The Next New Thing

I think the next new thing will be the power of internet to be used to let people experience third life. People can log online and create their own Avatars using 3D camera technologies. They can really transcend into these new world technology. Sitting in front of their computers they can travel the whole world. I am looking at things that will combine the powers of second life like new media and Google earth like software to take people to places using their computers.It would be like the early Star-War series that can send scanned images of people to remote locations in a virtual world.

P2P File Sharing

File sharing is a concept where the content creator or content owner lets it to be available to those who need it. File sharing takes place mostly via internet. Two people or their computer resources are used to carry out file sharing. Some  of software that enable file sharing in P2P modes are Lime wire and Bit Torrent. Lime wire is under fire from the government for sharing some software through their networks, which was illegal.

So the open sharing of software and files is under strict pressure from the media creators such as music companies, movie production houses and software manufacturing companies. Also issues such as illegal and unauthorized virus distribution inflicting damages to the unguarded or unprotected computers over the networks is on rise. These viruses can wipe up data on unprotected computers and hackers can really compromise data security of big firms. This can lead to identity thefts as well.

P2P file sharing good for open source, freewares, or other files that are not subject to copyright laws. As long as file sharing is legitimate it can be useful. Regulators are constantly monitoring these P2P networks for illegitimate use. Once detected they are either shut down like Napster or remanded to  court orders to stop functioning, like Lime wire.

Privacy & Confidentiality

New media has lot of potential for people to collaborative, and make creative production of works. It is a boon if it is rightly used. But since it has inadequate policing for now the risk are equally concerning. My special focus is on children not of age who are exposed to this media such as YouTube and Facebook. Kids can access lot of information that is inappropriate for them. Sometimes some kids can get into trouble. Sometimes inappropriate clips pops onto their screens. Also you do not know whom are you dealing with. They might be a stalker or a sex predator. You never know.

As new media bring its benefits, it also brings along with it its ills. If the ills are well controlled and communicated to the global community as whole. Those risk can be curbed out and it can be used for the welfare and advantage of the society.