsibility  and the need to innovate and transform their services if they do not want to stay behind their competitors and market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d32Ps1VYAk



Questions:

  1. How do you think social media could have a negative impact on company’s image and reputation? Give a real example.
  2. Digital media evolves so quickly and changes our lives. How do you think social interaction will be in 10 years from now?