1) Why was Google Glass controversial?
It is said that the device has the capability to record the user's conversation, meaning it can record conversations (can be without the user's consent) which will be breaching privacy policies that it would potentially gain insight to their whole lifestyle and everyday life.
Furthermore, The major thing that made Google Glass controversial was the fact that users/customers were afraid that the glass's (due to their 5 megapixel camera) were recording everything they were looking at, their locations and invading their privacy.
2) What are the positive elements to Globalisation that the article highlights?
One big element was that more people would be getting access to the internet and this would allow them to get more information which is beneficial to them. Google has also allowed there to be internet access in certain parts of New Zealand with balloons which have antennas to provide them with internet. Another positive factor is that it will allow individuals to make informed decisions.
3) What are potential negatives to Globalisation?
The potential is If this happens then there will be less institutions who are in control but also it would influence peoples ideology as there would be access to information whenever they go online but it might not be true if it circulates which people then start to believe that it is real. There will be way too much competition on the online servers, that smaller companies who have the intention to break that barrier, cannot simply do so due to the more dominant firms taking majority of the market share. For example, companies such as Amazon or Ebay are businesses that dominate the shoping market in the online world, making it nearly impossible for smaller firms to compete with them due to the stronger branding and powerful publicity the internet can offer.
4) What is a techno-panic? How does it link to moral panics?
The Issues with the privacy of the device has risen some concerns. The device has the ability to record ones voice and sound nearby as well as record the movement of the user. What is worrying, is that firms such as Google are now trying to invade peoples privacy with the new products their create. This is clearly evident with the Google Glass product, as it has the camera qualities and sound recording mode. Techno panic is created because people are scared that the technology is going to invade their privacy which creates a moral panic because people are worried about this actually happening.
5) What is your opinion on the privacy debate and major corporations being able to access large
quantities of personal data?
In my opinion I believe that us consumers have to be aware of this technological crisis and need to tackle it in a suitable manor. For example, boycotting the product (and has seen to be quite successful in the past) where the business is inclined to listen to the views of the users and take that forward. Its quote common that privacy invasion has occurred ever since the internet was born, and with every new and fresh technology device, comes a new way of breaching privacy policy for example, finger print scanning.
Media Factsheet: Globalisation and capitalism
1) Who coined the phrase 'a global village' and what multinational companies illustrate this?
The Global Village concept was developed Marshall McLuhan it is the idea that countries become interconnected and independent especially in economic terms. BBC is an example of this.
2) What role does Slavoj Zizek suggest the media plays in global capitalism? How can you link this to our previous work on Marxism and Hegemony?
Capitalism is when there is no free movement of gods and service's with other countries, and 'only' occurs within the country keeping its domestic businesses safe and money within the economy. The reason this links to Marxism is the fact that big named institutions are exploiting the liberal classes in the West by drawing up a perception of helping the 'endangered world' through their brand image. This is clearly linked to Marxism as the powerful ones at the top of the chain want to control the minds of the lower class and gain revenue from it.
3) What does 'capitalism with a conscience' mean?
Global media has raised awareness about social issues, but in order to sustain (to keep hold of) Western capitalist dominance, institutions have created a marketing campaign that construct this idea of 'capitalism with a conscience'.
4) What is the (PRODUCT) RED campaign?
it was created to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
The RED Brand is not a product in itself, rather it is a brand licensed to partner companies such as Nike, American Express (UK), Apple Inc, Starbucks, Converse, Bugaboo, Penguin Classics (UK & International), Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark (US) and Dell.
5) Based on what you've read in the Factsheet, what is YOUR opinion of the (PRODUCT) RED brand? Is it a positive force helping to fight AIDS in Africa or a cynical attempt to make multinational companies look more ethical than they actually are?
I think that it is a positive thing that is being done because people are now more aware of the cause and if they see a brand which is promoting it that they are associated with they'll be more inclined to go and support it and help create awareness as well on social media websites. It is a private sector company that is trying the eliminate aids in Africa and it came together with lots of other firms such as Nike to raise awareness about this through advertisement.
