Web 2.0

I think that the title of the video, "The Machine is Us/ing Us" has two meanings which can be interpreted. On one hand, the title emphasizes how Web 2.0 has become such an imperative force in our lives today. The Internet is one of the most influential forms of communication, and it has become a crucial tool in the daily lives of many individuals. Not only is the machine reliable, but it's accessible. Whether it is being utilized for research, inquiry, or simply as a means of communication, its place in the technological world is indisputable. That interpretation exemplifies how the machine "is us." In addition, the title also encompasses another meaning. Although the Internet is an indispensable tool, it can be detrimental in various ways. Each time we access Web 2.0, we are making the machine more powerful. For instance, so many people rely solely on the web without reaching out to other sources. It can sometimes hinder an individual from playing an active role. Also, there are many negative things that are presented on the Internet that should not be readily exposed. We still demand quicker access and greater accessibility to it. One has to know when to use Web 2.0 and how to use it efficiently, or it just simply ends up "using us."

Web 2.0 can have various effects on someone ready to enter the workforce. Positively, the web can be utilized as a tool to inquire about new careers and opportunities that one wouldn't easily discover through other sources. Also, a potential candidate for a job can post his/her resume' online and use it as a means to gain the attention of potential employers. Conversely, the Internet can be disadvantageous to someone ready to enter the workforce, because it can bring about negative attention to that individual. The candidate may share too much information or have some type of inappropriate content displayed on the web. This is why one must be careful in the manner that he/she presents his/herself when using Web 2.0. The Internet affects people already in the workforce tremendously, since the means that people use to communicate have changed drastically. The Internet is often the main route of communication on the job, since people are able to email one another and send instant messages. Many workers are allowed to tele-communicate on many days of the week, so they aren't even required to physically come to the office during those times. Therefore, it can make the jobs of those already in the workforce much easier.

When it says that we will have to rethink everything, I think that it is stressing the impact that the digital world has had on our lives. It is highlighting the fact that our world has changed tremendously, and it's informing us that this is only the beginning. The advancements that have been made only serve as a precedent for those to come. Our digital world is becoming more complex with each click of the mouse, and we must be prepared to encourage the change and accept the personal responsibility that it places upon us simultaneously.