So, The Gay Cat realised, the American Government is rather paranoid about control despite, being the country of democracy.
It was reported in the papers today that the unfortunate Mr Obama would soon have to give up his black berry, the source of his wide contacts and connection to all his supporters, when he enters the oval office.
This is rather backward step for someone who is young, tech-savy and touted to promote change, all because of the Presidential Records Act which, allowed for public scrutiny. Also ironically sad is the fact that there is the issue of security to be considered.
The Gay Cat cannot help but wonder if a person will have to be a hypocrite once they are in office, because of the need to be politically correct? Then again, Mr Bush Jr managed to slip through or, was he deliberately let through?
So, while the rest of the world continues to advance in technology and the internet, the American President is stuck twiddling his thumbs over pen and paper? Did his own government not trust him to be able to type his own letters and answers? Surely, a man with his educational background and standing deserves to be cut some slack with regards to communication.
Closer to home, The Gay Cat read about a young, aspiring and talented local doctor who has spoken out about understanding new media-the internet, Youtube etc.
Yes, the television is no longer the only new media with the explosion of WiFii, 3Gs and etc. Soon, there’ll be a remake of ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ to ‘ Youtube killed the TV star’
Especially of importance is the lack of governing with regards to the internet. There are no clear boundaries on the web, there are no borders and a person can choose to go to Germany, China as and when he so wishes, via the web. So who can control the web? No one.
What is posted online is read almost immediately. Sources of information is only a click away. The fact that the source of information may not be legitimate is usually overlooked when time is of concern.
The new media has made everything move faster, and as the saying goes…’TIme is Money’ Thus, pity Mr Obama for his sacrifice….black berry is a new media too.
Recently there were some hoohahs over individual blogs who made the headlines for all the wrong reasons and, these people were singled out by the media and criticised by the public for lack of self-censorship. Though The Gay Cat disagreed with the way the news blew the issue up, there is the factor of sensationalism to consider. Some blog writers write with the aim to increase readership and popularity, thus sensationalising their stories with provocative themes, pictures and words is part of their self advertisement. How can you stop a person from utilising their creativity (ie think out of the box), volcabulary and technological skills to attract readers or visitors to their sites?
Thus, The Gay Cat agrees with Dr Tan when he said that, ‘we will have to rely on the one safeguard that technology cannot overcome-the individual’s power of discretion,’
Its a hard task and though there already are courses teaching internet ethics, it all boils down to the individual and their issues.
The internet just made it easier to seek out sympathies and supporters.
