Deconstructing Media-April

Newspaper

Contacting the world and telling the people what is going on in their local city, state, and nation is important.  Over the last several decades the newspaper has been one of the many sources of informing everyone.  Topics ranging from deaths, murders, births, weddings, the economy, and much much more is constantly being discussed and printed.  Within the newspaper along with all the information telling the world what is going on are adds, telling people what to buy, when, where, and why. 

2.       Why does the company need to do the add?Companies place adds in newspapers to tell people what is on sale or if there are new products coming out.  Companies need to tell people about their products or they wouldn’t be selling their products or making any money.  In the newspaper sometimes the adds are large and other times they are small.  It is all based on how much money a company wants to spend and how what they need to do to catch the buyers attention. 

3.       What group is targeted by the ad? All age groups are targeted by adds.  Ad’s placed in newspapers though are more directed towards adult or individuals interested in reading news about their home city and state.  The majority of youth and children find little interest in the newspaper other than the comics. Thus the ads have a higher tendency to be directed to adults. 

7.       What values are reinforced?Individuals reading the newspaper have a strong tie to the community and the events happening within it.  Adults find out about accidents that have happened, friends that died, businesses coming to town, who is running for senator, and all other activities.

14.       Is it closer to fantasy or reality? A newspaper full of reality discussing events that have happened or are going to occur.  There are a few sections that on occasion cover fantasy such as fantasy movies but the newspaper itself discusses reality.

15.       Does it use stereotypes? Stereotypes occur in all types of media.  If anyone is writing on a topic they are bound to be bias in one direction or the other.  An example of a stereotype is an individual writing an article saying that all women are bad a politics.  Women are not bad at politics some women may be but an individual writing the article probably has had personal experience with women in politics and thought they were horrible. 

16.       In what ways does this depict a lifestyle that is healthy or unhealthy? Newspapers can depict a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle depending on the article.  Articles will cover how unhealthy McDonalds ranging to the benefits of eating a salad a few times a week. Each article is going to be different they may be healthy or unhealthy. 

Techniques of persuasion

Individuals are persuaded to buy a newspaper so that they can learn about what is going on in their area.  There are also coupons and ads for new and improved products that attract a buyers attention.   

Deconstructing Media-March

Magazines
Magazines are a great way of advertising to the world.  The cover of the magazine is attractive and can be on anything that attracts attention.  To attract men there might be scantily clothed women, cars, motorcycles, trucks, snow machines, and hundreds of other topics. Women might be attracted to cooking, sewing, sports, music, volleyball, and again whatever topic catches their focus. Magazines give a measure of pleasure, and relieve boredom of the individuals reading them.  Within the magazine there are tons of adds that cover the majority of the pages along side articles and filling the final pages of the magazine.  

2. Why does the company need to do the add?
The companies put adds in the magazine to attract consumers attention.  While reading an article that you find interest individuals are bound to notice the adds.  If the adds so much as even spark a small amount of interest the companies are happy because that individual is now more likely to look twice at their product the next time.

3. What group is targeted by the ad?
Magazines have many different adds within them.  The majority of the time though the adds in the magazine have to do with what drew the attention of the reader to the magazine in the first place.  If your reading a sports article your likely to fine adds about mechanic shops, clothing for protection while participating in a particular sport, or what will make you more prepared for the activity.

7. What values are reinforced?
Magazines promote individuals enjoying and learning more about their hobbies and things they love.  They are a source of enjoyment and information.  Different magazines attract different people promoting various values ranging from religion, to dedication to sports.

14. Is it closer to fantasy or reality?
I believe magazines can be reality or fantasy it depends on which  magazine is being read.  If they are reading and learning about what is going on in the world today and activities it would be reality.  Super heros are in magazines and those would be in the fantasy category.  I would say that there are more reality magazines though than fantasy ones.

15. Does it use stereotypes?
There are definitely stereotypes in magazines.  In an athletic magazine your most likely to find a young good looking men and women.  There are rarely over weight average people on the cover of a popular magazine.  To sell their product companies find the handsome people who will attract buyers. This goes for every topic, if your looking to rebuild your old car there will be a picture of a beautiful refurbished car on the front and then the stages of rebuilding the car on the inside.

16. In what ways does this depict a lifestyle that is healthy unhealthy? 
Magazines can be healthy for individuals.  Fitness magazines can help individuals get into shape and lead healthier lifestyles while they can also make people into steroid addicts if they aren't careful or are over zealous.  Magazines can be healthy or unhealthy it all depends on how the individual reacts to the experiences and influences. 

Techniques of persuasion
Techniques used to persuade people to buy magazines include the fashion, sports, handsome people, or many different actives.  All these techniques are used used to persuade people to buy the magazine and the products shown within them. 

Digital Nation

Chapter 1 (distracted by everything)
In the world today everyone is immersed in technology.  We as individuals and families spend large amounts of time on the computer, phone, listening to the radio and many other devices In my family there are four laptops and one desktop computer.  There are only seven of us in the family and we have five computers.  Three of us also have Iphones that are always with us and used to keep track of daily activities.  
Chapter 2 (what's it doing to their brain)
Multi-tasking is something all of us do all the time, though many do more things at once than others. I do lots of things at once and according to this video, we don't do many things at once as well as doing one thing at a time.   I know that if I'm trying to read, text, and talk at the same time I don't remember what I have read.  I can keep track of two things at once but more than that I lose track.  I agree with the video, we do to many things at a time.
Chapter 3 (south Korea's gaming craze)
Digital revolutions have spread all over the world and in South Korea it has grown even faster.  Video gaming has become very addictive to individuals.  I believe that it is possible to get addicted to the internet.  I know that I check my email at least 10 times a day, have my phone within reach at all times, for all uses, texting, games, talking, and searching the web.  Individuals that spend to much time on computers or devices that don't talk back with feeling and emotion lack communication skills. 
Chapter 4 (teaching with technology)
Teaching with technology is a great way for students to learn and access materials outside of the school.  They can look up information quickly that is unknown to them. Teachers can easily show materials to a classroom without worrying about someone not being able to see.  Teachers and students can then work together to get projects done with easy editing.  Attendance, interest, and work turned in has also gone up according to the school.  As a student I like when teachers use power-point because then I can see what is written and not have to worry about had writing or size.  I also like being able to type up a paper and send it to the teacher without having to print a copy and taking it to them, requiring more time and money.  Knowing what is expected of ourselves yet being able to work on other work is a benefit for students.
Chapter 5 ( the dumbest generation)
  Reading is important and with the internet its easy to get spark notes.   Students no longer read the material required they read a synopsis because of the distractions that the internet has provided.  I agree that the internet has provided distractions but it also makes it easier for students to learn more, if they look for it.  I agree that reading has gone down and writing skills aren't as good as they used to be.  I love to read and still read a lot from a paper book.  I have noticed though that with all the distractions and computer use spelling abilities are decreasing.  I am not the greatest speller and now with the use of computers I don't have to spell things exactly right, the computer will give me a prompt and several choices.  My spelling hasn't gotten worse but it hasn't gotten a lot better either.
Chapter 6 (relationships)
Keeping in contact with family and friends is one of the greatest aspects of technology.  With facebook students are able to talk to their parents and see them when they are away at school.  Military families that are separated can see their spouses and tell them they love them and see they are ok.  I know that when my dad is flying the wounded soldiers out of Afghanistan and to Germany I like to be able to see him when he calls on skype.  Young children also need to be able to see their parents and technology has allowed them easy access to that.  I believe that the internet can also be dangerous for children or adults who don't know that theft, harassment, and other harmful things can be done over the web.
Chapter 7 (virtual worlds)
  I really connected with being able to see the world from another perspective such as from an airplane.  Whether I'm there or watching it on the computer.  I can feel like I'm there and really experiencing what the image shows.  I can see where there might be problems where some people refuse to think in reality and think that everything is perfect like the movies and images shown to us through technology.  I think its kind of scary to in a way all the things we can do through the web, we can learn anything in a matter of moments, and the large amount of time we spend on the computer.  
Chapter 8 (can virtual experiences change us)
When I hear that for many people the difference between real and virtual is becoming blurry that worries me.  Having a computer game with my image allowing me to play a game as me is scary.  How many people get stuck in the games and actually believe they can do the things not only on a computer but in real life? What are people going to do to themselves?  I believe that there could potentially be a lot more accidents because people thought they could really do something, because of the blur between virtual and reality.   Even when you aren't actually there doing it in person virtually doing something has an effect on how we think and the emotions we feel. 
Chapter 9 (where are we headed)
I believe that we will continue to make advancements in technology and the way we think about things.  Students will have computers at younger ages, books only online, and not even have to go to classes other than virtually.  Many may enjoy having that option but others who still like books and paper will have to adapt and change.  Simulators I think are good to an extent, sometimes thought if your good at that you may be over confident when you actually make it to the field.  My father is a pilot in the military and every so often he goes to Oklahoma for simulations.  He thinks they are fun and easy.  He isn't to worried about crashing a virtual plane other than he has to do well for work, but in the end for my dad at least he says he doesn't think the game is the best way to give someone experience.

This was an interesting nine chapters.  It was well done and interesting and it really makes me think about how much time I spend with technology and the impact it will have on the next generations.  It already has a great effect on my generation the next will be even more dependent. 

Deconstructing Media-February

Facebook
    Facebook is a form of media that millions of people across the world use.  It's a way to keep up with friends, family, news, assignments, as well as playing games.  Everyone uses facebook for different reasons, some use it to talk to friends and others just to play games and look at adds.  Facebook has adds to make money but the biggest attraction to this media is having secured information, selecting friend, adding pictures of family, friends, sports, and then posting things that you do or giving your opinion.  Facebook also gives you the option to like other profiles or companies such as skiing, hiking, hunting, and lots of other activities or arts.

2. Why does the company need to do the add?
The adds that are placed on the side of facebook are there to attract the attention of the users of facebook.  People spend hours on line and with the amount of time they spend they are bound to notice the adds at some point and either click on them or accidentally click on them.  The added's that appear on the side of your page also tend to be personalized to what things you like and are following in hopes of catching your attention.

3. What group is targeted by the ad?
Facebook targets everyone with their product.  Any age group, culture, or religion can easily participate and feel welcome.  Facebook is a great way of keeping in contact with loved ones, friends, or individuals that don't live in the same city, state, country, or you may be next door neighbors just chatting on line.  Its an easy way to communicate for everyone and everyone is targeted.

7. What values are reinforced?
Facebook promotes staying in contact with everyone that you know no matter where your at in the world.  They want to make being able to communicate easy for everyone.  It could be said they are promoting families and communication.

14. Is it closer to fantasy or reality?
 I would say facebook is closer to reality.  Yes people can get sucked into the computer, playing games, and could spend an very long time on the internet.  Thus taking out their physical social life.   Facebook is also a reality because it keeps you in contact with your family and friends who you might not be able to see on a regular basis.

15. Does it use stereotypes?
There are stereotypes everywhere and in anything we do.  Many individuals of the older generations believe that facebook is a waste of time and kills the brain. The elders of the world are then stereotyping those who use facebook as internet junkies and unsocial. 

16. In what ways does this depict a lifestyle that is healthy unhealthy? 
Facebook can promote both a healthy and unhealthy lifestyle.  The healthy aspects would be staying in contact with loved ones and keeping good relationships.  Unhealthy aspects would be spending all day on a computer and creating relationships on the internet that don't exist in person but only through ciber space.  

Facebook has a different meaning to everyone that takes advantage of it.  A few will over use it and others will use it just enough to make it beneficial to their life.  The only way to determine which category you fall under is to give it a whirl.

Techniques of persuasion
There are many techniques used to encourage people to join or use sites.  Facebook techniques included: association, bandwagon, beautiful people, bribery, celebrities, and experts.  These are all techniques used to draw people into using facebook.

Principles

The 5 Principles that stood out most to me.

1. Media mesagesaffect our decisions, preceptions, & pocketbook decisons
     Everyone thinks that they need the latest and greatest to keep up with their peers.  An example is when the new Iphones come out everone has to have the new one becasue the adds say it is better than the previous one.  It can be harmful to those with lots of money and those without who will go into debut.  I relate because I feel the pull to get the latest and greatest things.

2. Fatsy differs from relaity
       I always fantasise about what I would have if I could have it but being able see the reality of it is important.  I know that I can finish school and be a great teacher.  Fantasy for me is I dont have to take all these classes to reach my goal.

3. It is all about emotion
     If I feel strongly about something I will go into action and take care of the problem.  If I dont have a connection/emotion I could walk away from it without looking back.  Emotion is important to me if I feel the stress of a test I will work harder or study less depending on my emotion and needs.

4. Activists can create a better meida culture
     People who are willing to get out there and inform people will make the difference.  If I want people to know things I will tell them and be an activist for the cause.  Like going to college I am a huge activist and tell all kids to go to school.

5. Media education must precede media reform.
       I agree that people need to know about media and how to use it before we can change it to be used more often and for more things.  If we change it before everyone is onboard then we will loose a lot of people and they may not catch the boat. I know it took me a while to get on board but once I got on I got STUCK! :)
6. Media education should nobe left to Big Media.
       If we left media education to big companys then we would only be learning and hearing what they want us to know.  It is important for everyone to have a say in education.  I know if I wanted to tell people about what was going in the world of education the media better let me. 

Refection on Media Use

I am going to start with saying... I might have an addiction to electronics.  If my phone isn't with me at all times I feel almost like im missing a part of myself.  I use all electronics a lot but my phone is my most prized out of all of them.  It keeps me connected with my friends, family, work, email, internet, and games.  I am constantly doing something and my electronics are never far behind.

Most Media Use:
Weekends when I'm at work at the hospital I probably use the most media.  Depending on what I'm doing at work that day I may be on the computer for a full 12 hour shift.  Doctors dont order there own tests for patients so the techs do all of that for them.  I order all those labs on the computer and then have to call the lab techs to make sure they got the tests and are running the.  I then am on the phone aswering calls from patients needing anything from medicine to having to go to the bathroom.  Answering bussiness calls also falls into my job descriptin.  I have to call doctors an all hours of the night to ask questions and have them order special labs. 
 
Least Media Use:
I use the least amount of media during the day on the nights that I have to work because I sleep most of the day. Over spring break I would sleep all day on Friday and then work all night.  That cuts my phone and computer use in half for a 24 hour period. 

Where I spend my Media time:
I spend most of my media time on my laptop doing homework, Iphone talking to friends sending emails and talking, very little TV time maybe two hours a week during the semester, and I use my ipod nano when I'm at the gym on the rare occassions that I have time. 

Reasons:
The main reason that I use media is becasue my work and school life revolve around my being in contact with lots of different people all the time and working on multiple assignments at once.  While at the hospital it isn't uncommon to be talking on the phone, flagging down a nurse to get the runaway patient, and entering labs on the computer.  This semester the hospital days are Friday and Saturday nights.  I do multi-tasking because its my job and im good at it.

When do I use the most Media:
I do use media more often when I'm in a bad or sad mood.  I will sit down infront of the TV and watch a chick flick if im sad and if I'm mad I will be texting my best friend non-stop.  The TV is good for sad days because then I dont have to talk about what's bothering me.  Its the opposite when I'm mad though my best friend has to know and if we cant talk we will text and text a lot. 

Media Use Surprise:
I knew that I texted a lot and normally I dont open my AT&T bills because they are auto paid, but I decided a few months ago I wanted to know how much I text a month.  I was a little surprised when it said about 5,000 a month that is a lot of messages. 

With the advancements in the world to day everyone is using more technology and I am no exception.  I dont spend as much time talking on the phone as a lot of people but I spend a lot more time texting than a lot of people too.  What will the effects be latter in life? I dont know,  do belive though that with more impersonal communication people will be become shy and not want to talk in person at all.  That I believe would be a loss to our culture and country.

48 Hours

6am Iphone alarm went off ( Last Christmas)
610-7 Radio on
7-730 reading with my brothers
730-800 drive boys to school Radio/ Iphone music
800-830 Radio/Iphone music on drive to town
8:30-12  school work on Laptop, Music on, texting/playing games on phone & Laptop
2-330 class with Laptop

 TEXTING ALL DAY

330-5 working on papers with Laptop/Music on
5-530 drive home music on

530-bed time radio on, comupters on, phone always with me

11pm set Iphone alarm for 6am 
zzzzzzzzzz

Saturday 1/29/11

7am got off work turned on radio and drove home
7:15 set Iphone alarm
9:30 alarm went off
9:40 got in car and turned on radio
10:00 got to UAF (texting)
10:15 testing at UAF
11:00 done with test (texting)
11:30 back at home alarm set
4:15 woke up to friends texting texted until 5:10
6:00pm got up and turned on radio got ready for work
6:30 got in car turned on radio drove to work
6:45 clock in on on computer
7pm-7am on the phone with doctors, patients, ordering labs on computer, texting here and there

7:15 am got in car with radio drove home
7:45 set alarm
12:00 texting, alarm, music, computer( another full day)

LOST

SO does anyone know how to find posts that you saived and didnt post? Because i typed one of my media day hours and saved it and wanted to add to it when i do my weekend and cant find it. :(

Computer

I ordered my new Mac the other day and it should be here by the end of the week!!! Soooo excited! :)

Blogger

Blogging is sooo hard there are way to many options for me!!

Three more classes today and then OODLES of homework.

First Day

Well today is Wednesday!  Melanie is on the turd list.