2. How have social software tools had an effect on your life or work?
In the last few years, social software tools have had a major effect on my life. Even when I don't realize it, simply having access to the internet and using the computer allows me to interact with social software tools. For a number of years I did not have a computer at home, but once I did, I noticed an increase in my usage of social sites.
When my family first got a home computer I was a senior in high school, I was thrilled to simply have access to the internet. Accessing information whenever I wanted was a new concept, and I loved looking things up and finding out whatever i could about a topic. It didn't take long though, and one of my friends introduced me to Myspace. I had never used a site like that before where I could personalize a webpage and network with other people I knew. This was my first venture into social networking, and from there my use of these tools grew quickly.
Soon after signing up for Myspace, I began using tools such as instant messaging and explored other sites like Facebook, various discussion boards, and online blogs. These tools gave me immediate access to a whole new world that I did not interact with face to face. I was fascinated with the virtual representation of a person, and I found that I could connect with other people on a new and different level. I could instantly chat with a person I had never met, or I could take part in a discussion about a topic of interest at any time of night or day.
Recently, social software tools continue to influence my life. Taking classes online has presented opportunities to dive into tools like wikis and google docs, which can be updated continuously. These tools make it possible to gain an education online and to put together group projects in a practical way. They help me stay organized and keep track of what is going on. Instant sharing of information, bookmarks, photos, and other materials allows me to keep in touch with all kinds of people with the click of a button. Whether it's with family, friends, or classmates, instant connections have become a big part of my life. Social software seems to be everywhere, and the online environment has become a place for extending interactions in numerous ways. I have now used social software tools in many aspects of my life, and as technology continues to develop, I will learn more and adapt to new ideas.
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI think you paint a great picture of how social software, while still new to many people and libraries, has successfully infiltrated many aspects of our lives. Twitter and Facebook (fb) are perfect examples, television channels and corporations include their accounts in their advertising now. Also, many social software technologies can be used on our phones and other mobile devices. We are never far from this technology.
I agree with you that as social software tools continue to evolve, we (its users) will continue to evolve and adapt, as well. The very early electronic bulletin boards gave way to the email listserves which gave way to discussion forums which are now the foundation for synchronous and asynchronous interaction with other people you may or may not know personally. I, just like you, continue to learn new tools which can enhance how we interact online and in the world.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteYou have mentioned a great point which I truly agree, that the web 2.0 has a great influence on our lives in the sense that without its presence, taking classes online would not have been possible. And for me, I am able to continue with my degree only because it is available online!