1 Focus Questions 1. What are communication technologies? 2. Is virtual reality inferior to “real” reality? 3. How are we affected by the ever-increasing flow and speed of information? 4. What are democratic and non-democratic potentials of communication technologies? 5. How does computer usage affect human thinking? 6. How, if at all, should communication technologies be regulated?

2 Understanding Communication Technologies Written communication  Exchanging messages in distance  Memorandum  Primary advantage: paper trail  Disadvantage: may be ignored; limits in transmission and physical storage Telephone communication  Hearing across miles  Voice mail and fax transmissions

3 Understanding Communication Technologies Computer-mediated communication  Language of the NET  Cyber activities  Unusual Cybercommuncation: Cybermemorials Cybersex, Cyberhate  Freedom, taking control, with/without identity  Cyberprints, security, privacy Teleconferencing (videoconferencing) Interconnected communication technologies  “New media forms seldom fully replace old ones.”  Interconnectivity among various devices

4 Challenges of Converging Communication Technologies Managing information flow and overload Preserving focused attention--multitasking Cultivating a rich inner life--external stimuli Ensuring democratic access  Social division and equal access Rethinking what community means  Virtual community  Narcissism: talk only with people like ourselves Regulating cyberspace  Advertising  Privacy and surveillance--cookies  Hacker