Journal #7: Digital Access

One of the most surprising aspects of this unit for me, is the realization of how much we actually depend on technology. Today, if you live in an area with lack of, or slow, internet, odds are you will either complain until it gets fixed, or switch locations. It amazes me how much we use technology today, and how much even little towns are developing, just to keep from becoming a "ghost town". The thought of eventually becoming so dependent on technology in the future terrifies me. Some day, it is possible that this will occur, and there are so many benefits, but risks as well that this unit has shocked me with.

The most difficult part of this unit for me, was attempting to understand, and find, ways that technology could be harmful in the long run. I had to think about the chance of hacking, or the theft of personal information that could occur. Also, how these things could effect everyone was a big thought I had to consider. Eventually, I did decide on a few negative aspects, as well as positive, for the situations provided in assignment #2.


I do believe everyone should have reliable, fast access to the internet. It is helpful for many workers, as well as school goers, to complete their assignments, and other internet related work, at home. Also, it is a great method of communication for many families who are not always side by side. The internet is an amazing thing that connects a lot of people in many ways, to not have that connection would be difficult.


I believe everyone has a time when they become concerned about their privacy online, I am not exception. Especially over social media, with everyone being able to see everything, it is a scary situation. I am always considering ways to protect myself online, avoiding sharing too much is always a concern. You will never see me getting too personal or informative about myself online, I just do not seem to trust the internet that much. Constantly, I am protecting my accounts, like Instagram, my profile is private enough so that anyone who wishes to view my photos, or information, has to send a request by me first. I believe this is something all users should do.


Every time I post online today, I am always thinking about the future. It scares me that some of the ignorant, inconsiderate, posts I may have made in the past, when I was overly immature, could come back to haunt me in the future. So, today, I am constantly overlooking, and over thinking, each post I make so that I know it cannot harm me later in life. I hear stories all the time of employers, and post-secondary administrators examining their applicants social media to get an idea of what kind of person they are, and I do not wish for that to be me in a negative sense. Today, any controversial posts I may have are probably my opinions, or thoughts on subjects that I would be willing to stand by on 100%. If in the future, these posts do happen to affect me, odds are I will not be willing to comply with those of whom disagree to the extent of denying me a position of any sort.



I think the biggest issue with young people today, and digital access is the failure to think about the future. You see children, and teens of all ages, posting harmful media that some day will most likely harm them greatly. It is my opinion that everyone should carefully monitor what they post online now, because that stuff does not go away, and the internet is a huge place. In the future, you will regret your past decisions, if it affects you, and possibly your dream school, or even job. Everyone should think twice before hitting that post button.

Assignment #2: Privacy Please.

Situation #2- The benefits of an election done 100% online would be efficiency. The majority of residents would have the means to participate, and voting counts would increase, which is a huge improvement for the government. As well, the challenge of tallying up the votes would disappear, it could be done quickly and easily with the support of technology.

Some points against the matter though, are also issues that involve the efficiency of online. It would be easier for these votes, done "anonymously" to then become public knowledge. Also, the internet is not 100% secure. For some, it is as easy as 1-2-3 to hack into a computers data base and interfere with voting counts. This could result in some form of terrorist effort, or even just an election done against the majority's favour.



Situation #3- Again, the benefits of such a situation involve efficiency, but also prior knowledge for students. It would be much more convenient for parents to have the ability to connect to a website, to view their child's grades, and improve as necessary. Also, it would be helpful for the students to be aware of their possible declining grade, so they are able to adjust their habits to fit more suited grades.

But, this situation may be an issue as well. Having digitally connected records of student's marks could be dangerous for those who know enough to be able to hack into the computers, and edit the information. This could lead to inaccurate results on the behalf of a few, and leave the more achievable students without recognition. Although this could be an issue, it could also effect the aspect of the school's security. More people could find ways to access the network, and get out personal information of some, that should not be shared.



Situation #4- Many benefits could come from using computers as a new form of education systems in 2020. It would be better for students especially, to be able to do your work from the comfort of your home, without the distractions of other students. You will be able to work at your own pace, and avoid being held back by others in a classroom. As well, there would not be the worry of losing class time during storms, and becoming behind in your lessons.

Even though there could be major benefits of this situation, there are also many downfalls. There would be a loss of jobs for teachers, and administrators, grades could decline, and the worry of those who do not have the means to use a computer for such. Without the aid of staff, student's grades could fall due to the lack of understanding some may have, when not taught the lessons physically.  These could be issues far too great to take the risk.

Assignment #1: Fast Internet Speeds in Small Towns

1. Some of the internet connections in rural communities mentioned in the article are ten times quicker, like in Olds, Alta; the fastest internet in the country.

2. These communities are getting faster internet speeds than what is even being offered by many Canadian Telecom companies by putting high-throughput fibre-optic cables directly into homes and businesses. They are installing their own high-speed fibre-optic cables,

3. The community of Harriston is considered "fortunate" according to Hope Reidt because their owners are very forward-thinking. They're "way ahead of the curve in terms of wanting to provide the best technology available" as he states, because homes started getting fibre-optic cables installed in 2008.

4. Olds community decided to build their own fibre network because businesses were becoming frustrated with the "sluggish internet" and had threatened to leave town. They paid for this service by using government grants and loans connecting every home along the way.

5. Once the community of Stratford installed it's own fibre optic network, it attracted more attention from investors like The University of Waterloo and the Royal Bank opened up a $400-million data centre there.

6. Bell installed fibre optics in more than a million premises in Atlantic Canada, and also to Northern Ontario.

7. Small towns and communities need high speed internet more than ever now in order to keep employers and residents from leaving to move to better connected cities, abandoning them in the dust.

8. The Federal government supplied around $305-million to increase internet access in Canada.

Journal #6: Digital Business

I found most surprising in this unit that there are companies that people trust with their money, that are not the most secure choices. They are putting their money, and personal data, into hands that are not always safe, which can be a very poor choice on their behalf. It shocked me how common this actually is, but also that there are companies who take good care of you, and your money.


For me, it was most difficult to decide which method of shopping was more convenient for it's buyers. I had trouble deciding whether online shopping, with it's expanded options involving items and locations, had better opportunities than store shopping. In the end, although it was hard, I figured having a closer, more available option, with easier return policies, and urgency requirements, was the preference for many others who may not have access to online stores.
 

My mother use to be one of online's greatest shoppers. At first, she had a lot of luck with her items, they all fit the stated condition that the sites said, and she enjoyed them very much. But, after so long, she became careless with which stores she shopped from, abandoning the research she should have done on each company. At one point, she had purchased a pair of leggings with fur interior. She had selected a size medium, because she figured they would stretch if they did not actually fit exactly like they should. Once the purchase arrived in the mail, my mother realized her biggest mistake: she did not check to see which country she was shopping from. The leggings had come in a size medium, based off of a typical woman figure from China, the pants would not even fit me. We then realized that online shopping is a lot more difficult than expected.


I have never sold items online personally, but I do know others who have. Overall, I would say their experiences were quite positive, they did not encounter any theft, or scam buyers. In the end, they did sell all of their items they had wished to sell.


Two tips that I found particularly helpful or important are:

- "When buying using KIJIJI and other online service make sure buying is done in a PUBLIC PLACE and never send money via mail or other ways to the seller." This tip is important in my opinion because of the scam factor of online shopping. Sometimes, the "seller" may be lying about the item they possess, and steal your money once you send it to them. Also, it is important to remember to purchase these items in a public place, in case the seller is, in fact, a scammer or even just a bad person in general who may take advantage of the situation during privacy.

- "Whenever possible use the "TAP" services when paying with credit cards and debit cards to limit the amount of time your card is with others." The importance of this tip is clear: the less time others have with your debit or credit cards, the less likely they are to steal your information, money, and possibly your identity.


The biggest issue around online shopping for young people today may be the innocence they all possess. Most are unaware of the circumstances, and many online sellers could take advantage of this ignorance. They are more likely to be victims of scam, theft, and many other things because of this. We need to keep the young people of today knowledgable about the dangers and precautions we must take when online shopping.

Assignment #2: Paypal

1. Paypal is a safe, and secure way to transfer your money from the bank, and credit or debit cards, to online sellers that allows buyers to avoid giving up all the unnecessary information about their accounts.

2. Using their methods of security when locking away all of your given information is one way that Paypal keeps you, and your identity, safe from online stores. They do not give any access to your private files to the sellers, all they receive is the money that you owe, and that is all. This way, there is no risk of the companies or sellers, stealing your personal information, and possibly your identity.

3. The money that Paypal makes comes solely from the sellers themselves. They charge a small fee to the companies for using their resources.

4. Paypal protects you from theft by looking into the issue. If it is found that something has gone wrong, and you are eligible, they will use their Purchase Protection program. This program will then reimburse you for the full price of the item and the original shipping costs. (https://www.paypal.com/ca/webapps/mpp/paypal-safety-and-security)

5. If I started a business I would allow payment using Paypal. This process is quick, and efficient, and it would give my buyers a feeling of security. They would never question my business and it's integrity because they would always be a top priority with Paypal.

6. Personally, I prefer Paypal to Google Wallet. Both companies have the same idea, to allow their users to transfer money safely, but Paypal has more options. Unlike Google Wallet, Paypal can transfer your money to almost anywhere in the world, where Google Wallet only transfers to the US. As well, for me, Paypal seems like the safer choice. Google Wallet does not have a backup program for theft, that I've seen, Paypal does. In the end, it just comes down to the safer, more efficient company.

Assignment #1: Shopping Carts

1. One reason why people still shop in stores is because of urgency.  You do not have to wait however many business days to receive your purchase, you can quickly run out, and grab what you need.  They go to stores for the things needed now, not later.  Another reason people remain in malls and stores to shop is because of the "unknowing" factor of online shopping.  For example, in a store, you can try stuff out; such as clothes or perfume, but online you never know how the clothes will fit, or how the perfume will smell.

2. The two biggest reasons people shop online is because of the expanded merchandise, as well as the availability.  With online purchases, most stores will sell more items than they do in store, giving the buyers even more options to choose from.  Also, when you shop online, your purchases are either shipped to your nearest post office, or even your own home.  You no longer have to go out of your way to buy these things.

3. For me, the choice of which shopping I would prefer can vary, depending on my reasons for shopping.  Personally, I do not enjoy the hassle of shopping online, worrying about if it'll fit or not, but I also do prefer having more options.  If I had to choose though, I would have to say that shopping in stores is my preference.  I like to know where my money is going for sure, and that the items I am purchasing, are not going to disappoint me.

4. In 2050, I believe that people will still remain in stores, unless some brand new technological device is created that can bring you your needed purchases instantly.  For me, the thought of people avoiding stores is ridiculous, especially when you cannot buy fresh produce online that will not be rotten by the time it arrives.  So, I do think in 2050 stores will still be a common form of shopping, especially added the factor that with in store shopping, almost always, what you see, is what you get.

5. As any business owner would believe, the most important thing to consider when adapting your company, is how society is functioning today.  In my opinion, this was a smart business plan change on Canada Post's behalf.  They are adapting to the new lifestyles so many people are taking on, although it can be a downfall for those who are not quite ready to make that digital change.  For instance, my grandparents do not tend to use any form of technology, other than a telephone.  So, for them, it would be an issue when Canada Post switches their purpose.

6. One way that online stores could do to improve on their return processes and such, would be to allow a free exchange on the products, and to keep the shoppers informed on how long their product will take in postage.  This would allow us to get a better idea on how things are going to work, without the risk of losing money.

Journal #5: Digital Wellness

The thing I found most surprising with issues around Digital Wellness is that most people today, are putting their health at risk, just for technology.  Most are harming their mental well being by avoiding social interaction, and replacing it with digital communication.  As well, they are becoming harmed by the constant ignorance to their physical health.  They are not getting the kind of physical work out their bodies need to function, and instead, are spending all of their time online.

I found most difficult to understand in this unit the fact that so many people are oblivious to the issues technology is having on our well being.  Some are unaware of the distractions it causes and continue to use it during the places where focus is most crucial, such as driving.  Others do not realize that life extends from the internet.  They invest so much time online, that they forget that a large majority of your mental health, comes from communicating with others.  This is being neglected in an online community.  All of these things came as a shock to me.


The biggest issue when it comes to Digital Wellness for young people would be the social aspects.  Today especially, you hear more and more of teenagers who have social anxiety issues and other mental health problems.  I believe a lot of that stems from technology.  Believing that the internet is an efficient substitute to socializing is their greatest downfall.  The bullying that goes online is shocking also, and frankly harmful to their wellness.  Their mental health is put at stake for what?  Something that will most likely not be important in the future.