The Machine Is Us/ing Us...

So, this video was quite thought provoking because everyone takes for granted the amazingly intricate World Wide Web. We probably all took a few computer classes in high school and understand that a lot of things go on, like HTML languages and intricate code, to construct a website, especially an adequately functioning one, but we never really think about it because we grew up on the Internet, and the Web is just...there. Professor Wesch brings up a good point. Now, in a unprecedented way, people, you, me, & your friend's 87-year-old grandma, create and share information with the rest of the world on a, not just day-to-day, but constant basis. Wikipedia was invented strictly for being able to easily obtain knowledge from other people, whether it be about how to clean an oven or theories of relativity. Think about going one week--or just 5 days--without the Internet...

To me, the title of this video means just what it says, and the two messages, us and using, go hand-in-hand. The 'Machine' aids us in gathering knowledge, and is the most useful tool available to the world. We are the people that are putting that knowledge on the Web to be gathered in the first place...the Web is us--because we created it. Also, the 'Machine' is using us to expand its capabilities and become an even bigger entity through our constant use of it.

Web 2.0 would help anyone, in the workforce or not, with their daily needs, like email, checking their bank accounts, looking up the weather, researching, etc. It would help someone looking for a job by supplying job search engines, resume help, easy access to contact information from possible job prospects, etc. It would help someone who is already in the workforce by providing them a seamless international outlet to do business in, cornicopious documents and articles of information that may pertain to their certain expertise, easy contact with their coworkers, and providing a way to let some employees 'telecommute,' if necessary.

Moreover, like Professor Wesch said, we may have to rethink things--family, privacy, and, ultimately, ourselves. Privacy: people's lives have changed from identity theft, due to online banking and shopping. Authorship & Copyright: never before have I ever had to wonder if someone were to copy and paste a thought or idea, of my own, off of my Facebook page, or this blog--could I sue them for plagarism. When did I become an author? Ourselves: I cannot imagine what it would be like to not have the Internet. I need it for everything--school, work, and just staying organized. But, does there come a point where enough is enough? I think that is was Prof. Wesch means by 'rethinking ourselves.' The Web recreates itself every-what?-millisecond...as I am writing this it is changing with every letter that I type. Recreation is good--it enhances this tool that we use constantly--but, I think Prof. Wesch is asking," when does it stop, and when will we not be able to mold this 'Machine' any more?"

But, for now, the Machine is...us.

About Me!

Hey yall!
My name is Morgan Campbell. I am from Camden, SC. Camden's claim to fame is the Carolina Cup. I moved there when I was in 2nd grade. I was born in Delaware, and then lived in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles before moving to Camden.
I am a junior. My major is Spanish and my minor is Management, and I look forward to studying abroad in Spain next semester. Ultimately, I plan to work in the international business field.
I look forward to learning new things in this class and eventually applying my newly acquired business writing skills in my career.

GO TIGERS!