Digital Life Digital life refers to the influence of digital technologies on the manner in which people live their lives. In this section: Ubiquitous Computing Etiquette Distracted Driving Distributed Workforce Flash Mob Repetitive Stress Injury Ergonomics Digital Addictions Issues > Digital Life

Ubiquitous Computing Ubiquitous computing refers to a culture where digital technologies are embedded in the environment, making interaction with the technologies second nature. Issues > Digital Life > Ubiquitous Computing

Pervasive vs Ubiquitous Computing Pervasive computing refers to the ability to access computing and information technologies at any time, in any place. Ubiquitous computing goes beyond pervasive computing to the point where computing is a part of the environment (and maybe unnoticed.) Issues > Digital Life > Ubiquitous Computing

Examples Cell phones and smart phones put us in near continuous contact with others, as well as give instant access to information on the Web. M-commerce enables cell phones to be used to purchase merchandise and services online as well as in person. Kiosks provide services to pedestrians and customers from embedded computer terminals. Radio frequency ID (RFID) chips are embedded in more products and everyday objects. For example, parking spaces in San Francisco announce to cars trolling in the area when they become available.

Etiquette Etiquette refers to using digital technologies in a manner that is respectful to others. Network etiquette is often referred to as netiquette. Issues > Digital Life > Etiquette

Etiquette Topics Safety Volume Proximity Content Tone Location Timing Multitasking Courtesy Inform Issues > Digital Life > Etiquette

Distracted Driving Distracted driving occurs when drivers focus on their cell phone or other distractions, rather than on the road, while driving. In 2009, distracted driving resulted in 5,474 deaths and 448,000 injuries in the U.S. 20% of injury crashes involved reports of distracted driving In the U.S., more than 30 states have laws against text messaging while driving. Issues > Digital Life > Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving Laws In the U.S., more than 30 states have laws against text messaging while driving. States, like California, New Jersey, and Oregon, ban the use of any handheld device while driving. Other states, like Alaska, New Hampshire, and Wyoming, ban text messaging. Still others ban cell phone use only for novice drivers, and/or school bus drivers. The U.S. federal government has banned cell phone use while driving for all military personnel. The U.S. Department of Transportation has banned texting while driving for all U.S. commercial truck drivers.

Distributed Workforce A distributed workforce combines the talents of individuals from different businesses and locations to work together on a common product or project. Issues > Digital Life > Distributed Workforce

Flash Mob A flash mob is a group of people who utilize digital technologies to assemble suddenly in a public place, do something unusual, and then disperse, in order to gain attention or to create confusion and sometimes amusement. The cell phone generation is less concerned with making formal social plans and tends to be more spontaneous than previous generations. Issues > Digital Life > Flash Mob

Repetitive Stress Injury Repetitive stress injury (RSI) occurs when a particular physical motion is repeated frequently, to the point of injury, eg. tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome. Issues > Digital Life > Repetitive Stress Injury

Ergonomics Ergonomics is the study of designing the work environment and positioning computer equipment in a healthy manner People who use computers for long stretches of time should be mindful of good ergonomic practices. Issues > Digital Life > Ergonomics

Computer Addictions Computer addictions refer to the compulsive use of digital technologies such as the Internet, video games, online gambling, and pornography. To some, the rich virtual space of the Internet and its applications is preferable over their own life and physical environment. Are we all Internet Addicts? Issues > Digital Life > Computer Addictions