Set up a blog on Blogger. Refer to the links below for information on Blogger. After you’ve set up your blog, don’t forget to share the link in the 1-1 Discussion. 

Blogger Tour
Blogger Getting Started Guide

In your first entry, answer these questions: What forms of new media do you use daily? How has new social media influenced your perspective of events? Are these positive or negative influences?

The forms of new media that I use on a daily basis include: Facebook, Glide, text messaging, Gmail, and Black Board to name a few. New social media has influenced my perspective in the following ways. I find myself bombarded and bombarding others with meaningful quotes that have lost their meaning. As you scroll down the virtual pages of Facebook for example, you might find a quote by Gandhi followed, by a picture of a half-naked woman, followed by a video of a man blowing his off.

There is always a plethora of worthy causes that deserve time and attention; however, there are so many to choose from, that one becomes over-whelmed and don’t choose anything at all. Because of this, I find myself desensitized to many issues that we face as a people. The beautiful English language has been butchered with acronyms such as lol (laughing out loud), smh (shaking my head), and gm (good morning) as if Ebonics wasn't bad enough.    

Despite all of this, I do find this new media to be convenient, informational, and it allows me to keep up with my family and friends. This is not always a good thing; however.

Just as your friends and family can find you and keep up with what you are doing, so can your rivals and people who don’t necessarily wish you well. And don’t get me started on the ice water challenges!

As with anything in life, social media has its positive points and its negative points. It is a personal choice as to what we are willing to give up for what we gain in this virtual world today. As for myself, I prefer to live in the virtual world, despite the consequences that come along with it.