chatroulette

I had never used Chatroulette before. The concept is actually interesting, because chatroulette as the ability to and connect people from all walks of life through the internet. Unfortunately it not only connects people, but is a forum with no rules, no boundaries. I actually found it kind of funny in a ridiculous sort of way. I don't feel the need to get flashed form a stranger through my own computer, but it certainly was a different world and social construct within chatroulette. Enjoy it at your own risk

Blog #3: I-Dosing

I'd just like to start off by saying that I was intrigued by this I-dosing thing- I wanted to I-dose, I did everything I could think of to make sure I might actually I-dose- but nothing of the sort really happened. I purposely didn't really read anyone else's posts because I wanted to experience this without any expectations of it. Before I watched any videos I read a few articles online about how people are concerned about kids who are tripping off of watching these videos and that it has really become a dangerous problem. I considered for a second if this would actually be dangerous and whether or not I would really want to do it...I need not have worried. I watched the first video, a kaleidescope of colored shapes with slow techno music that I think a lot of others have also watched. I even made sure I was comfortable, had my headphones all set, and emptied my mind. ...nothing. To me, it was like watching fireworks with a some bumping music in the background...pretty, but I'm not getting any sort of high. After watching a few different videos with the same results, I eventually came across this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn1GaaLhz4g And finally-YES it does what it claims to do...I look around the room and things are moving in weird ways. However, this doesn't really seem to have been a real "I-dosing" video. Sure, I felt disillusioned for about ten seconds, but it was really just an optical illusion type thing.

After this I went back to the first video in hopes that it would actually affect me at all this time, but no. I'm not sure if anybody really is experiencing some sort of trips from these videos- I can understand the concept of the combination of music and video attempting to put one in an alternate state, but I'm pretty sure the whole thing is mostly a placebo effect for kids to waste their time with. I don't think the world needs to start worrying about stopping kids from watching them, I doubt it will incur any sort of damage except for maybe killing off a few brain cells from staring at a computer screen or listening to high frequency sounds.

MySpace

For this assignment I chose to browse Myspace to see what I would find. I once did have a MySpace account (around 9th grade) but haven't really explored the website since, so I was curious to see what the website would look like years later. I found that this social networking site, compared to Facebook, is much more public and for different people to explore and browse your page. While I use Facebook to social network, I only friend people I know and accept requests from people who I would allow to see my information. Also, I have certain privacy settings for certain people. I got a very different vibe from MySpace, as it seemed more based on putting yourself out there, rather than share and connect with friends. Personal quotes, wall posts and basic information about the MySpace user were out there for everyone, even without an account to see. I personally like to be in control of who sees what information of mine and have the power to monitor that. MySpace didn't give me the same security that I get from Facebook. One person I found through my browsing shared under his personal information what seemed like a diary note or message just intended for one person; he shared a personal message on his thoughts about this "best friend" that seemed a little too personal for just anyone to stumble upon. Part of this quote was, " im sorry to say this, but i hope i die before you because i wouldnt be strong enough to face this world alone. I would have no reason to wake up the next day, i know how they say death is just a rebirth into a better life but i couldnt live through seeing you die. Part of my heart would die and go with you and as im writing this im in tears because you are the only person ive ever loved and cared for this much!". This quote came as a shock to me because I tend to see these websites as a way to connect and share things with your friend and would usually associate this type of quote with a blog or something related.
But what I did like about MySpace was the music profiles. I was unaware on how informative and useful these pages would be. For instance, I clicked on Lil Wayne's page and found that you could listen to his songs, purchase his songs and find out where his next concerts would be. From here I searched other artists that I like and found that I could find new music and other news through their pages.
Overall, I was not very surprised to what MySpace has become but it was still surprising to see just what people put out their about themselves for anyone to see. It has blossomed into a way to expose yourself in the talent industry, which is a positive asset and a new way I may use the site, but I do not think I will ever go back to having my own page. I have stuck to Facebook only and may be biased but prefer the security and community through this website more.