What value do users derive from social networking applications?

This piece analyzes the kinds of social networking site applications that are the most popular and most recommended to friends. An application, such a minor tedious facet of a networking site, is further scrutinized here hence it is a cost-effective way to advertise. The media has experienced trouble connecting with Generation Y and such a generation mostly resides on social networking sites. The standard way of advertising on a networking site is fairly expensive, on the other hand creating an application to advertise is affordable since the distribution is basically free.

The label “cool” is more closely defined. It is the main characteristic of an application which determines whether or not an application will be recommended to others. In order to better understand the term “cool,” certain themes were produced. The features of popular applications have to deal with self-expression, competition/ comparison, and personality values. Females were more apt to engage in applications with self-expression value while males with competition value.

The main application values listed are emotional, social, altruistic, and functional. Emotional incorporates the senses such as that of laughter, romance, etc. The social value deals with the ability to share information with others, while the altruistic refers to helping the world, others, etc. Altruistic value is said to be the least evident. The functional value stresses that photos, music, and/ or other mediums can be incorporated. Amongst many of the other broken-down features, the ability for one to be creative, novel/uncommon, self-categorical, and waste time may trigger the application’s coolness.



The article depicts the applications that can discourage as well as encourage recommendations of an application to friends. For example the fact that something is very popular and common can encourage friend recommendations but at the same time it can make an application un-cool and discourage friend recommendations by being too much of a fad and less of a rarity. As mentioned, polar applications can also affect friend recommendations, for instance if the application promotes destructive emotions (anger, fatigue) than it won’t be recommended to friends as opposed to one that promotes positive emotions. Uni-directional effects are also depicted for example a cause-related application will be more so encouraged rather than discouraged.


Other than using a functional value application for incorporating music on my Facebook page, I am not one to engage in social networking site applications. Although I allocate time to exchange thoughts, status updates, and messages on social networking sites, I simply do not have much time to invest with applications and feel my friends are in the same boat. On the other hand, if the advertisement industry can effectively tap into the sites in which Generation Y mostly invests their time on, I do believe that this is an essential study hence many individuals do use applications. Despite the fact that functional value cannot stand alone, this study demonstrates that the functional and social values and/or functional and emotional values make up “cool” applications. An application apparently cannot appeal to all globally; the media industry’s main concern now is to determine what target audience they will be catering their application to.

Taking a Look at Twitter on Pew

PEW Report: Twitter and Status Updating

Based on: http://pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/PIP%20Twitter%20Memo%20FINAL.pdf

Twitter, which came out in 2006, is the most popular site which enables short messaging amongst friends, family, co-workers, and the public in general. Twitter makes using any mobile interface an option, let alone the computer. Photo/video-sharing applications, third-party interfaces, browser plug-ins, and message/status updates create a place where almost anything anywhere is made possible.

Twitter is not only used for status updates. Twitter also enables aggregation and dissemination of historical, political, news, or any other kind of events. In addition, it can be used to share thoughts, provide company complaints, archive events, socialize, and flirt.

The demographic profile of a twitter user is that of a younger adult. The largest bundle of Twitter users is in the age range of 25-34 making up 20%, while those ages 18-24 directly follow at 19%. The fact that the majority of Twitter users are younger adults also indicates that they are bound to be more racially/ ethnically diverse than the rest of the population.

Income and living location also play a role in determining Twitter usage. It is said that those who live in lower-income households are more likely to be Twitter users than those of upper-income households (17% of Twitter users earn less than $30,000 annually, while 10% earn more than $75,000). The fact that young adults typically make less than the older may account for this. Moreover, younger adults are more so found in urban areas than in rural areas. 35% of Twitter users live in urban areas (compared to 29% of all internet users) while 9% of Twitter users live in rural areas (compared to 17% of internet users).

Wireless internet users make up most of the Twitter users. More than ¾’s (76%) of Twitter users use the internet wirelessly versus 57% of internet users who do not use Twitter. The essential aspect to digest here is the fact that Twitter users are more mobile in their socializing and information intake. They are more likely those who are on their laptops, handhelds, cell phones (mainly for internet access/ text messaging purposes). Twitter users are more likely to consume news/information via untethered mobile devises rather than by traditional means. Twitter users are also more prone to blog or read blogs in comparison to the general internet user population. 59% of Twitter users read blogs while 29% of non-Twitter users read blogs. 29% of Twitter users have made a blog while11% of internet users have created a blog.

Tweeting also correlates with social networking and blogging. 23% of social network users use Twitter or comparable sites. Only 4% of those who tweet do not use social networking sites. 27% of bloggers use Twitter while 10% of bloggers do not. This correlation may be due to the fact that a lot of the times blogs due serve as status updates and social networking sites usually due have a status updating systems or tagline/mood updating options.

Twitter allows gathering and creating whatever type of information wherever and whenever. After going over this PEW report, I believe that most Twitter users are consumers who are also producers. They are the ones who believe in the bottom-up theory by being the ones who create mass-messages, blogs, videos, company complaints, etc. In addition, Twitter users seem to be those younger adults who keep busy and are always on-the-go. With the mobility and automation that Twitter provides, it makes keeping in-touch with the world convenient while also complimenting the fast-paced life.

Visions of Public Relations and the Internet

With various ideologies of online PR floating around, there are yet debates to whether the internet aids or hinders PR. With the combination of adequate research and hands-on experience, I hold a similar viewpoint to that of Stacey Heater's, author of "Public Relations and the Internet: Friend or Foe?" In a nugget, Heater points out that social media, blogs, message boards, search engine optimization, and the internet, in general, are all tools that can be greatly advantageous to PR depending on their usage. Adversely, these tools can also be detrimental; this is all determined by their users.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if the internet had struggled when initially breaking into the PR world. Traditional modes of PR have existed for practically years on end without revision. This new technological wave and internet revolution had forced PR to change its’ means and even drastically. With social media, blogs, websites, podcasts, etc. taking over, it is relatively safe to say that mainstream media and traditional PR are dead. PR professionals are now capable to cater to specific niche and target audiences.

It’s more than apparent that the majority of the world, let alone America, is on the internet. Honestly, how many people check the news by picking up a newspaper these days? Or even watch the news on TV? The numbers continue decreasing at significant rates. Inevitably, the internet lures in PR more and more. Even social media for instance, along with everyone else, large corporations and professionals reside on Facebook as well as Twitter. PR professionals are obliged to resort to the types of mediums which most of society is using. Furthermore, besides enabling unbelievable access to the masses, the internet is convenient, inexpensive, quick, and effective.

With the internet, PR professionals are able to acquire a sound and respected brand by enabling great web presence, search engine visibility, and credible brand perception. Because all this can happen by just a click of a button, a social policy has to be put in place at every company that is pursuing online PR. Just as Heater mentioned in her article, an irresponsible message can be made viral in seconds which will only result in crisis management. Any type of encounter with the public can make it or break it for your brand; with that being said, PR professionals have to be evermore cautious when pursuing online PR. There are countless websites and pages; who’s to know which one’s are, in fact, credible? One must never rely on simply one site, yet allot time to extend research.

In summation, PR professionals can go very far with using the internet. Online PR brings numerous advantages to the field. Just as in any work environment one must simply be responsible and mindful especially when online.

At the Library?! PR within Libraries

At the Library?! PR within Libraries

“So, where do you work?” a friend of a friend turned to me and asked while a pack of us waited to be served at a local restaurant. “Amongst other side-jobs/ projects, I’ve been working for a local library for a few years now.” I replied. “A library?! I simply cannot imagine you working at a library. It must get very dull, that’s all,” she remarked. Once again, another practically identical reaction amongst many others I had received after mentioning my business. All I can say and did say was, “you’d be surprised!”

After working at the Niles Public Library for about more than three years now, I’ve noticed that with the unbelievable public relations departments that libraries have nowadays, they do not necessarily meet their stereotypes. In correlation to a good many years back when a library was very hush, hush and one could even hear the slightest pin drop on the floor, the library is simply not what it once was. Working as a publicity intern, I’ve noticed that the Niles Public Library’s core goal is to build/maintain great relationships with our community. Our library is typically overflowing with people. I strongly believe that this is due to the strong PR department it has which abides by the symmetrical model of communication. The library is always listening, responding, and adapting to current news/media affairs and popular trends. With suggestion boxes for patrons as well as employees the institution believes that good external as well as internal communication is key. The employees in every department are greatly appreciated and frequently rewarded for their hard work.

At the Niles Public Library, there literally is always something going on and for no expense. In addition to reaching out to the community by newsletters, flyers, and traditional means, the public is informed of current events and news via social-networking, events, blogs, podcasts, emails, and virtual forums as well. Whether it’s the public teaming up to play in the Guitar Hero and Wii game tournaments or getting in line to see wild animals come in from the rescue ranger’s facility, the library is more often than not, completely packed! Our library has various programs such as: juggling, yoga, hair care/styling, theatre, author signings, film, eBay, wedding cake creations, drum/ guitar, singing, dance, you name it! We even have concerts called “Loud at the Library,” where bands come and play. With Teen Idol performances, Oscar nights, YouTube contests/battles of the bands, international fests, tough real estate market programs, computer classes, effective job strategy courses, trouble economy series, saving/coupon programs, the library keeps up-to-date with current media trends and the important issues at hand. With the latest new movies, CD’s, magazines, books, full internet access and all sorts of other perks, the Niles Public Library is a place which the public cannot resist.

And for those who treasure the traditional library, have no fear! Ah yes, the other genre of individuals who cherish the classic library’s overwhelmingly solemn silence with but the murmurs of countless books anxiously waiting to share their knowledge with them. Just because there may be some more boisterous eventful areas of the library, one can always find a peaceful quiet corner or occupy a study room. So, to those who are looking for a piece of action, as well as those who seek a calm escape; I invite all patrons to please check out our website and/or monthly newsletter to get the scoop on our latest events coming up. And to my dear friends and acquaintances in question, I hope this article will serve as an eye-opener, so please come visit us as well as spread the word about this great institution.

Audacity

Even though it was my very first time using audacity, I found the program fairly easy to use. Audacity has many options and effects yet the interface is simple and very user-friendly. I am real glad I had the opportunity to try this program out in class; it is definitely a program I will consider using in the future.

For my project, I had determined what music files to select by mostly taking in consideration the lyrics and mood of the songs. I had then incorporated the voice clips, those of which made most sense with the tone and lyrics of the songs, in order to create a story. I had determined where to cut the music files and voice clips by closely looking at the pattern breaks of the sound waves. I combined the music files and voice clips and made them flow by incorporating effects such as “fade in,” etc.

Just to give you a feel of my project, I had chosen a part of a song which the male singer was romantically singing about a girl and not being able to see her that often. Within that same part the girl replies by singing she wishes she could see him everyday. Then I had chosen a voice clip of Shaun making a comparison of his life in the city and his views on his old commute vs. the new. Unifying these two files made it seem that the male moved to the city to live with or be closer to his love. Then I chose a mellow piece of music and had used Shaun’s voice clip of him describing his walking commute and it having a particular rhythm to it. Directly after that, I combined a part of a song which was very rhythmic, dynamic, and upbeat. The lyrics of the song were about music and music beats.

Using this storyboard mindset, this is basically how I constructed my piece. Unfortunately, I do not have a project to upload hence it was accidentally destroyed at the end of class : (

An Interview With Andrew Feenberg

An Interview with Andew Feenberg, by Mark Zachry, illustrates Andrew Feenberg’s professional ideologies and theories. Feenberg is known for his ideologies of technology in contemporary society. He is said to focus on the ways in which technologies and society interact with and influence one another. He studied the creation of advancing technologies and redefining of current/past technologies. Much of his work is centered on human agency. His concerns with agency refer to the ability to act upon something and shape it; his main interest is the influence of users on the recreating of technology. Suggestions derive from usage by users. Feenberg seems to be fond of hackers, yet mainly because he wants to get more people involved and encourages decentralization.


Feenberg explains that technology cannot be designed without some type of agenda yet the technology should still remain open and neutral. By remaining neutral, the technology/device serves many purposes and can be used in many ways. A portion of the interview entailed structures that limited human choices as well as the consequences of such limitations. Feenberg also noticed that people tend to change information technologies into communication technologies of which they more naturally relate to. For example, the telephone was primarily invented for government, business, political, and policing means yet it mutated into a device shared by all people for social purposes. In the past, Facebook was only available to students who went to college yet outsiders hacked system which served as an eye-opener for Aaron Greenspan, Facebook founder, and his committee. Not long after, Facebook became available not only to students, but to everyone. Feenberg’s theorizations may relate to that of McLuhans in terms of technological determinism. In a nugget, his main goal is to rethink technology, invention, design, and be able to involve users. It is necessary to beware of technology being used in unintended ways and to highlight those ways.

The Design of Everyday Things

Within the preface, Donald Norman demonstrates the strength of design in anything, in everyday things. He emphasizes that we should embrace good design and reject common and inferior design. Norman’s main focus in this book is to be able to construct things that are understandable and usable.

Poor or average design derives from an absence of awareness and attention by the maker in regards to the user. Technologists and inventors are often known not to learn from the mistake of the past, so errors are typically repeated again and again.

Good designs save lives. Bad designs can create accidents in which causes people to blame themselves for. “Human error” is typically the excuse, yet after the incident is scrutinized and examined it is apparent that poor design and/or equipment installation is at fault.

Technology is always advancing yet people change at a relatively slow rate. There should be no reason for a person to blame him/herself due to insufficient knowledge of how to go through a door, turn on a sink, or answer a phone, etc. The design should initially arise from good communication and the understanding of people. One should not blame themselves yet rather blame the designer or the technology.

Norman explains that one will learn three main principles from DOET:

1. It’s not your fault- It is not the person’s fault, the designer is the one to blame.
2. Design principles- Conceptual models are vital to good design; they demonstrate the relationship amongst the location and operation they maneuver to allow the user to know what does what. Feedback, constraints, and affordances are facets which are key to a good design.

3. The power of observation- Critiquing designs is crucial. One should be aware and attentive of device designs everywhere.

Chapter One: The Psychopathology of Everyday Things

This book focuses on the psychology of people and device interactions.

A conceptual model allots visualization and implications for better understanding of a device.

Visibility is the most essential aspect of design. It allows mapping to link determined actions to operations. The visuals need to express accurate messages. The user must know how to flush the toilet easily by the way it is visually designed. With the use of natural designs, one can be able to flush the toilet without having the actual word “flush” on the flush button. Simply natural designs produce natural interpretations without consciousness.

Visual structure refers to:

Affordances- provide hints to how devices should be operated. For example, a bed affords comfort and, therefore, affords sleeping. Affordances allow the user to maneuver the device.

Constraints- limit possibilities of the user.

Mapping- refers to the set of operations that can be maneuvered; it is linkage amongst controls and actions. Natural mapping enables quick understanding.

A conceptual model and visualization of a device is necessary for effective design

Conceptual models are made up of mental models, models that others have of themselves and their surroundings through their being and experiences.

System image- the visible aspects of a device

Norman provides a great comparison between the modern phone and car. The main reasons why it is so much easier to use buttons within in a car in comparison to a phone is because of the visibility structure of controls within the car. The controls in a car are more visible and typically have one function rather than multiple; usually if one control enables numerous functions, maneuvering may become fairly difficult. The phone lacks proper visible structure, mapping, and feedback. Feedback indicates whether an action has been executed. If one turns on the car windshield-wipers, the windshield-wipers will provide apparent feedback by wiping the windshield. On the other hand, a phone does not always provide feedback when a phone is being transferred, one does not know whether the call had been transferred or properly dealt with. The dilemma in this era is that devices are gaining more and more features without efficient feedback.

Although technologies are constantly advancing and device facets are becoming more complex, the aspects of good design can overcome even the most complex controls with the usage of conceptual model and visibility strategies.