Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Chapter 13 Case Study: Computer Media Communications

On January 31, I will examine the effects of internet usage as a form of computer media communication. I will specifically review the findings of the CMU HomeNet Study which was designed to evaluate the correlation between increased internet usage and decreased social involvement. I will also link the computer disorders addressed in chapter thirteen of Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture and Technology, to the stated findings from the HomeNet Study, including disorders such as antisocial behavior and addiction. Next, I will discuss the shortcomings of the methodology of the study, as well as the opposing views. While many agree with the HomeNet findings, there are several who view this type of technology as a positive rather than negative tool, useful in everyday society. Finally, I will examine the ways in which the internet has changed society, as well as the trends that have occurred since the study was conducted in 1995. My goal in this presentation is to clearly present the conclusions of the HomeNet study, as well as the critiques of others, in order to provide a well rounded view; thus, allowing the students to draw their own conclusions about the impact of computer related media and the internet.

1 comment:

danika said...

My presentation over computer media communication involved various aspects of the HomeNet Study as well as other recent research. The topic that received the most attention was that of the computer communication which replaces strong ties with weak ones. This was one of the most revolutionary findings of the study, and has since attracted a great deal of speculation and further research. Other important topics covered included the importance of the internet to our society, and the ways in which it can be used as a positive tool rather than a detrimental one. I hope that my presentation raised the class awareness of the dangers of computer media abuse and inspired further interest in this topic.