Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Has Google made us lose our minds?Reaction

According to "Has Google Made Us lose our Minds", which is an article published in the Week magazine on the 15th of July, 2011, lots of questions , accusations and explanations are rising towards the subject of humans using search engines such as Google and yahoo. Columbia University psychologist Betsy Sparrow and two colleagues in the journal Science  have declared their opinion about this particular subject which was based on  research conducted in collaboration with Harvard university. They say that Google and similar search engines have affected humans minds in a negative way such as that the mind cant remember small pieces of information because subconsciously , the mind realize that there is no need for memorizing those information as long as they are available under the tips of human fingers , where they can be recalled and relocated anytime. Others contribute in the subject by explaining how the human mind has become more independent on electronic tools for storage , when all he is left to do is memorizing how and where to find it.  
Based on a personal experience, I totally agree with the suggested effects of using search engines on the human mind. The effects mentioned are real and are happening to people like myself . Moreover , the line of reasoning used by the scientist to interpret the process and the outcome is clear and logical. also it is supported by substantial evidence in my opinion. Of course non of which will effect Google popularity or label search engines as damaging innovations , rather it just make people more aware of what lies in their hands , and give them some guidance on how to use it wisely.           

Monday, July 11, 2011

"Can smartphones replace house keys?" reaction

According to an article published on the 6Th of July, 2011 In the Week magazine entitled "Can smart phones replace house keys?", a new app has been introduced by Lockmaker Schlage supposedly allows smart-phone users to unlock their doors using Internet connection , a new feature that threatening to make our juggling traditional key chains obsolete. This new technological breakthrough is related somehow to the idea of using remote-control to open cars and key card to unlock hotels rooms doors . The article also mention how the there are a couple of obstacles that can constitute hardships, Moreover , considered as weak points to the use of this new app. The ones mentioned are connection failure or and the deterioration of the smart phone battery life that can affect the app ability  to unlock the door.
Technology in general has made life easier for us in many ways , and the new invention will be another point or score in favor of modernity and against traditionalism . Personally, I do use technology in my life , but I do take caution , because to me technology can't be trusted. Simply malfunction can occurred anytime no matter how guaranteed the technology was. Non the less, this new app is useful and I will definitely  use it , for many reasons . First , it will make the weight of my heavy bag lighter by loosing those heavy key chains. Second, it will take one thing out of the list of the things that I should check on every time I step out of the house .  Third, I believe that it is more secure than traditional keys which are easy to copy manually ,unless we were up against an MIT graduate thief or intruder that to him cracking my new electronic app wouldn't be much of a problem.