Recently, a great deal of attention has been paid to modern technology and its effects on our life. In fact, I cannot go a day without checking updates on Facebook, Kakao Talk(Korean version of Whatsapp), and Naver(Korean version of Google). However, the trend of using Web 2.0 and social networking sites in the workplace, education and public services remains a source of constant debate. Generational learning method changes, low income educational attainment, confidentiality between professional and private life, Privacy, authenticity of information and copyright law are all issues to consider.
From my perspective, while this trend has raised ethical issues, we can not avoid the fact that the technologies we use are already a vital part of our way of life. They continue to develop and improve. Therefore, we must find a way to adapt and be aware of the many concerns.
In October 2004, Tim O’Reilly and Dale Dougherty adopted the term ‘Web 2.0’ at the O’Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference. Web 2.0 is referred to as the second generation of Web-based communities. Web 2.0 is described as user-generated content which is accessible and compatible for net users. With Web 2.0, we are able to communicate, share and collaborate with others on social networking sites like blogs, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Skype. When I was in school, I learned through one way communication. Whether the relationship was author-reader or teacher-student, I was unable to fully engage and contribute due to being only able to receive and reiterate the information given to me. Towards the end of my studies, I was slightly influenced by the first generation of web communities(web 1.0). There was limited opportunity to interact or create my own content unlike web 2.0, which is what we are using throughout this course. Although, I feel the method in which I received my education was superior, through this course I have come to realize the advantages and disadvantages to both methods of learning. It would be more efficient for web 2.0 users to get collective information more readily. Also, while learning through one way communication, I was unable to be as critical about topics as well as give live feedback and converse on a wide range of topics. This level of convenience would have been unimaginable while I was in secondary. At last, I am able to experience this learning method with these programmes after 10 years of graduation from college.
Web. 2.0 has changed the way everyone receives information. This can already be seen in the different levels of education that the wealthy and low income earn. I was able to clearly see the changes that web 2.0 have made throughout the past decade. Devices such as computers, smart phones, WiFi, smart technology, etc. have made it more convenient for students to gather information. It was no longer necessary to travel to bookstores and libraries. Students could increase their knowledge on commonly debated topics by using search engines such as Google. Students are now able to learn and supplement information from the internet in their work. This advantage at such an early age helps to further education inequality. Students in wealthy areas are already accustomed to using the technology we are using in our course. In the past few years we have seen the value of smart devices decrease. This has helped to even the playing field. However, many students still can’t afford these technologies. They may only be able to use them at school. Even more so, many low income schools don’t have the funds to provide their students with the tools necessary to prepare them for the future.
There were several issues raised as ethical concerns using web 2.0. First of all, the nature of social media may blur the boundaries between work and private life. Keeping your private life separate from your work life has become impossible for many people. Everyone can see who your friends are, where you have been and even what articles or videos you have ‘liked’. Kuehn’s article ‘Getting into trouble on Facebook’ pointed out the dilemmas that teachers encounter using Facebook. For example, while I was teaching children I had to be mindful of what pictures, religious and political views I posted. This made me feel as if I was censoring and at times lying about myself even on my own Facebook account. Somehow, Facebook became the platform of bragging and boasting. To many, this has added pressure to keep up with or meet the expectations of others, rather than being themselves. I found this to be extremely ironic.
Privacy pertaining to your personal details has become a highly controversial issue. Whenever you’re joining a new social network website, you always have to fill out your details. However, your details can be stolen by hackers and exposed. With your information, thieves can easily commit cyber crimes. Personally, I have been a victim of credit card fraud. It is very upsetting and an unfair experience. It is astonishing that someone could have your email, phone number, credit card details, personal information and purchase things under your name. It was a very long frustrating process to even report. Although, most of the time, it is out of your control, you should always make sure to keep your personal information safe.
Public web forums enable users to frequently publish inaccurate information which destroys the integrity of said data. For example, If one was to accept the information on Wikipedia as fact, there is ample opportunity for misinformation. Nevertheless, social media has made it incredibly easy to manipulate the thoughts or views of others. For instance, this past United States presidential election and Brexit revealed the power social media has. Many people believed whatever they saw on Facebook without question. This lead to many creating their own echo chambers on Facebook. For this reason, it is essential to filter yourself when you read, watch and hear what is written and shared on the web. You should be able to keep your center and do critical thinking.
Lastly, Kawashima raises the argument about cultural policy and copyright law threatened by mini-creators. Due to the innovation of technology, it is easier to obtain content. Youtube or Instagram made it even simpler to save someone else‘s work, recreate and share it as your own. Even so, imagine that your picture, video or music is shared. However, your name isn‘t mentioned anywhere on the post. The mini-creator takes all the credit you deserve as the original creator! How furious would you be? Thus, original work of authorship must be protected by copyright law not only nationwide but internationally.
To conclude, widespread use of Web 2.0 results in enhancement of people’s workplace and education. BAPP course mostly relies on web platforms and electronic tools to interact, communicate and collaborate between students and tutors. As long as we are aware and try to rectify the ethical concerns, I feel that it would be beneficial to all of us. I am excited to experience a new way of learning through this course. As well as, be able to promote myself through the Web as an artist.
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