Reading Response

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Reading Response

Introduction

Technology has taken over every aspect of life; there is no field left where technology cannot be found. From household cooking to big industrial units, technology has taken everything by storm. One of the biggest inventions or leaps in the field of technology is the invention of the internet. Internet is a highly complex system of interconnected system of networks that connects all the devices all over the world through TCP or IP networks. Internet consists of a combination of networks that connects public, privates, academic, business, government, from local to global scope. These domains are connected by a broad range of electric, wireless, and optical fiber network technologies.

Discussion

But the internet that is seen today did not come in existence as it is seen today. The invention and progress of the internet went through a slow and gradual process. It all started with the invention of the telephone. A huge revolution came and it gave birth to a completely new era of communication when Graham Bell invented the telephone. It was the first-ever long-distance communication device that used to connect people instantly (Edison). There has been considerable amount of research on the device and even Graham Bell presented various findings of he came upon the idea of inventing the telephone and it could be a revolutionary step in the world of science and technology.

This communication device became much important for the world and people felt the need to build a network where they can connect to each other at least at a local level. Hence, the invention of the internet came into being. With the development of internet technology, there came a new thing in existence, and that was “new media”. Basically new media is a term used for the modes of communication and the means of mass communication, by making use of modern and digital means. Social media is very prominent example of new media (Earnes). The basic perks of new media are that it is speedy and can be used to deliver the message to the other end in a much faster way. Moreover, social media is a two-way communication, whereas traditional media is one-way communication.

Where this new media has brought a number of blessings in the life of humans, there are certain disadvantages of it as well. Social media is a platform that is increasingly used in the propagation of any sort of message. This message could be either positive or negative. Some evil minds have started using this facility for their own destructive purposes and have started spreading discrimination at various places. This discrimination mainly includes racial discrimination (Daniels). These disturbing groups use the methods of hate speech, propagation of various hateful and disturbing images and pictures and instigating posts, that can create a disturbance in the society. Although digital technology and social media are great blessing and are a great means of spreading information at a great speed, its should be used for only positive purposes, so that more peace and harmony can be spread in the world.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be concluded that although digital technology has brought a number of benefits with itself, there are certain downsides to it as well. Digital technology and social media are being used at a large level to spread messages to the masses. This facility is being hugely misused by some groups to spread hate and instigate racism. The pross and cons of every invention depend upon its usage and if digital technology and new media are used responsibly, it can prove to be hugely beneficial for the whole world.

Works Cited

Daniels, Jessie. "Race and racism in Internet studies: A review and critique." New Media & Society 15.5 (2013): 695-719.

Earnes, A Computer Perspective, 22-27, 46-51, 90-91

Edison, Thomas A. "The phonograph and its future." The North American Review 126.262 (1878): 527-536.