A Step Above Gaming

I wholeheartedly agree that video games can be dangerous and addictive; however, we should consider this issue from a gamer's point of view. Video games are typically played to escape stress, pass the time, or just for entertainment. In my opinion, and own experience, they can provide an excellent outlet in this chaotic world. The problem emerges when gamers fail to recognize an excess need to play. There is a fine line between gaming to relieve stress and gaming just to play. In order to overcome such an addiction, individuals need to step back and take a look at how video games effect their lives. However, the task of helping people recognize an over-indulgence in video games might even be bigger than the task of informing people of the addictive nature of gaming.

Procrastination Made Easy

The Internet has become one of the easiest and quickest ways to find both information and entertainment. However, it is also a huge contributor to the ever-present issue of procrastination. Of course there are vulgar things to avoid, but, at least for me, the amount of time wasted surfing the web is just as dangerous. In today's world, especially with college life, time is a valuable resource—a resource that is being consumed by the Internet. The Internet itself is not inherently evil, yet its accessibility allows for an easy way to avoid work. Rather than blame the Internet for being destructive, perhaps we should look inward and conquer ourselves first.

Chaos out of Order

As society has become more and more focused on the Internet, social lives have changed, for the better and perhaps also for the worse. Intricate networks are popping up everywhere as people become connected to each other via cyberspace. However, even though these provide excellent opportunities for many, it's possible that they can magnify some harmful practices as well. Although justified at times, social pressures also exist online.

Shirky used an example of a stolen phone that was recovered through many people collaborating on the Internet. The masses in this situation were able to sway even the police to take action. But is this alright? And what about the invasion of privacy and less than appropriate comments made on a public domain? Perhaps this cyber-mob overstepped its bounds; wrong-doings deserve repercussion, but human rights also deserve protection.

Society has taken immense leaps and bounds due to the Internet. Many righteous endeavors have emerged as a result, but I think we must be careful. Maybe it is true that the system (i.e. government) is broken and the Internet is the perfect remedy, but I don't think it's always our place to take action. This could lead to utter confusion. The Internet is a double-edged sword in a new sense; the social implications of this phenomenon could result in more order or even more chaos.

Triumphant Light

An Epic Journey from Dark to Light

Building a Better Copyright

Copyright laws supposedly exist to protect the individual in a capitalist society; however, perhaps these good intentions have been twisted to bleed people of their money. Most products today can be found with a copyright attached to it, but of course these are necessary to provide income for the creators. Where do we draw the line? Trying to gain complete control of a product isn't possible where there are competitors. In the case of unique works--such as music--the copyright provides income for the artist. Making it illegal to copy songs, however, prevents the spread of popularity. By redefining which products even require a copyright, maybe we can create a better situation for both parties.

Women in or out of Computing

As a computer science major, I have become accustomed to only a few female classmates. However, I don't think it's worthy enough to fuss about. I don't profess understand girls by any means, but perhaps they just don't have the disposition towards computer science that males do. Of course, this might be due to cultural norms, but the fact still remains that interest in such fields lie mostly with men. In general, these stereotypes are what help us to function as a society, especially since it's important that we actually enjoy what we do. While many are pushing to have more women in computer science and engineering, maybe it shouldn't be forced. The way culture is right now might actually be what's best for society.

Righteous Technology

The daunting task of family history seems impossible because of its sheer volume. However, recent advances in computing provide efficient methods with which to accomplish this undertaking. I think the Lord reserved this particular work for this dispensation partially for this reason. The number of tools and their user-friendly nature allow many to contribute to this mammoth project. The Internet, despite all its negative uses, is one such tool that is now necessary for efficient genealogy work. Furthermore, the popularity of computers and the satisfaction of finding one's ancestors attracts more people to the cause. With different influences of advancing technology, it is comforting to know that righteous goals and endeavors also exist.