Week 2 - Tutorial Task

Part 1

b) This music video of Beyonce's 'Video Phone' feat. Lady GaGa is a reminder that new communication technologies, such as the video phone, hold a dominant position in modern society.  Not only is new communication technology responsible for creating this music video, but the entire songs meaning is that relationships are dependant on video phones, ie. NCT. 

This is made obvious by the following 'Video Phone' lyrics:

I wanna make sure you remember me, so I'ma leave my number on your video phone.

If it's gonna be you and me, when I call, they better see me on your video screen.

You saying that you want me, so press record, I'll let you film me.

I need to know I'll always have you wit' me, so take your picture on my video phone.

         c) http://statcounter.com/free_invisible_web_tracker.html

this web tracker allows users to view the public details of web browsers who visit their website by simply placing a code on their website.  With social sites such as Facebook proving a huge success, this web tracker would be a popular choice for people who wish to discover who is regularly visiting their profile.

Part 2

I have been using a mobile phone since the age of 14 and have upgraded twice.  I am now using a blackberry smartphone which i use for texting, calling, internet searches, facebook and blackberry messenger (bbm). 

I began using msn messenger in year 6, aged 12, and remember my mothers immediate concerns about privacy.  Doing this course, i realize that i've never considered privacy issues with using social media.

I am now connected to facebook and admit to always being online via my phone.  I don't like the thought of spending so much time of facebook but it definitely consumes some of my time every day.

I do know all of my 'friends' on facebook and don't hesitate to deny any friend requests by people i don't know.  I don't use the site to meet people but to keep up to date with friends and family.

I was not aware that google and facebook collect so much information about their users and are able to personalize search results and advertisements.

In doing some research, I found a 2009 article stating 'Google sought to alleviate the concerns of privacy campaigners on Thursday by unveiling new tools that will allow users to see what information the internet company is keeping on them' (Palmer, Maija 2009, Financial Times)

I have not yet seen any evidence of companies informing users what information is being kept but this could be a compromise for the majority who do not approve of the taking of information.