Social Networking

What are some ways (corporate and otherwise) that these technologies can be used?

     One way that we can incorporate technology is through the political environment. Technology have made politician to expand their audience through social network. Social media is a great tool to you into mainstream headlines. In this article, How Obama Tapped Into Social Networks' Power, by David Carr, he describes how President Barack Obama, help broaden his message through social media. At first, people were skeptical about his idea because he wondered "if social networking, with its tremendous communication capabilities and aggressive database development can help to defeat all his opponents. Our President, defined all the odds, "by bolting together social networking applications under the banner of a movement, they created an unforeseen force to raise money, organize locally, fight smear campaigns and get out the vote..." (Carr, 2008). As a result, he defeated the monstrous Clinton machine in the primaries and toppling John McCain for the presidential seat.
      This usage of technology in a political environment can be crucial to help determine a winner. Politicians rely heavenly on donation to help fund their campaign. It is a inexpensive way to market yourself and to spread your message. Also, they're capable to generate millions amount of information from supporters and communicate with them almost instantly. I believe that it's pretty much fair game because the technology is out there for your advantage. But, it all boils down to the politician, if this is the best approach to get him elected. 

What are the benefits of these technologies to society?

     Technology can help out society in various ways. We can use technology to help crackdown individuals abusing the law. In this article, In India, Using Facebook to Catch Scofflaw Drivers, by Heather Timmons, she describes, how India's traffic police officers have enlisted themselves onto Facebook to help combat dangerous driving. This method of attack allows residence to post "photos of their fellow drivers violating traffic laws" (Timmons, 2010). These photos allows to them to give these drivers summons for their reckless judgement on the road. This page on Facebook helps people to express their views and suggest changes to their traffic problems
     I believe this approach works best in this situation because it can reduce drivers from breaking any further traffic regulations. Drivers will need to be more vigilant because its not only the traffic officers they need to deal with. The authorities should continue build on this approach because in India, it's probably the most dangerous country to drive in. With so much congestion in the streets it all leads to fatalities. Even though, this social networking site if a great tool, rules will continue to be broken due to the shortage of traffic officers in the city. But, it's a great start in the right direction for India, to help combat their traffic woes.

Is there a "dark side"?

     Yes indeed there is a dark side of the usage of technology. There are those individuals that seek to cause harm to another person. Likewise, not only individuals but companies are collecting sensitive information from online users without consent. Some of these companies lack of sort of security defenses to prevent hackers from intruding their database and stealing vital information. We must hold this companies accountable for the lack of cybersecurity. Furthermore, we need to find ways to prevent of security breaches.