1 Describe the concept of ubiquity in relation to contemporary media environment. What does it mean to say "media is ubiquitous"?-The media is everywhere. It is always with us and also a part of us2 What is "semantic web"? How is it helping us reaching information? Is it necessarily a good thing or a bad thing?-Connects idea to idea. Works how a human brain works. Sources don't matter, but data does. Google knows everything3 What is the downside of Google knowing everything? In other words, what is the main concern that people have voiced against one big machine that knows everything? What is a digital shadow?-There would be no privacy for anyone because all information would be on the internet. A digital shadow displays how much Facebook actually knows about you4 What is the alternative way of thinking about the old idea of "media affecting humans and human behavior"? Where should one position the media in relation to human behavior? Are new information and communication technologies degenerating human morality?-the world that we experience throughout our lives is heavily influenced by the media.5 How does the idea of "panopticon" gain importance in the current media environment? What are the alternative forms of surveillance? What are the advantages of increased opportunities for surveillance in the current media landscape for the larger masses? Can surveillance be beneficial?-The idea that we are always being watched by today's media through surveillance6 What are the four predictors of social protest/revolt? What do people protest/react against?-Restrictions preventing basic needs from being met, Perceived inequalities, Restrictions of liberty, Perceived injustices7 How is "social community" an important factor in instigating social change?-It is a place for people to speak up, Need for collective action to overcome barriers, Perception of the critical mass8 What is the role of technology here? Social media? Specifically, what has been the role of social media in revolutions through the last decade (e.g. The Arab Spring)?-Spread of information more easily,The networked internet: gatekeepers less important. People were able to show the world the injustice that was taking place in the middle east, and persuaded other people to join the movement.9 How did Facebook use influence protest participation in Chile (Valenzuela, et al.article)? What do the different uses of Facebook tell us, in general, about the role of social media in social protests?-The link between overall Facebook use and protest activity was explained by using the social network for news and socializing rather than when it was used for self-expression.10 How should you approach the statement: "Social media provides the ingredients necessary for social revolutions and protests".-Social media does provide a public forum to discuss revolutions and protest11 How is social media more efficient than traditional means for mediating social protests?-It spreads the message much faster and much farther than any other method possibly could12 How do memes matter during social protests? Exemplars?-Visuals make more persuasive arguments, Easily shared, Attract attention13 What is cyber-utopianism? The Net Delusion? What are some of its dangers that we discussed in the lecture?-The belief that online communication is in itself emancipatory, and that the Internet favors the oppressed rather than the oppressor - has accompanied the Internet from its beginnings. Information, Internet does NOT necessarily lead to democratization, and more freedom.14 What are the potential dark sides of new information technologies? What features of technology do authoritarian regimes make use of? How does this strengthen the argument that "media is a mediator?"-Authoritarian regimes use these tools as well: Spread misinformation, Identification of activists. It depends who is using the media as a mediator15 What is digital divide? Which demographic groups in the society are especiallyat a disadvantage?-People who use digital technology v. those that don't. Poor people, people without an education, and old people16 What is the distinction between the concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft? Is either generally considered as the "ideal" or "better" than the other? Why?-Geimenschaft is the traditional small community where everyone knows your name.Gesellschaft is a larger more urban and modern society.17 Define communities. What are the defining features of communities?-Forms of expression ("us"), Identity (part of one's identity; how you define yourself),Relationships (ties btw members), Norms (regulating the community)18 Based on the class discussion, why are communities important? (Why are we seeking out communities? Why do we want to be part of communities?)-Increased effectiveness, Collective action, Information flows, Identity building, Social support19 How do information technologies affect community-building? What effect doesthe virtual world have? What are the two key differences between online and virtual community? Hint: These are the two important questions that people ask in analyzing online-communities?-Increased effectivenessCollective actionInformation flowsIdentity buildingSocial supportHow important is geographical proximity (neighborhood)?How important is richness (the Bowling League)?20 Why do strong ties matter? Why do weak ties matter? In which of the two is there more anonymity? In the context of community building and group cohesion, is anonymity more or less beneficial? What are three results of anonymity in groupcontext?-Strong ties: Comes with proximity, closeness, attachment & repeated exposure, Important for social supportWeak ties:Important for spreading information, horizon, Bridging social capital, networking: easier in virtual world for low self-esteem individuals21 Does quantity or quality matter more for our psychological well being (i.e. loneliness, self-esteem) when it comes to the number of online friends we have? Explain. (Hint=Refer to the reading for the day)-Quality of interactions with virtual friends matter more than quantity of friends (reading: Facebook)22 How can interacting with virtual friends (e.g. Facebook friends) through social comparison impact one's self esteem (3 different ways)?-Parallel comparison--surveillanceDownward comparisonUpward comparison--inspiration23 What is "bridging capital"? Which kinds of ties are implicated in this term? Is "bridging capital" easier or more difficult for