Documentary Reflection

Yesterday, while in class, we watched a documentary film called Digital Nation. The documentary discussed research done on various groups of digital natives and the concerns that family members, teachers, and doctors have about these individuals. However, many people still don't believe that there is anything to be concerned about. Because of the academic and medical advances technology/media has helped society achieve, a large number of people think that the "pros" definitely outweigh the "cons", when it comes to technology. Those who made this documentary, though, were quite unsure of how true that really is. 


Researchers have concluded that a common issue among digital natives is multi-tasking. As college students, most of us probably don't view multi-tasking as a bad thing. We, in fact, multi-task pretty much all the time because we're always so busy. However, researchers are now determining that multi-tasking is actually hurting us, rather than helping. They say that, when we multi-task, we cannot focus well on the things we are supposed to be doing because we are so distracted. For example, students who bring their laptops to class often tend to drift away from taking notes and, instead, do different things like checking their emails or signing on to Facebook. Because of these distractions, student's grades often suffer. Family members are becoming concerned with the amount of time their kids are spending online, as well. Kids who multi-task between family time and playing online games aren't getting the quality time that they need with their parents and siblings because they're too distracted. Doctors are concerned because of the amount of brain activity it takes to multi-task, compared to just doing one thing at a time. For instance, it takes much more brain activity to Google something rather than simply looking it up in a book. Most of us would think that more brain activity is a good thing, but apparently we're wrong. 


I think that it's interesting to learn how media can affect us in bad ways because, too often, we only look at the good side of it. While technology and media has affected our lives positively in numerous ways, there are still several down-sides to being constantly "wired". I think that it's important that we acknowledge that there are, indeed, draw-backs to this seemingly perfect lifestyle. 

Stereotypes

Stereotyping is an "oversimplified" belief about a particular type of person, often based upon shallow assumptions. It's a nasty habit that we're all guilty of participating in at some point or another, whether we want to admit it or not. It's also something that I'm sure we've all been subjected to, as well. Stereotyping takes place in all types of settings and situations. However, I think most of us would agree that high school is usually the place where these stereotypes are most prevalent. While these stereotypes that we are subjected to are often inaccurate and hurtful, they do have tendencies to follow us for a long period of time, sometimes defining which social groups we are cast into. That being said, I decided that using the five main characters of the popular 80's movie The Breakfast Club would be perfect for our lesson on stereotypes. 

"You see us as you want to see us - in the simplest terms, in 
the most convenient definitions." -The Breakfast Club

The Brain 

We've all known that one person, guy or girl, who has impeccable attendance, a perfect 4.0 GPA, and, for some unknown reason, can never seem to find any fashionable clothes to wear. They're usually well known, but highly unpopular. In this case, most of us would stereotype Brian as "the brain" or "geeky" due to his lack of stylish apparel, his awkward smile, his old-fashioned hair style, and his innocent facial expression. Because of the way all these different traits compile together, most of us would think that he "looks" smart. Thus, stereotyping him as "the brain". 

The Athlete

The "athlete" or "jock" is usually at the top of the food chain when it comes to high school politics. He/she is usually the most popular person in school, the best looking, and more times than not, is considered to be wealthy. Jocks are also often thought of as arrogant, asinine, and are stereotypically known for being unintelligent. (I'm not saying this is what I personally think, but rather what athletes are often depicted as.) Just from looking at this picture, most people would conclude Andy to be "the athlete" based on his attire, (his Nike shirt and sneakers), his unusually toned arms, and the confidence/arrogance in his facial expression. 

The Basket Case

The "basket case" or the "outcast" is also a familiar stereotype. One that, at times, most everyone can relate to. Outcasts are typically loners that often seem emotionally unstable or unsound. And, for whatever reason, they seem to always wear black. Outcasts are usually considered to be the unpopular "nobodies" in high school and, consequently, are thought of as social pariahs. Allison would be stereotyped as a "basket case" in this picture due to her slightly crazy facial expression and body language, and her all-black clothing. 

The Princess

The "princess" is your typical popular, prom queen- socialite type. She's the kind of girl that rules the school, so to speak. The princess type usually wears expensive jewelry and designer clothes to go with her shiny BMW, all of which are symbols of family wealth. The "princess" is known for always getting everything she wants, exactly when she wants it. She always seems to be having a good time, (or at least making herself look like she is.) We can tell that Claire is a "princess" based off her expensive jewelry, nice clothing, and high maintenance hair and make up. Her facial expression also adds to this stereotype. 

The Criminal

The "criminal" is your average bad boy. The one who dresses like a thug and is always getting in to some type of trouble, whether it's over fighting, smoking, or disrespecting authority. His pranks are often legendary, earning himself quite a reputation throughout his social community. The "criminal" usually comes from some sort of dysfunctional background and is often subject to financial problems. While the "criminal" is usually well-known, he's not typically popular. In fact, he is looked down upon by most of his peers and authority figures. From this picture, we can stereotype John as a "criminal" based on his raggedy-looking clothes, his shaggy hair, his troubled facial expression and lazy body posture, and the fact that he's smoking. 

Stereotyping is an easy fault to commit. I think that it's often very off-base with people's true identities. However, that doesn't stop us from doing it. I would say that, in reality, there really is a little bit of each stereotype in all of us. In the words of The Breakfast Club, "...each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal." 

Digital Native

What exactly is a digital native? A digital native is defined as a person born after 1980 who, consequently, grew up in the new era of digital technology. Digital natives are people who are considered "fluent" in the language of technology. You know the type, like the elementary school - aged kids who already possess iPhones, or the teenagers who do their reading assignments on their Kindles. Those who haven't had constant exposure to digital technology, or have become exposed to it later in life, are considered to be digital immigrants. Now knowing what these terms mean, we must determine which of the two we are. 

Having been born in 1993, I suppose that I would be considered a "digital native." (According to Born Digital.) I was born into this technologically advanced era, often to my dismay, and was exposed to things like computers, digital cameras, and Nintendo's throughout the majority of my childhood. I have since, however, struggled with it somewhat. 

Both my parents grew up in the time period of the 1960's-70's and, by definition, would be considered "digital immigrants". That being said, I had to teach myself most of what I know about these various digital technologies. My family bought our first computer in the summer of 1998. It sat in my bedroom and was purchased mostly for my use. At the age of five I began tinkering with this shiny new toy and ultimately taught myself certain skills that would, later on, be required in school. 

Over the years I learned more advanced computer skills. From there, I went on to use many other types of digital technologies including: digital cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, iPods, and gaming devices. For someone who had to teach myself basically all of my technological skills, I think I've faired pretty well over time. There are still certain advanced skills that I struggle with from time to time, but I do my best to ask for help and learn from it. However, I do still find myself completing certain tasks the "old fashioned way". For instance, I tend to call people rather than text them. I'd rather read a paperback novel rather than read one off of a Kindle or E-Reader. And, often times, I still complete assignments on paper before I do so with a computer. 

So, in response to the question, "To what degree do I consider myself a digital native?" I would say that I don't consider myself to be a digital native to a very high degree. It is true that I use technology in my schoolwork. It's also true that, for a quicker answer, I will search for information on the internet before going to do so in the library. I also spend a large amount of my time surfing the internet on my iPhone and listening to my iPod while walking to class. Maybe you're now wondering just why it is that I don't consider myself to be a digital native to a high degree. Well, if you are, I would tell you that it's because digital technology isn't always my first instinct. Just because I was born during a certain era doesn't necessarily mean that I turn to technology for everything or that I'm technologically savvy in all cases. ("Are all youth digital natives? Simply put, no," says Harvard's Digital Natives Project.)  While I have grown up in this technological era, it's not really how I grew up at home. My parents are digital immigrants and I do believe that, to some degree, their attitudes about and towards digital technology have been passed on to me. 

While I love what modern digital technology has done for our generation in many ways, it also comes with downsides that sometimes makes me resent it. 

Media Literacy

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of media literacy? Personally, my mind has always drifted to thoughts of technology and how well one's ability to use technology is. 
Before conducting research on the matter, I always believed that media literacy was simply a term used to describe how skillful a person was or wasn't in relation to technological media. I have now discovered that I was wrong. 


Media literacy is much more than possessing the ability to work with computers and other various sources of technology. It was once defined as "the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in a variety of forms,"by the 1992 Aspen Media Literacy Leadership Institute. (Media Literacy: A Definition and More). However, even this definition has evolved and grown over time. So what exactly is media literacy? 


I think that today's definition of media literacy would be something like "possessing the competency to work with various forms of media and, thus, having the ability to analyze and evaluate the messages that media provides for us everyday." A modified definition of media literacy would also include the ability to create media of our own and to be able to understand the effects that modern media has on our daily lives.


 According to almost every single website I encountered, it is crucial that we learn to ask certain questions in order to become more media literate. I have found that the basic questions that apply to most every type of media are: "What audience is being targeted?", "Who is attempting to reach this audience?", and "What intention does the transmitter have? Why?". 


Media literacy is a growing concept that will continue to evolve for years to come. It is a critical skill whose importance in society will never fade.  


Interesting websites to check out regarding Media Literacy:


What Is Media Literacy?


Resources for Advancing Media Education

Hi everyone! I'm Meagan Hurley and I'm a freshman at Reinhardt University this year. 

I'm a Communication Arts major and love it so far. I have lots of hobbies but writing is definitely my number one area of interest, seeing as I aspire to become a successful journalist someday. I love to write anything from short stories to essays to news articles. 

In high school I was well known for writing speeches and essays. I even ended up writing my  class valedictorian's speech for our graduation ceremony. I was a very active supporter of my high school's journalism department and, as a result, ended up serving as copy editor for the school yearbook and editor-in-chief of the student newspaper my senior year. For my work on   the newspaper, I was presented with a journalism award before graduation. I also had the pleasure of working as a feature writer for an online e-magazine for three months last year.

I'm currently a staff writer for Reinhardt's online newspaper The Hiltonian, a job in which I take pride in and greatly enjoy. (You should go check it out The Hiltonian.)In addition to The Hiltonian, I'm also active in numerous other student activities at Reinhardt including the Student Government Association, (I'm a CCO representative for Wesley Fellowship), and several of the different Campus Ministry clubs. 

Other various hobbies of mine include reading novels, listening to a wide variety of music, and watching competitive gymnastics and cheerleading.