2. Which predictions do you agree with in the Trendpotter's Guide to New Communication? Which do you not agree with and why?

I surely agree with the predictions on the Deluge of Information and Loss of privacy.  On the other hand I disagree with the prediction about Global Peace.

Deluge of information…

 The discovery and delivery of information nowadays has been very much accessible to everyone.  With the emergence of new technology, we can now research and retrieve any kind of information, topic or plainly anything under the sun through the internet.    Students, for instance, don’t have to bear the hassle of going to the libraries looking for materials they need just to find out later that the books are unavailable.  Search engines such as Yahoo and Google are there to provide us with the necessary data we want; academic subjects, entertainment, and other services.   

However, I believe that advantages outweigh disadvantages.

Loss of privacy…

 Quick and easy access of information, if misused or abused, leads to destruction.  Pornography and identity theft; these are the common damages brought about by the new technology if not used constructively.  Collection of personal information online, such as name, address, security numbers and credit card details allows culprits to commit fraud in a person’s name using his/her personal information.  These are usually done for financial gains, documentation fraud, or filing forged insurance claims.  On the other hand, countless pornographic sites are present in the web, which contain nudity, adult situations, and vulgar words that can be detrimental to mental health, especially if accessed by children.  Exposure to these kinds of sites may cause bad influences such as sexual addiction, sexual illness and unwanted pregnancy.

Global peace

Peace starts from within.     

I certainly disagree with the prediction about global peace.  I believe that the only way to promote peace is through the hearts of humanity; not through technology.  When humankind starts to listen, clear their thoughts, enlighten their minds, become compassionate, accept and respect each other’s diversity, then that’s the time we can promote and achieve global peace.   

1. Do the transformations that have taken place in communication technologies deserve to be called revolutionary?

Everything changes with just one touch of a button. 

With the intensive use of information technology nowadays, significant changes in the society transpire; Digital firms brought about by paradigm shift in organizations, E-banking, E-ticketing, On-line booking, E-business and of course the emergence of the new forms of communication technologies. 

I unquestionably believe that the transformations that have taken place in the communication technologies are revolutionary because of the modification and innovation it brought to the lives of many people in our society.   For the past decades, we have all been witnesses when the power of the internet made communication instantaneous all over the world.  Traditional means of communication were replaced by E-mails, SMS via mobile phones, online chats, the use of webcams and microphones that allows face-to-face conversations, and social networking sites.  Personally, I believe that the invention of social networking sites is one of the most legendary manifestations of communication technology.  Social networks are now part our system, part of our daily lives; they entertain us, inform us with current events, help us connect and catch up with friends and families we haven’t seen for years, provide opportunities to find new friends, and allow us to almost share everything. 

The mishmash of convenience and speed brought by communication technology enhances communication processes; may it be during interpersonal dealings, business transactions, in corporate settings or in the academic world.   We can completely express ourselves, learn new things and break physical distances in any given place or time. 

Communication technology will continue to move forward.  As it presses on, life becomes better and easier right at our own fingertips.

The Traveler

Travel above clouds ♥

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure.  There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

                                                           -Jawalhara Nehru, First Prime Minister of India

At some point in my life, I have realized that prejudice stems from the fear of the unknown.  Sometimes, people may tend to be insular, discriminating, and selective of people who are different from them.  Taking inspiration from this, I gradually moved out of my comfort zone, started to take control and began traveling! 

I’ve always dreamed of having a glimpse of the world to taste and experience what other cultures can offer.   I’ve always wanted to go to different places, meet new people, try new things and savor new cuisines.   Wandering around domestic and international destinations exposes me to diverse ways of life; it opens my eyes to new cultures and traditions.  It enlightens me by interacting with people of different orientations, energizes me by doing the same thing that other people do, and nourishes me with enjoyable and authentic recipes.  I appreciate nature more while living in the moment. 

As I travel, I continue to believe that we can reinforce humanity and live peacefully in a harmonious world.  I can happily say that this is the time of my life.  My chance to explore and to take part! ♥♥♥

Nature's true beauty (Coron, Palawan)♥