As this is my last blog post for my
Digital Society class, I will start by reflecting on the things I learned most throughout
this spring semester and my opinions about Thomas Friedman’s book, The World Is Flat. If I were to sum up
the keys topics that Friedman wanted to relate all his experiences and connects
with, would be collaboration and globalization among the whole globe, elevated
by the advancement of technology. It has opened my eyes to the great progress
we have made socially, now able to communicate with anyone anywhere. I take for
granted the technology placed in front of me at my generation, and the powers
of collaboration it holds. After reading this book and hearing all the examples
from Friedman, I began to take notice everywhere of the efficiency and multi-company
processes that much business goes through. Personally, I feel a little
sheltered in some of the major technological fronts and national relationships.
While reading, I found that the birth of Internet and current globalization as
news to me, but very intriguing at that. It puts a brand new perspective in my
surroundings and gives me curiosity about current news and growth in today’s
technology; especially the not so long ago history. I also have a tinge of
guilt for not being in the loop with my rising generation, and now feel the
urge to catch up with the times. I am glad I've gained a better grasp on the
subject and hop to become more insightful and this expanse as well The more and
more I learn, I find how interconnected everything seems to be.
One history story that I didn't
know the upbringings, was the birth of the Internet. Mainly the contributing
topic of community development software. For review, motivated collaborative
volunteers modify base codes for programs and new software, and then make it
public for the good of the future! I thought it was a neat teamwork effort, and
amazing how it was driven by pure ambition and curiosity. This struck a personable connection, simply
because of the advancement of the Internet was made possible by excited contributors,
and especially having the humility to make it public too!
Another topic that opened my eyes
was the idea of supply-chains and all the detail. I admit once again that I
didn't fully comprehend the subject, but afterwards realized that overall, the take-home-message
to success, was being efficient and reliable. Walmart is a very relatable business
because it is so popular and has everything. I could easily imagine that process
Friedman was describing and also recognize the important factors of each step
that make this business flourish.
One thing I liked enjoyed about
this class, was that because it was done through a blog format, it gave me a
chance to speak my mind more so than turning in a typed easy. I felt excited to
summarize, explain and opinion-ate in my style of writing, emphasizing how I
want. Another bonus to a blog was being able to read other classmates posts of
the assignment. I learned a few things that maybe weren't as clear in the book and
were simplified by other bloggers. I also could view their perspective and
consider their stance and opinion on the topic.
Lastly, I enjoyed taking the last
month to glance into the future and what it beholds. I gave me a change to ponder the possibilities, and also the potential outcome we may inflict upon ourselves. I assume everyone finds
curiosity in new technological advances and many science fictional gadgets that
are generated by the film industry. All seems possible with the realistic, computer
animated creations of the future. After diving into the topic of artificial intelligence,
robots, nanotechnology and genetic engineering, I made me step back a little
and ask myself, “Do we want all this?” In most ways, yes, it sound exciting,
efficient and like a path to breakthroughs in education and healthcare. But after
consideration at the facts, we don’t know where it will lead and when to call
it “quits” with technological upgrades.
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