Studio Lab 2 Part 1

1) Some of the media used in the 24 hour log:
-    Email
o    Mostly read new messages
o    Works well for quick transmission of text based messages over long distances, though not for real-time communication
-    Internet
o    Read news/headlines
o    Looked up quick facts
o    Good for looking up information, reading posted messages/articles/news stories
-    Cell phone
o    Quick voice-based communication
o    Good for transmitting audio over long distances and carrying on real-time conversations
-    MSN
o    Text-based chat
o    Good for real-time text based (long distance) communication

2) My most commonly used communication medium was the Internet. I was looking up facts and information all day. I was constantly looking up facts for homework, and in my spare time I read news headlines and articles.

3) The most common purpose I used communication media for is looking up information. This includes facts, articles, etc.

4) I learned that almost all day I am communicating over long distances, often near instantly. This would not have been possible without current technology and infrastructure.

5) It was surprising to learn that the internet has become a utility for me in daily life. Whenever I need it. I just use it and expect it to work, just like I expect water to come out of a tap. This is in sharp contrast to the days when I had a dial-up internet connection. It is surprising because it’s such a different way of living, and I never noticed the transition.

6) Positive implications of having communication media in my life:
a) Quick and easy access to information, facts, and information about the latest events round the world. This means that I don’t have to look up facts in books or search through an entire library.

b) Easy communication with anyone around the world. Communication media such as phones and the internet overcome constraints of distance and time better than any other communication media to date.

7) Negative implications of communication media:
a) Everything costs money. Digital communication technology tends to be more expensive, as you need to pay for both hardware and services. A cell phone needs to be purchased along with a service plan. Internet providers require you to rent (or buy) a high-speed modem as well as pay for internet service.

b) More communication media provides more distractions. Phones ringing, instant messaging windows popping up and making sound, emails and text messages demanding replies. It can get quite annoying and lead to less productivity over all (which is ironic, since all this technology is supposed to improve productivity and increase enjoyment and quality of life).

8) Without access to all his communication media it would certainly be harder to look up facts and information. I would have to call a store to find out their business hours. I would have to dig through 22-volume encyclopedias (not to mention buy them every few years to keep up to date) to look up information. I would have to walk to someone’s house to talk to them. I would also have to find something I’m good at in the real world that doesn’t involve the internet.
On the bright side, I might get outside more often. I would also probably become more social and my reading skills might improve (from all that searching in libraries and encyclopedias).

9) Since it was not specified what I’d be doing on the island, I’m going to assume that my goal is to get off the island. In which case, I would bring a satellite phone because it would certainly improve my chances of being rescued.