HW10: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What are the effects of photography technology on youth culture?

Definition of Photography Technology

Photography technology at present has the peculiar dominion in producing its effects insensibly and invisibly over the world. With the discovery of internet, the field of photography has grown tremendously in just a snap. It has dominated already the lives of people especially the youth. Photography now, as an art form, applied with the modern technology become the stepping stone for a greater development. According to Michael R. Peres of Rochester Institute of Technology, photography as a field has become progressively dependent on technology in the era of digital technology where imaging equipment, software, and related products are necessary in producing and delivering photographs as well as related services at a professional level. Typically, it does not only pertain to one kind of technology which is the cameras or gadget and equipment used in taking photographs. Photography technology was maximized to three types which includes the gadget and equipment, photo editing software, and social media sites.

Types of Photography Technology

A. Gadgets and Equipment

Photography would not be complete without cameras. The only thing which can record a certain event permanently that the eye can only capture for a couple of seconds is the camera. With the innovations nowadays, cameras became digital and were added some features and applications not present in the previous cameras invented. With better accessibility and convenience in usage, youth was easily hooked to be in the field of photography. As what Mr. John Crippen said, unlike other forms of technology such as computers, televisions, cell phones, and game consoles, digital camera is the only way of teen to explore outside the four corners of their houses and get some exercise. This is one form of technology which allure the youth and enhance their interaction with the world. In addition, the contributing factors to the attachment of young adolescents to photography technology include maximize storage of photographs using memory cards and personal computers, instant review of the photographs, time-saving characteristic in which reproducing, printing, editing, and uploading is very fast and attainable, and its other features such as shooting a video and recording audio.

B. Photo Editing Software

The demand for photo processing or editing nowadays is merely a need for the people wanting personalized photographs. Also, the fact that its existence and continuous growth in number contribute to the spread of this kind of programs in every computer. Photo editing software is a computer program that permits a user to change, edit, or enhance the photographs. The errors in anyone's photographs can be fixed with just few clicks of the mouse using the tools provided in the photo editing software. Photo manipulation is the process in which the image editing techniques are applied to photographs using photo editing software. When dealing with software which has a lot of useful functions, it is essential to be knowledgeable about this because it involves a degree of learning. Some photo editing software provides tutorials to show how to use specific tools and features. Among the photo editing software found on the internet, Adobe Photoshop is the oldest, but the professional standard of all other models of photo editing software are Photoscape, Paint.net, Corel Paint Shop, Pixlr.com, and most recently, Instagram. The member of tools available and different file formats supported are the main differences between these software products.

C. Social Networking Site

One of the most influential thing in our society is the social networking site. This web site is widely used by million of people around the globe. A virtual community which allow users to share their time-to-time moments and activities with family and friends was provided through this thing. Improvement of social life by means of making friends, knowing other people through chat or email. Was also a benefit for the users. Moreover, it created a better way of communication with other people in distant peaces with different races.

An online profile similar to a biographical data or resume was made wherein personal information about the users were secured. In relation to photography, a social networking would not be complete without photographs which made it unique from other sites on the internet. Uploading and sharing photos were allowed as long as it does not affect other people. Facebook is the most common and top social site at present. It was introduced last 2004 targeting college students but the amount of users were multiplied when it was opened to public having no age limits. Other common social media sites include Twitter, Tumblr, and on the previous years, there were the Friendster and Myspace which also became popular and created their own radical change.

Effects of Photography Technology on Youth Culture

There are two ways on how photography technology help the youth in socializing: through social media site, and interaction outside their houses. Allowable reconnection to the world were sharpened through photography. Eighty percent of the respondents in the survey said that photographs uploaded help in making friends and socializing with other people through the social media sites especially on Facebook. With the cameras on hand, youth can easily take photographs anywhere and anytime they want. Participation and accompaniment of the parents help to bring back the family bonding.

Photography technology does not greatly harm the studies of youth today. Based from one of the researches, teenagers tend to do multitasking, but when it comes to photography, it is the other way around. Many teenagers set aside the unimportant things to do and learn to prioritize tasks. Based on the survey conducted, youth do the taking and editing photographs only on their free time. Learning new knowledge about the usage of cameras and software was also a benefit for them.

Happiness and satisfaction were the majority feeling of youth at present when taking and editing photographs. By means of taking photographs, the youth can merely express their ideas and mood. With the application of technology on photography, the tendency is the exploration of youth to new things.

Accessibility, affordability, and quality are the basis of teenagers in choosing the right gadget or equipment in taking photographs. Ease of use, time-saving, and photo sharing capabilities are the qualifications in choosing a photo editing software. These factors were affected by the youth's economical status. Practicality also comes to this issue.

Enhancement of creative thinking and improvement skills were discovered through the influence of photography technology to the youth. The photographs taken or edited through the photo editing software did not affect the way of thinking of the young adolescents, but instead created the broad imagination.

HW9: Chapter 3

Chapter 3

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

This paper attempted to explain the effects of photography technology on youth culture.

The research method used in the study is the descriptive method in which the information used to solve the problem were gathered from articles and results of the survey conducted. The research findings are the following:

1. Photography technology is the form of technology which creates access to the youth into world exploration, outside interaction, and vast knowledge about different things.

2. Photography is just a hobby for most of the teenagers that's why it does not interrupt their studies, but instead, it became a bridge to additional learning.

3. Taking photographs create satisfaction and happiness to the users, and sharing them online improves their social life.

4. Young adolescents consider the affordability, accessibility, ease of use, and high-definition of the gadgets or equipment they are going to use in taking and editing photographs.

5. In spite the growing number of photo editing software which allow users to manipulate the images taken, youth still carry a wild and wide imagination in them proving their broad understanding about the things in reality.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Photography technology does not greatly harm the youth culture, yet bring good results to them.

2. Not all forms of technology damage the person's way of living; instead, it can contribute to the development of one's education, social life, freedom of choice and expression, and mental skills.

Recommendation

After drawing the conclusion of the study, the researcher hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:

1. Future researchers may further explain and expound the effects of photography technology in other aspect for the benefit and deeper comprehension of the parents, or identify the disadvantages of using photography technology in general.

2. Since this study gave emphasis to the youth culture, it is also advisable to conduct studies related to them, and this research study could be a good start and helpful for additional references.

3. There are other forms of technology in which one could identify its good or bad effects on our society, a certain group of people, or anyone's culture or belief.

References

A. Electronic Media

“The Effects of Modern Technology on Kids.” Retrieved December 5, 2012 from http://www.ehow.com/info_8040213_effects-modern-technology-kids.html

“Research confirms social media's impact on adolescent development.” Retrieved December 5, 2012 from http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/aug/15/research-confirms-social-medias-impact-on/

“Advantages and Disadvantages of Film and Digital.” Retrieved December 5, 2012 from http://photography.about.com/od/filmvsdigital/a/FilmVsDigital.htm

“Types Of Photography.” Retrieved November 11, 2012 from http://www.smilegrabber.com/

“Digital Photography Technology.” Retrieved December 5, 2012 from http://www.digital-photography-technology.com/

“The Impact of Photography on Society.” Retrieved October 26, 2012 from http://www.ehow.com/list_6982192_impact-photography-society.html

“Types of Photography.” Retrieved October 26, 2012 from http://www.photography.com/articles/types-of-photography/types-of-photography/

“The Evolution Of The Camera.” Retrieved October 19, 2012 from http://roseindia.net/articles/camera-evolution.shtml

HW8: Negative Effects of Technology on Kids

                Are you aware of what’s happening in the present? Youth has becoming more active in using the internet and other modern technology nowadays. But do you know what the effects of this are?

                After you took long hours in front of the computer, are you dizzy and running out of breath? Feeling thirsty and very hot, your eyes can’t see clearly, and your hands and fingers are shaking and tired of typing? Do you also know that if that is repeatedly happening to you, it may lead to a disorder or illness you haven’t known for sure? Too much radiation is bad for us and has bad effects to our health, so be aware.

                Technology does not only affect our health, but also other aspects of our life. As I browse the internet, I have come across this article entitled The Effects of Modern Technology on Kids by Lisa Evans. This tackles about the four negative effects of technology on kids.

                First is the effect on brain development of a child. UCLA Professor Patricia Greenfield said that while students create multitasking ability and visual reasoning skills which enable them to see and process information quickly, their attention span has also decreases. In a result, they are having a hard time to solve more complex problems which require time and concentration. Technology makes the thinking skills weak and although it strengthens visual reasoning skills, it also contributes to poor eye sight.

                Second is about the disadvantages on immediate access to information. With the internet becoming the source of all, students tend to become lazy and just depend on all the information given from the internet. But anyone who is not so careful and knowledgeable about surfing the internet may lead to a danger. Not all the information there are facts, truthful, and reliable because most of them are edited, and some sites are x-rated or pornographic, so it is very important for the parents to monitor their children about the source they will find. Third, concerning about social relationships, modern technology has also affected this. Instant messaging through cell phones and chatting through social networking sites have been a way to communicate of the present generation. Because of this, youth became used to keep in touch with other people impersonally. In addition, they are not anymore going outside their houses to play with other children, and socialize or talk to other people.

                Last is the effect of technology on the health of youth. More and more students at this time are suffering to neck and back pain because of improper posture using laptops and computers. According to Ken Harwood of the American Physical Therapy Association, there is also an increase in the diagnosis of repetitive stress injuries among the kids with the age of at least 8 years old.

                In the final analysis, although innovation and improvement on technology brings about development and benefits to people, we can still identify the disadvantages of it to our lives especially to youth. We should be responsible in using modern technology because every act we do affects us. It is better to be careful than to take the risk of doing the things which entertain us, but have negative results. Before we end up regretting in doing the wrong thing, let us think first and follow the right path.

HW7: Facebook Invasion is Alarming

                Have you experienced doing your homework and projects at the computer shop, and at the same time, you are on line at your facebook account? But the thing here is the time is running out, and as you click “like” or “share” in someone’s photograph, the bill you’re going to pay is also increasing! Moreover, your money is just limited, and you haven’t finished yet your homework, researches, and projects.

                I, myself, have already experienced that because we don’t have computer at home, and so I have to go at the computer shop until late at night just to finish my assignments. But as I click the research button, there is somewhat like a magnet forcing me to click the new tab and go to facebook. And then suddenly, I won’t realize that I’m clicking “like” into my friends’ status updates and wasting my time there. I don’t know what charisma does facebook has, but it’s very effective in attracting students like me.

                And as I search for articles about my research study, I was caught by this article about facebook entitled Research confirms social media's impact on adolescent development by Youth Resources. As I read this, I was not so shocked about the information because I guess they are truly happening right now.

                According to Dr. Larry Rosen, a professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez hills, facebook snatches someone’s childhood. They are not fond of socializing with other children of their age outside their houses, but instead, enjoying the company with other people behind their computers and cell phones or iPads. They also gain confidence and the ability to express understanding with others.

                With regard to their education, youth starting from elementary up to college students tend to get lower grades because of facebook. Students were inclined to check facebook or take a look at other windows when they know they still have time. As a result, more time was consumed at their facebook than studying. They were now practicing multi-tasking. But focusing at two tasks at a time do not create good results. It is better to focus at one task which is studying and control them not to log in to their facebook or move to another task without finishing the other.

                It is also good to know having “tech breaks” while students are on their class. With this, they can focus well on their lessons having in mind that after a certain time, they can glance at their facebook or check their cell phones.

                Social media sites are great help to people especially to students. This is a way to communicate, express their feelings, hide their thoughts, and share ideas. But too much usage of these such as facebook is not anymore good. They may create depression, stress, health, and mental disorders to children that’s why the parents and other people around them must monitor and guide them in using social media sites appropriately. One must be also knowledgeable and aware about the current happenings on the internet world in order to understand the behavior of their children, and the actions to be done with regard to this.

HW6: Photography Technology: Rise of the Digital Cameras

                Film cameras are now dying. Some of them can now only be seen in the museums and art galleries. Some are kept inside the chest box, and others were just displayed on top of cabinets and tables. It is sad to say that their time has passed, and a new and better one has replaced them. Since film cameras were invented, the field of photography has enlightened. Only on the end of 20^th century, a noise was created; digital cameras have now risen.

                I have come across these articles about digital cameras, and I wonder why after a long time that film cameras have been in this world, it was suddenly replaced by digital cameras. With the articles entitled Advantages and Disadvantages of Film and Digital and Digital Photography Technology, I have come up with the following reasons why people prefer to buy and use digital cameras:

• Accessibility

Photographs taken through digital cameras are easy to attain. In just one click, after a few seconds, you can already see the image, and if it’s unsuccessful, you can easily delete it and take another one. Digital cameras are versatile in a way that the photographs taken are can be easily be uploaded into your computers or send to other devices. With this, you can also edit your photographs for a more personalized style that you want.

• Maximized Storage of Photographs

Unlike in film cameras, digital cameras don’t need a lot of rolls of film. With a memory card, you can now store hundreds to thousands of photographs, not relying on the size of it, but the memory it can hold. You can also store it in your personal computers and have a permanent storage wherein you can print anytime. This is cheaper than buying film in which there is a very limited number of photographs that can be taken.

• High-Quality Photographs

Although digital cameras have higher initial cost, it provides then high- quality photographs. Digital cameras have built-in filters and adjusting features in which you can choose on what type is the image better.

• Time-Saving

First, photographs taken by digital cameras are immediately seen. You can review at a glance without waiting for the film to be developed. You can also delete the blurred ones and take as much as you want. Second, the images can be copied from one device to another without destroying the image and not taking so much of your time. Third, when transferring it to your computer, the photographs don’t need to be scanned anymore. And lastly, you can print them anywhere and anytime you want.

• Other Features

We can never deny the fact that digital cameras are much lighter, carrying a small memory card, than film    cameras with the roll of film. Moreover, digital cameras can already shoot video and record audio, and of course, they are rechargeable. Also, one thing that is very well-known, they are high-resolution which means they have the ability to produce high-quality photographs.

                Even though film cameras are now just a part of the beautiful history of photography, it is one good thing that we are on the event of innovation and development. And as of now, more researches and inventions were made contributing to the progress of photography technology. We will not realize that one time; it has already conquered our world.

HW5: Survey Report

       I conducted a survey a few days ago for my research study about the effects of photography technology on youth culture. The survey questionnaire is composed of 10 questions asking on the things which they were all familiar with – photography technology. I have asked them questions according to my parameters which are educational, emotional, social, economical, and psychological aspects.

      I approached some students of Asia Pacific College and the rest are just random. I have come up with 35 respondents coming from random courses with different ages, but mostly from our block also. It took them several minutes to answer because of the question number 10 which is somehow a psychological question. I noticed that most of them have common answers which made me conclude to the following:

It can be inferred that most of the youth at present is fond of taking photographs with a percentage of 82.85% while the rest is 17.15%.

With the self-portrait or people's photographs as the highest in percentage which is 55%, youth likes taking photographs of them or other people than other things. The nature or wildlife photographs and events are just of the same percentage (22%) which they prefer also to take, but not that much. There is 1% who answered others wherein their answers would be food, things, and animals, dog in specific.

The youth prefer to use gadgets or equipments which are accessible, cheaper, and convenient to use which are cell phones (46%). The SLR/DSLR has 17% and seemed to be higher than web cams or laptops because I think they are of the same value, but not in the quality of image and accessibility also. We can bring SLR/DSLR anywhere, but not the web cams or laptops.

Half of the respondents said that taking photographs is just a hobby for them. There are 21% who said that they take photographs because it helps in socializing with other people by uploading it on facebook or other social media sites. The remaining 17% is by learning new knowledge about how to use modern gadgets and equipments while the 10% is for editing photographs. The last 2% is about earning from the downloads of their photographs.

With regard in editing photographs, the most common and used by the youth is Adobe Photoshop (50%). Next is the Photoscape with 29% because of its popularity and free download in the internet. The Instagram with 17% is currently the most well-known photo editing software as well as a social networking site, but not all youth is using this. The Paint.Net and Webcam Toy is both with 4.5% while the least are the Corel Photopaint and Pixlr.com with 2%.

The 80% of the respondents said that their photographs help in socializing people and making friends while the remaining 20% said it does not help.

The majority of the respondents said that they are happy (45%) and satisfied (30%) when taking, editing, and uploading photographs. The 10% said that they are excited when doing these and 15% with no feelings at all.

Most of the youth said that on free time only they do take, edit, and upload photographs having a percentage of 85.7%. There are 5.7% who said they do it everyday and once or twice a week. The least part which is every month is 2.9%. It can be inferred that this as a hobby does not interrupt other important things to do of the youth.

The majority which is 60% said that they do not perform tasks simultaneously while 40% said they do. Therefore, it does not affect their studies much and can focus with their own tasks.

      The last question which tests the mental ability of youth to understand the photograph seemed to be the most difficult part. They have common answers such as hurricane/tornado, abstract thing, confusion, fear, mystery, problems, chaos, scary, worries, and of course a man with a wild imagination. Some answers were unusual but full of meaning. This only means that even if they know it is an edited photograph, their wild imagination has not yet vanished, and their way of thinking is not literal.

      With the results I have discovered, some met my expectations but mostly, the results are positive which is a good thing to know. Photography technology does not greatly affect or harm the youth, but instead help them a lot in many ways. In their education, they can still focus in their studies knowing also that taking photographs is just their hobby. They also learn new knowledge about the different gadgets and equipments used. Their photographs also contribute a lot when it comes to socializing and it made them happy and satisfied. They also build a wider and wilder imagination with their photographs.