We Blog; Therefore, We Are

From passion, to business, to hobby, to news and information, to arts, to fashion or just mere expression—the blogosphere is growing exponentially in every split second.

In fact, in 2012, the world-renowned Nielsen (Nielsen/McKinsey Co.) reported that there were already 181million blogs” worldwide. It was “up by 36 million five years earlier in 2006” (Nielsen 2012). However, according to Wikipedia, our numbers were nearing billions as of this writing. (Wikipedia)

As a blogger myself, I am very happy to hear this news knowing the amount of heart we are investing into this, especially in the cases of most of you. As admittedly, I barely have time to write, because of school and work; and apologetically, I have been missing your posts as well because of those too (my sincerest apologies).

Nevertheless, I am delighted with this encouraging information, because I have so much faith in what we are doing. Moreover, I am looking far ahead, when it comes to our results. That although I barely have readers, unlike most of you (who are counting hundreds and thousands of followers and friends too), but I am honestly, not bothered at all. Coz I am sure, the Internet is not going anywhere. Which means we should not limit gauging readership in today’s numbers; and that we should never feel discourage at all if we do not see likes, and/or comments each time we post. For what is most important, is the quality what of we are posting and sharing, along with the bonds we are blessed to share and keep as an online community.

In regards to the latter, I actually realized that when a closest friend (a fellow news writer back home) told me that some or one of my poems about writing, were or was used in academics (in my native country, Philippines).

Regardless, I am really looking far ahead, because I see things as a mother. And speaking of mothers, Nielsen and Technorati both reported: We, women–mostly mothers, represent the largest group among us, bloggers. Now, isn’t that is another good news? ‘Cause with mothers, we can expect manners–for we also have to self-regulate ourselves. Because what comes with this privilege to speak before the world, is our responsibilty to our successors; and that is to set benchmarks on the things we do-regardless if we are blogging for profit or not.

No matter, it is crystal clear, we are in the process of bringing down the “grand walls” that set men and women apart. That whether knowing or unknowingly, we are now dealing with one another not based on genders nor sexual orientations. Rather, in our world, in the blogosphere, we regard one another as fellow highly educated, passionate and creative human beings. We, women are getting more confident in expressing ourselves. And you, men are also getting confident in sharing the soft side of you. And with that, we can say, we are getting close in healing our fears in being true to ourselves, just as we are healing the wounds of prejudices, religions, cultures, and all those that enslaved humankind for ages. Although, we only exist and interact virtually, but we collaborate and support one another in ways that not even the United Nations have done in the past. We are making a difference.

Without further ado, below are the links to the good news. I am proud of you all! You should be proud of us too.

To God be all the Glory! Happy blogging everybody!

GOODFELLAS:

Abozdar

Amras888

AshiAkira

Bert0001

CindyKnoke

CloudsNCups

Danaiana

Dilipnaidu

Doru

Dominique

EllieBelfiglio

EstherLing

IndahSusanti

IrwanOnlyPrint

JaapKroon

JoRobinson176

JulieSopetran

JulieWeigley

KanzenSakura

LuggageLady

MarinaKanavaki

PatrickSolere

PaulMilitaru

Sedge808

SemraPolat

ShowersofRoses

Simona

TheCrazyBagLady

TinaDelBuono

WendellBrown

WritingToFreedom

YesEvenThisTooWillPass









GOODREADS:
Nielsen reports: Buzz in the Blogosphere. . .
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2012/buzz-in-the-blogosphere-millions-more-bloggers-and-blog-readers.html
Technorati reports: Growth of the Blogosphere
http://technorati.com/state-of-the-blogosphere-2010/

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An Insight on a Digital Menace: Cyber Bullying—and the Need to Create a Culture of Respect

We are in the twenty-first-century. And whether we like it or not; admit it or not, we now exist in a world that largely depends on technologies and the Internet. And happiness nowadays can be defined in “bits” and bytes. The sad part of it however,  it comes with a price–as there are risks involved in being online. Moreover, none of us is safe in this cyber world. Worse, justice could be elusive—damages could be so punitive—and that compensation might be next thing to impossible. Extra caution is a must!

 

What Constitute Cyber bullying?

According to  the well-known Canadian (from Alberta) educator, Bill Besley: ‘Cyber bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell-phone, pager and text-messaging, instant messaging (IM), defamatory personal Websites (such as blogs), and defamatory polling Websites–to support deliberate, repeated hostile behavior(s) by an individual or  a group, and with the intention of harming others,’ (Keith et Al 2005).

And although ‘cyber bullying’ is similar in its intent to hurt others–through power and control–it is different due to the use of  technologies,’ (Keith et Al 2005).

Take for example, in the very recent hacking of Sony’s databases, and  allegedly by North Korea: Apparently, the root is the comedy film, the Interview (now showing in theaters in selective cinemas due to threats by the latter). As the movie humorously depicts the assassination plot of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (in such hilarious ways)—which the latter consider as an act of war.

The pricey consequence has caused Sony violated copyrights, and looming legal battles not only from its employees (whose information are all stolen), but also from Hollywood stars as well. This prompts U.S. President Barack Obama to denounce the act and confirms North Korea as the culprit (as per Federal Bureau of Investigation). And that the Chief Executive assures sanctions against North Korea (but refuses to give specific due to tactical and security reasons).

Regardless, I can’t believe that up to now, the perpetrators continue to harass theater owners here. It’s frustrating because we are in America. Democracy is our religion. North Korea can ban the film, but to continue harassing Sony and the theater owners–just because someone don’t know what humor means—or could not take a joke —that does not sound right at all. With such attitude, is Mr. Un fit to be a leader? I don’t think so. Yes, he can act like a god in his own dungeon, but please, not in the United States. Because this is a civilized country, united by the truest essence of liberty. Free speech is not a privilege, but our rights.

 

Personal Attestation

Blogging since 2006, I experienced stalking once; I was bullied several times; I encountered countless of con artists; but I survived. At some point, I was affected. However, overtime I learned to adapt and embrace the invaluable lessons:

(1) To keep in mind cyber bullies are but virtual.

(2) To stay away from any “vexations” to the spirit (thanks to Desiderata);

(3) To write what matters, and what matters to me—are all that should matters to me and my blogs.

Bottom line, cyber bullies are as distorted as their thoughts. They’re desperate for attention—and the dose, is simply to ignore.

In the real world though, if someone does us harm, we can easily go to the authorities and assert our legal rights to stop any offensive act; and/or, to file claim and compensation for the damages we endured. Sadly, via the World Wide Web—such rule does not easily nor readily applies. This is because there is no common law that governs and binds all countries (neither of course, us, their citizens), nor a common ground (such as court) that can bring a cyber bullying case into justice. If ever there is any, or there would be any, litigation could be expensive; extensive and exhausting.

Finally, recent surveys are showing cyber bullying is a pervasive problem in the society. In fact, reports on its prevalence and victimization results to cyber bullying increasing yearly. Moreover, its grim impact–personally–to victims may include physical injuries, and self-inflicted harms (such as suicide, caused by depression and low self-esteem), drug addiction and an increased use of alcohol.

Bullying is hostility.  Cyber bullying is real and it’s happening. It’s insidious. It’s violence. It can happen to anyone of us. Worse, the bullies can act anonymously, even innocently. Some bullies online are dysfunctional groups of people acting and misbehaving as a group—beware! Some cyber bullies even have mental and psychological conditions–be vigilant! There is a very thin border line between being analytical, critical and purely psychotic–it is best to know the difference. Most importantly, it is empirical to learn how to protect ourselves, and how to respond (or not to respond) if we encounter one. Please blog safe, and be wise!

 

References

1.Dılmaç, B. (2009). Psychological Needs as a Predictor of Cyber bullying: a Preliminary Report On College Students. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 9(3), 1307-1325.

2.Keith, S., & Martin, M. E. (2005). Cyber-Bullying: Creating a Culture of Respect in a Cyber World. Reclaiming Children & Youth, 13(4), 224-228.

3.West, B. R. Rhemy (2013, October 31). Bullies Who Hide Behind a Screen. Newcastle Herald, The (includes the Central Coast Herald). p. 38.

The Challenges of Social Networking

Social networking sites are one of the most in demand online destinations on the World Wide Web. In the United States of America, Facebook and Twitter top the list of the most popular Web Sites. The question is which among the two meets users’ social networking needs? Should social networking be limited to the people they know? Regardless, social networking sites should serve their utmost purpose in enabling their users connect with their families and friends–to enjoy the freedom of expression–by letting them express their individualities in their respective pages and sites without compromising their welfare and the confidentiality of their information. On the other hand, user should likewise consider the risks in posting and sharing information online. For the Internet and social networking have their challenges too–they have advantages, but they have given disadvantages as well. To be mindful of both, will lessen the likelihood of anyone getting into troubles. To be neglectful of both could be very pricey (tangibly and intangibly speaking), and the damages to one’s being could be beyond repair. Therefore, caution is highly encouraged.

In the world of social networking, geared with wide array of collaborated activities, wherein users can interact with one another, Facebook beats all sites. And to Mark Zuckerberg’s delight, its younger sister Site, Instagram is not so far behind. However, many users of Facebook have cancelled their accounts and has moved to Twitter, and their unanimous concern was the plague of hackers, identity thieves, and con artists. However, are users really safe on Twitter?

Currently, Twitter users enjoy the site’s micro-blogging (posting in brief) features. It is widely used by public figures; politicians, entertainment personalities, and athletes. Twitters can “tweet” or send or post messages of 140 characters. The concept of instant messaging is what Twitter is selling. And it is nearly the same thing as Facebook’s Status, wherein users can post about 200 characters on their respective wall (Web page). If the messages exceed more than the allowed characters, the site will direct users to its note page that looks like a blog or a journal.

On privacy, in an article featured at Issues & Controversies, Twitter’s inability to secure private information was exposed. The article further stated that “there have been other incidents where people’s tweets have gotten them in serious troubles and major controversies” (1). Just like what happened to Octavia Nasr (editor of Mideast Affairs of CNN). In 2010, she tweeted an expression of sadness over the death of Sayyed Mohammed Hussein Faddlah, a Muslim cleric thought to have close ties with an Islamic militant group. (2)

In the same year, Facebook automatically reset all privacy settings for all their users’ profiles, as sighted in that same article at Issues & Controversies. (3) Despite this development, Facebook users still complain about heavy marketing and advertisements, that many believe pose great risks to all its users, as they collect private information. The New York Times editorial once wrote in 2010, that Facebook allow its users to share their “tastes” and interests so freely with their families and friends, but at the same time it collects information and provide them to advertisers along with users’ other preferences. (4) In that same article, Zuckerberg defended FB; claiming its features and services, were simply the glowing trend of the Internet age.

Personally, I agree with Zuckerberg, and that’s the toughest challenge of the Internet and social networking. And it is the very reason too, why I cancelled my accounts on both Facebook and Twitter. Because I am simply tired hearing nutty excuses from a lousy businessman like Zuckerberg. I am simply tired of his alibis for not doing good business amidst raking billions; and yet he still inconsiderately disregard everyone’s safety. I don’t think he and the rest are really doing their best to make it safe for all of us. Yes, this is the Internet age, however, shouldn’t they (owners and operators of social networking Sites) have the responsibilities to keep us safe? For although they’re Sites are free, but there are risks that can ruin our credit scores, our reputation, our names, who knows, even our lives. Therefore businessmen like Zuckerberg and all other networking site owners and operators who are making fortune out of our enthusiasm and interests, should really have that sense of responsibility in ensuring our safety, or at least our information’s security by strictly upholding confidentiality and protecting our privacy. Moreover, to date, there is no law; no international law that can bring any cyber crime to justice. For though there are laws in place in every country, they are all weak and they have so many loopholes, and they are never applicable to cyber criminals operating outside their jurisdictions.

Worse, Site owners and operators like Zuckerberg refuse to be regulated.

And because they refuse to be regulated, they are making the Net a wilderness of this Digital Age. Because by simply being neglectful, they are letting various “species” of predators infiltrate the World Wide Web–and in so doing, they are compromising our privacy. And although, we are thankful for the knowledge, the revolution and the empowerment that comes with it, we just can’t disregard the daunting reality, that we are getting so prone to notorious modus operandis operating globally; and whose crimes are getting meaner and more sophisticated just as innovation of technologies inevitably spur in every bit of a second.

In this regard, it is best to keep in mind: We, indeed, have responsibilities to ourselves; and, that is to be safe and stay safer by being vigilant in safeguarding our information online.

In a research study, entitled Clash of the Titans, written by Malhotra Gunjan, Maheshwari Aditya, and Raju Abin G, for the Institute of Management Technology of India, the scholars stated that most privacy risks at Facebook exist because users carelessly post their personal information on their Websites. (5) “Facebook members reveal a lot of information about themselves and are not very aware of privacy options or who can actually view their profile” (6).

The truth is no social networking Wesbite is free from the disadvantages and limitations of the Internet. Because the “bad geeks;” hackers, identity thieves and con artists are too smart and too diligent to find ways of doing their evil works. And the self professed “good geeks” like Zuckerberg are too stupid, too lazy, and too greedy to just collect billions of dollars out of our accounts, trust, and vulnerabilities–so sad, but very true, and pretty scary!

Therefore we should own the responsibility of securing our information. For it will never hurt, to be mindful of both advantages and disadvantages of both Internet and social networking (and blogging should not be an exemption). For when we post private information in a public domain, they are of course free to the general public (which include the bad geeks). For when we post private information to a public domain, we are apparently waiving our rights to privacy.

On a more personal note, yes, I used to have accounts on both Twitter and Facebook. On Facebook, I did used it to connect with my families and friends. I used it to play cyber games. I did used Facebook to post my progress in academics and to share them to my family. On Twitter, I used it to promote my blogs, my posts, and my blogger friends’ blogs and posts. However, allow me to reiterate: They are closed already–and I have no regret. Because I realized I would never be safe on any of them. Moreover, both accounts were hacked–and some bad geeks used my accounts to send messages on my behalf and without my consent–I was so embarrassed, but I couldn’t blame anyone except myself–for in social networking caveat emptor (buyer’s beware) applies. And I should have known better.

Finally, when one chooses a social networking Site, one must first identify the purpose, because it could narrow down the selection criteria. Some people use those Sites to sell something; to announce or promote a product or an event, or an organization, but some just want to connect. Regardless, it is a must to know the purpose in opening an account for one to maximize and enjoy their services and be safe at the same time. Most importantly, one should keep in mind, that the Internet has limitations and risks. For being online, our private information are never safe– the “bad geeks” have their ways, so we should always be cautious .

In conclusion, connecting with families and friends, or to the World Wide Web should not be so troublesome. It should not be troublesome only if everyone of us would behave ethically; and we would e-deal responsibly. For regardless, if one chooses Twitter over Facebook, or any networking Sites like WordPress, extra caution is a must when posting information anywhere on the Web. Let us not give the bad geeks, neither the lousy businessmen “easy money” by letting them take advantage of our vulnerabilities–let us stop being vulnerable by imposing regulations among ourselves. Yes, we are in the Digital Age, and this age is not going anywhere. But this is something we are now sharing with our kids; something we will leave for the next generations to rely on. It is too late to act now, for our kids and our kids’ kids.  Because for all we know, the “bad geeks” aren’t humans. Yes, they are not aliens, but they could be bots (short for robots)–heartless; ruthless, and definitely, shameless.  Beware!

Writing Stamp:

Academically written by: Sabiniana Balagtas Baliba
Submitted to: George Garneau, Ph.D.
For: English 100,
As required by: University of Hawaii,
Kapiolani Community College
On: 27 February 2012
In: Modern Language Association format
Edited and published as posted.

Are We in the Viral Age of Loneliness?

Sabiniana Balagtas Baliba
George Garneau, Ph.D.
English 200
2 May 2013

Are We In the Viral Age of Loneliness?

As technology is vastly revolutionizing our lives, the World Wide Web is pulling us from our world of reality. In fact, Canadian writer Stephen Marche writes, “Social media—from Facebook to Twitter—have made us more densely networked than ever. Yet for all this connectivity, new research suggests that we have never been lonelier (or more narcissistic)—and that this loneliness is making us mentally and physically ill.”

In the Atlantic article Facebook Making Us Lonely, Marche further writes: “According to the Los Angeles coroner’s report, she lay dead for the better part of a year before a neighbor and fellow actress, a woman named Susan Savage, noticed cobwebs and yellowing letters in her mailbox, reached through a broken window to unlock the door, and pushed her way through the piles of junk mail and mounds of clothing that barricaded the house. Upstairs, she found Vickers’s body, mummified, near a heater that was still running. Her computer was on too, its glow permeating the empty space.”

Marche passionately argues: “She lay dead for the better part of a year before a neighbor and fellow actor, a woman named Susan Savage, noticed cobwebs and yellowing letters in hermailbox, reached through a broken window to unlock the door, and pushed her way through the piles of junk mail and mounds of clothing, that barricaded the house. Upstairs, she found Vickers’s body, mummified, near a heater that was still running. Her computer was on too, its glow permeating the empty space.”

Vickers’s death indeed, was so horrifying. Because apparently before her passing, she was too hooked on fan Internet sites that she ended up isolating herself from families and friends. (Marche) What was even more horrible, even the coroner could not tell the exact date of her death, for her cadaver was extremely decomposed already when a friend found her.

However, in a research study, science and medical experts Emma L. Pelling and Katherine M. White stress, that the “high-level Social Networking Websites (SNWs) use is influenced by attitudinal, normative, and self-identity factors.” What this study means is that the impact of social networking depends on one’s individuality, and not in general.

Realistically speaking, the account of Vicker’s death is not credible enough for anyone to question the humongous contributions of Internet and technology to our lives. Yes, both do pose some challenges, just like everything else in this world—for in everything, even in everyone (and that includes us), there are always two contrasting sides—for that is the irony of life, the greatest irony of life! Moreover, one should not generalize that all social networkers are like Vickers—who prior to her death have long suffered from depression—as the late former starlet also faced other issues of stardom, aging, and etc. Therefore, to conclude that she died because of social networking, and that all social networkers, like us, bloggers, are either lonely or narcissist, is wrong. Because we are not like Vickers, and it is not fair to compare us to her.

The narcissism that narrow minded and cynical people see in us, social networkers, is actually self-confidence brought by self-efficacy—as we are now so empowered by a great deal of knowledge and information, that no encyclopedia has ever did to humanity before. Most importantly, the burden of addressing all the dilemmas surrounding the effectiveness of the two powerful mediums of Internet and technology lies in our hands. For we should know better our responsibilities to ourselves—we must ensure that everything works to everyone’s greatest advantage—and that is not being narcissist, rather, that’s being wise.

In fact, another research study for social behavior and personality, published by the Society for Personality Research, scholars I-Ping Chiang, Yi-Hsuan Chiang, and Yu-Chi Lin, of the National Taipei University, discovered that on blogging (which is one of the most popular social networking activities): “People prefer to leave messages and make recommendations about Sites that are within their realm of interest, such as the blogs of friends or people with similar interests.” What this means to me, is that blogging and all social networking activities are enriching our lives.

Personally, terrified of Vickers’s death, I honestly pondered if writing and blogging is doing me any favor at all. As I actively write and submit articles to various websites. In fact, I have accounts in all blogging sites too. I also send essays and my creative works, poetries and sentiments to Yahoo! However, deep solitude made me realized the blessings of this medium. Moreover, it is my nature, that when I am in doubt of anything, I always use my two hands in gauging all issues in life—on my right, I weigh all the goodness—and on my left, I weigh all the evilness. If the goodness is more than the evilness, then I will strive to straighten the latter. However, if it is the other way around, then I drop; I quit; I junk and get rid of anything that will not make me a better person.

Therefore, and in response to the statement of Marche, that “the drive for isolation has always been in tension with the impulse to cluster in communities that cling and suffocate,” that is not true at all. For in the blogosphere, we highly support one another. In fact, we subscribe to one another’s Sites. Yes, we may not see likes and comments all the time, and it is not because, we do not like each other’s posts, it is just that, we have personal lives to tend to. On our dealings with one another, we, of course, put cautions, as we know there are also limit to social networking too.

Regardless, the truth of the matter is, we, social networkers, bloggers, are not lonely creatures on earth. Moreover, the Internet is not in any ways making us lonely, neither, narcissist. In fact, we are passionately, and unselfishly sharing our knowledge and expertise (e.g. photography, arts, and writing; even our poetries, along with our personal journals), and we are truly enriching the World Wide Web. Because our blogs mirror how the Internet is enabling us to speak truthfully about our joys and tribulations, our successes and failures, even our dreams and downfalls. Our readers can cherish and apply the good lessons they learned from us—and they can avoid our mistakes and blunders in life, to make theirs better than ours. We, bloggers, are the new and fresh faces of journalism. We are making the Net humane.

In conclusion, indeed, the Internet and technology revolutionized and continuously revolutionizing our lives, and that the World Wide Web is pulling us from our world of reality, the old, boring, lonely and boxed reality. Thanks to Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, for through their ingenuities, and the proliferation of social networking sites, we are able to keep our passions burning, thereby, enriching our lives, thereby, enriching the World Wide Web, and in our most unique and humble ways. The Net is making us more knowledgeable and sociable. Most importantly, through social networking, through blogging, through this blessing, we are making ourselves great collaborators—for collaboration is a trait and a virtue, a major key to succeed in all walks of life and professions. We are thankful for our blogs! We are thankful for the Internet!

Works Cited

Barbour, Michael, and Cory Plough. “Social Networking In Cyberschooling: Helping to Make Online Learning Less Isolating.” Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning 53.4 (2009): 56-60. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.

Doohwang, Lee, Kim Hyuk Soo, and Kim Jung Kyu. “The Impact of Online Brand CommunityType On Consumer’s Community Engagement Behaviors: Consumer-Created Vs. Marketer-Created Online Brand Community In Online Social-Networking Web Sites.” Cyberpsychology, Behavior & Social Networking 14.1/2 (2011): 59-63. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.

I-Ping, Chiang, Chiang Yi-Suan, and Lin Yu-Chi. “The Antecedents and Consequences of Blogging Behavior.” Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal 41.2 (2013): 311-317. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.

Marche, Stephen. “Is Facebook Making Us Lonely? (Cover Story).” Atlantic Monthly (10727825) 309.4 (2012): 60. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.

Miller, Robert, Kristine Parsons, and David Lifer. “Students And Social Networking Sites: The Posting Paradox.” Behaviour & Information Technology 29.4 (2010): 377-382. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.

Pelling, Emma L., and Katherine M. White. “The Theory of Planned Behavior Applied to Young People’s Use of Social Networking Web Sites.” Cyberpsychology & Behavior 12.6 (2009): 755-759. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.

Porter, Alan L., et al. “Research Coordination Networks: Evidence of the Relationship Between Funded Interdisciplinary Networking and Scholarly Impact.” Bioscience 62.3 (2012): 282-288. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.