HW 26 - Photos & Questions

Interview 1

(Note: This Interview was translated to English therefore this is not exactly what the interviewee said but it is the same idea.)

Saori M.

1. Who/What do you think is cool?

S: Someone who doesn't go back on his or her word.

2. Why do you think people is more likely to have a different answer for the previous question?

S: Because everyone has different minds and personalities that make us see things differently. Also because of the different culture and costumes we live under our opinion of cool is different.

3. I see. What does your culture "teach" is cool?

S: First, people who keep their word are consider cool. Then, also someone who is hard worker. And someone who doesn't get upset easily; i mean someone who always handles any situation well.

4. How about appearance and social status?

S: Yes, someone who takes care of himself and his appearance (Clean clothes, keeps in shape, etc.) is also considered cool. And social status...Of course we admire wealthy people but we never say that they are cool or that we want to become like them because in my culture desiring money is not elegant. For example, we don't do tips. We appreciate with our mind and heart someones effort or work. Paying money for it would be considered rude.

5. I am surprised by how different this culture is to the American one. Do you know that in here what we consider cool generally consists of common stereotypes such as being popular, good looking, or athletic. As if we were the flat characters of a story and each one of us with a different label and role. What do you think about this?

S: To be honest, because it is America I think is good. The culture is very different and I accept it the way it is.

6. I see. Well I think you are a cool person. What do you have to say about that?

S: *She laughs* Why is that? I don't think I am cool.

7. I too have my "own definition" of what is cool. Personally, If I were to consider someone as cool it would be because I recognize his or her talent or ability on anything they do. And also those who do what they said they would do are cool to me. I become to admire that person and think is cool. And as for you, I think that you have the ability of making anyone feel at home, even if it is a stranger.
Knowing this, what do you think now?

S: *Laughs* Ah...because of our education we don't really know how to express our feelings, but thank you. I can say that I see myself as very simple minded and stubborn. Now, I wouldn't lie to myself or others and if I don't want something it will not happen!

8. Did you ever "try" to be cool in your school/work?

S: Yes

9: What did you do to achieve it?

S: I worked very hard, wore make up everyday, I was very friendly and very fashionable.

10. And how did it turn out?

S: After doing all that to become cool I didn't succeed in the end. But eventually that way of life just became natural to me, so it is something I did often afterwards.

11. Why do you think you failed?

S: Ah that's easy! Because I was not being true to myself. I was bringing myself to agree with the majority when I actually didn't. It was very tiring.

12. So, if you could re-do that part of your life what would you have done instead?

S: I would have followed my own thoughts and dreams without being affected by every one's opinions. I was weak-willed and I didn't walk on a straight line towards my goal I just zigzagged.

13. Do you think that would have been cool?

S: Yes! Because it would be my own iron-will.

14. But you didn't do it. Even when it was cool to you.

S: We are human beings and we really don't have a choice. There is no actual time machine, so the past just taught me a lesson.

15. Yes, as I said I think you are cool, and not because of your appearance or social status but because of who you are. I learnt so much from your answers. I don't want to lie to myself and I hope I have enough will to not do so and to just follow my own words. Cool or not.

S: one thing last thing, just make sure to follow a right path.

16. Thank you very much for this interview. Smile!

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Interview 2

(Note: this interview is pretty accurate)

Bao Lin Z.

1. What or who do you think is cool?

B: Many many..that i can't list them all..but the ones who "looks" nice, fearless, not whinning abt the problem..but instead. solve it..mature. smart, creative, talented.

2.So there being many things you consider as cool in general, would you say that most people, if not everyone, is actually cool?

B: Yea...if i get to know them more...not necessary good at certain things like skills..but just personalities..can make a very cool person.

3.Do you consider yourself as a cool person?

B: Sometimes..but not always..b/c im emo..so often times..i dun c myself as a cool person to the circle tat I wanted to be. Also, i will never want to compare to the ones whose "lower" than me..to just make myself feel cool..there is certain "standards" tat i look up to and tats y i don't c myself as a cool person.

4. May I ask what does your culture generally 'teach' is cool?

B:I guess at first..they did teach me wut is cool..but then i develop it more myself
as I grow up?

5. What did they teach you?

B: Someone succesful, wealthy, smart, better than others, etc.

6.So would you say is similar the American culture?

B:Sort of..not fully..but is like the american dream thing.

7. Okay. Do you think we should all be open minded about this term?

B: Yea..but can't held it..u cant really ask some teenagers to say an old person with insights is cooler than the newest phone. If people were open minded the world would be a lot better.

8. I agree with you. Have you ever tried to become cool?

B: I was for a while but I quit.

9.Why did you quit?

B:I quit..because i think im tryin too hard to be someone that I am not..of course..everything want nice clothes and etc.. but i invest way too much money on that..and btw..is not even my own money..i understand tat once i got this one..the next day..i want the other one..the trend is going too fast..and is just eating my money up..is not worth it. I mean..if someday i will have earn my own money..to a point that i don't have to doubt whether i should buy this or the other..i might be in again. I think that will be way cooler is like showing off my own strength..wut i can do..not wut my parents can do. Also spending so much money from my parents..is like begging them..and owing them more.

ohhhhhhhhhhhhh..i have more to add. Im also making more garbage by doing that...once i have new ones..i immediately abandon the old ones.

10.So you are saying that you quit trying to be cool, however, you said that sometimes you already consider yourself as cool. So are you implying that you are naturally cool? Also based on your previous answer, I think you consider wealth as one of the most, if not the most important steps, towards coolness.What do you have to say about that?

B: I dun't think im naturally cool...i must have done sth to make myself to be certain ways..but is definitely someone tat i wanted to be..not someone who tries to be something tat i am not...as i said before..i do think i am cool sometimes..but there are different levels and definitions of coolness tat im impplying..i quit the type of coolness regarding on fashion...but in terms of other perspective..im still cool on that. Also to me..there are differetn levels of cool. you can be dis cool..then there is a higher level of cool...wealth is also one way to be cool but im not up to that yet.

11. So in other words is there really something such as cool?

B:I think cool is a very general and vague term. is like flower but there are many types of flower.

12. That's a nice way of putting it. Do you think this term was just made up to describe something attractive rather than a way to live? Why do you think we take this term at such extent?

B: I hear ppl say it everyday, but most of the time..it never seem to be cool to me
b/c this term never hurts anybody and ppl can take it many ways u simply say "oh tats cool"..it doesn't hurt always nice and vague compliment we all learned tat cool is not something bad.

13. So it's like a meaningless word now, at least to you?

B: Not really,sometimes it makes me happy hearing tat.

14.Oh great because I personally think you are cool Bobo. And even if you consider yourself as uncool sometimes just remember that someone else thinks you are cool all the time so it doesn't really matter.

So, Thank you for this interview ! Hope you had some things to ponder now.

B: heee..ask wut i hate just for today.

15. Oh by the way can you send me a picture so I can post it?

B: Sure

HW 25 - Story Comments and Analysis

To Blz。

I really enjoyed your story. You made it clear that the main character was what you identify as a"cool" guy. However, you still recognize that this is just your own interpretation of what is cool, since you portrayed another character who was first seen as "the class clown" and described him as cool through other character's perspective. I think this twist was very clever to demonstrate that there is no such thing as actually being cool, but how people see one another based on how their behaviour or appearance. Also, I was surprised by all the different items you mentioned in your story and by the clothing link you provided. To me these showed a connection to the real world and made your story more believable.

Some distinctions based on story:
To Bao Lin someone cool is someone who:
*Has others who understand whatever he/she says or refers to, showing that he/she is able to relate to others and be on whats "in".
*Good appearance and attracts the opposite sex too much. "1000 comments from the old post. Mostly are from the girls."
*Someone who is up to date with whats 'in"
*Photographer
*Blogger (Pictures and Writing -deep, poetic, metaphor writing-)
*Popular
*Good taste in clothes and devices. "Nice Subcrew X Clot Cap!”

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To Richard。

-I liked your tone and use of words in your work.-
Rather than focusing on the general definition of someone who is cool you have showed someone who is more in touch with himself and his own life. Perhaps that is your own interpretation of someone who is cool and to me it is completely valid. But, because it is not a usual or common definition of being cool I think you need to interpret your story differently. Instead of showing you only told who your character was, which made your point rather confusing. So instead, for example, describe your character in a situation where he is forced to show his cool characteristics (whatever these may be to you), thereby show how other characters respond to these in order to show if he is cool or not to them. It is after all a story.

Some distinctions based on story:
To Richard someone cool (or uncool, I'm not sure) is someone who:
*Believes he/she is free
*Goes against the rules or what people say. "he doesn't have any rules just to do whatever make him happy...and i mean whatever"
*A thinker - interest in knowing the answer-
*Someone who wants to live life! "He doesn't care about the consequences he will face, he's willing to try anything new"
*Apathetic

*Distant from others (Perhaps misunderstood)
*Someone who finds no purpose
*Someone who cannot take his/her next step in life (Therefore give it up).
*Experiments in life.

After reading these stories I came up with the conclusion that our own definition of "cool" is based on the people we admire. Although we might not remember a specific person who embodies our definition of cool, we still have the image that was shown to us at some point in our lives. This image is also is originally and generally developed through the messages of corporate media on what is Cool. Being rich, good looking, athletic, and a rebel are some of the examples corporate media defines as cool. Thereby, we adopt these definitions and intend to live up to them to be recognized in some way. This is shown in Bao Lin's short story, where the main character is someone who stands out physically and socially in his community. In order to understand her definition of cool, I listed some of the distinctions she mentions in her story. For example, "Someone who is up to date with whats 'in" and "Good taste in clothes and devices".


Suggesting that her definition of what is cool is highly influenced by the different messages of corporate media. Notwithstanding, Richard's short story which does not clearly embody the general definition of what is cool. In his story he portrays a philosopher who desires to live life according to his own means. Additionally, this character is described to be distant from other people and misunderstood, causing it to be unusual for someone to identify this character as cool.
Originally I did not understand if Richard wanted to represent his definition of cool or uncool through this character, and now that I think of it I do not think that matters. Regardless if this character is cool or not, he is someone who stands out in Richard's point of view. Implying that Richard does think he is uncool, then he could be surprised and change his mind about someone with a similar personality when that person shows something else, just like Bao Lin's story.
We label people based on their behavior and looks not allowing them to truly show who they are. And once they have the opportunity to do so, the people no longer recognize them as flat characters but as round. In other words, even if a person is cool it is predictable what his words or actions will be. And this is because that person is living up to the general idea of what is cool provided by the media. So being cool might not actually be standing out or being "unique" after all.

HW 24- Short Story 1

"How many did it take to be like them"

I was surrounded by 6 or 7 guys. 3 of them were my friends and the others I didn't really know. We were in some alley at some time. I wasn't sure. It was my first time and I didn't even like it. My body and my mind were in complete different places trying to get back together but it was so loud. These guys were so loud. All the fucking time so loud. "Shut up" I managed to say. Then I heard them laughing. Damn it! I should've said no. "Isn't it sweet? Now you are on of us", my friend said to me before sitting down and putting his head down. We were feeling the same. Finally we were the same. I was feeling pretty bad though, but I was glad to feel in such way because it was the way to feel.

It was my second time, and this time we were in school. I did not feel like shit this time, it was actually pretty awesome. Everyone was looking at them AND me. The cheerleaders wanting to be with us and the nerds wanting to be like us. That was the way to be. The way I've always wanted to be. Then after school the usual through the nose.

The third time was actually my first time. And it was like her thirtieth time. I knew it because those guys around me told me their night adventures with her. Then I felt disgusted. My first time wasn't special anymore. Damn it! Damn it, I should've said no! But she continued and I continued. I didn't like it at all, but I answered "yes" when she asked me. Then I needed it once again, through the nose. Finally I was not with her. I was at....I can't recall.


My fourth time was terrifying. It was against one of the guys I didn't really know but always surrounded me. He pissed me off and I pissed him off enough to make him say "Today after school at the baseball field!" Everyone was looking at me with excitement. It was obvious that their encouraging words were so fake because they were so loud. So loud all the fucking time. I needed it, and this time really badly. I was so scared I wanted to run away, but they kept me here. And although they were just following me I could swear they were pushing me there. I kept resting it but I continued because I had so much to lose and because it was the thing to do. The first punch knocked me right to the ground. It hurt a lot but not as much as hearing them say "Uuuhh. C'mon get up!" or "Ouch... That must've hurt, haha!". This time I really needed it. Right through the nose like never before. Enough to truly knock me for days and days so I could forget about all this. Then right after I finally got up he punched me again back to the ground. Damn it! Damn it! Fuck! I should've said no! Then he continued to beat me and I continued to take it until I was out. And this time not from relieving myself but from being beaten to unconsciousness.

My fifth time wasn't as great as my second time. Everyone wasn't really looking at me and they weren't really approaching me like before. It has been a month and the bruises are almost gone. But I think they could still see them as clear as I did. The cheerleaders avoided me and the nerds ignored me, both saying to one another "he is actually a loser". Loser. Loser, over and over. I had lost way too much now. I was still surrounded by these guys though. The only thing that kept us together was what we did at school. I knew it had to be it because that was the way to get in and remain. It all began when tobacco wasn't enough anymore and when I didn't say no. And now I needed it after thinking I could always control it, now I really needed it. I needed to be surrounded or I would fall apart. It doesn't matter how bad I feel or how loud everyone is; I don't want you to look down upon me. Then I watched them, all of them, becoming more and more distant from me and one another. After that there was not really a sixth time, just a continuation of my fifth one. The one time I ended up failing. Damn it... I really should've said no...

HW 23 - 1st Constructivist Exploration of Cool

What does the cool mean?

"Cool" - 130 definitions- The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell. The phrase "cool" is very relaxed, never goes out of style, and people will never laugh at you for using it, very convenient for people like me who don't care about what's "in." - Urban dictionary.

What is cool and what isn't it is something one decides based on everything known to be right or "in". In other words it is an opinion. It is a word that we all have put together in order to symbolize something or someone to our own means outstanding. With this in mind, anyone can actually be cool at some point in their lives. Just like we are not good all the time and not bad all the time, we do not have to be cool all the time, but still be recognized as it. There are many definitions of this word, so certainly one must fulfill at least one of them. However, because most people are not familiar with this information, they stick to what they know about being cool. Namely, the one good looking guy and quarterback of the football team is THE cool guy. Meanwhile the rest of the people are simply wanna be cool. This image of coolness is illustrated in movies, books, soap operas, novels, stories, music, music videos, etc. Which makes the word "cool" way smaller than what it is. Instead of being something we all contributed in, it ends up being a words that only some can be recognized as. While this may be true I actually never thought gave much thought about the word cool, its definition, and who was or who wasn't. And I think this is due to my school environment. Ironically the only place where I am expected to face this term, or virtue, is at school. However, at my school things are different from movies and T.V. shows. Fortunately at our school there are no category groups. For example, the bookworms, the popular kids, the dorks, the freaks, etc. Everyone hangs out with everyone regardless of their characteristics. Perhaps this is why I haven't thought too much about being cool. However, when it comes down to it, I do have my own definition of the word cool.



In class we were discussing our own definitions of the word cool, and I realized that some people's meaning were complete opposites from my own. However there are some general aspects, such as being friendly or good looking, that are identified as requirements for someone to be cool. But others mentioned different aspects such as "athletic" or "wealthy" that I did not agree with. Since to me being cool is being relaxed. Or rather say it is the ability to not get upset over insignificant things and be very open minded. For instance, someone cool would get criticized and he would not mind it because he always looks forward and never takes his or her own words back. To me this is an actually cool person. But sometimes I find myself lying to others saying "that's cool" because I use it as an automatic response to their actions to make them feel good. Even though is not my intention to do so, I still say it because perhaps I want to make space for that person to feel comfortable and confident around me after suggesting my acceptance by saying "that's cool".

Consequently, now that I have thought about what have I've doing (deceiving others by labeling them as cool when I actually do not think they are) I cannot help to feel somewhat disgusted by it. And certainly someone has done the same to me, which makes me think that most of us do it to accept others and be accepted with the purpose of not being alone. In particular when those who we think are truly cool are out of our reach, or rather say out of existence. For instance, the superhero with unnatural abilities who saves the world, or the handsome vampire who rebels against his nature by falling in love with a human, or even the wealthy and good looking teenager at school who understands his friends' feelings and makes everyone feel good. Those are the cool people in our society. The ones we are unconsciously imitating to be part of whats "in". And because we and people around us cannot reach such level of coolness we accommodate to what we have and deceive others and ourselves.



In conclusion, I am aware that being cool or not is not what is truly important. Being cool is just one step towards being accepted or/and respected. And our lack of knowledge on this world limits us to recognizing ourselves as cool. Since in reality no one and nothing is actually cool then why not invent a new definition of this words and apply to ourselves to feel better. All words are made up anyways, why not make or add another one? Of course it is generally known that people who call themselves cool are lame, and people who are trying to be cool are fake. Nevertheless it has no importance, if one wants to be cool then that person is cool, even if it is only to himself. I do not care about the labels but who the person actually is. So far, I have not lived my high school labeling other people as cool or lame, and I can state that I've had a good time. I like my school and the people in it, cool or not. Even when they all live as identities rather that who they authentically are. And this of course includes myself.

HW 21 - Art Project 1

For this assignment I have done a collage composed of mostly digital devices. I have designed this collage in a certain way to represent a much deeper idea regarding the effect of digital devices on society. My work of art is shown in the following pictures:


"Digital Devices..."

I have based this image on showing a television. This is because in our lives we do not experience anything directly anymore. We see life through a screen, and we identify ourselves and other people as being inside this mental screen which is also composed by so many other different devices that build our lives. The viewer has to pay close attention to the details of these image because these are the ones that communicate a message. As an artist I want to tell my perspective through my work, so others can understand it and even relate to it. Every cut piece and every minute I dedicated to this collage were mostly for me. I wanted to draw the world I was living in, even if I did not understand it or accepted it. This poster is currently hanged on my wall to remind where my mind is and by what it is surrounded.

My work is somewhat difficult to understand therefore I have broken it up into 10 different components. The following image represents the location of each of these components. These communicate my interpretation on digital devices and the effect these have on us.

1. This shows the body ob a child. The upper part of his body is found at the very top of the collage and the the bottom part is found at the very bottom of the collage. This is because I did not only want to represent how the mind was completely surrounded by all these devices but our bodies as well. I intended to represent the T.V. as part of the boy's body. his identity is formed by all these devices and therefore ever where he goes he will carry these with him. It is a comfortable burden that we recognize as normal therefore we do not try to get rid of it, even if it gets incredibly heavy.

2. This is found at the very top of the collage. My purpose of putting so many televisions showing the same image together was to represent repetition. When one reads a book he begins reading from the top to the bottom of the page. Even if it is from left to right or right to left it follows the same format. While reading my work, it began with repetition, the same repetition we face on a day to day bases while interacting with devices. The same song, the same commercial, the same picture, the same words, etc. day by day and we do not get bored of it, we are actually entertained. Therefore, while looking at my work the viewer must as well feel entertained by such messy and overwhelming repetition. As for the rest of the collage this repetition is shattered throughout the entire image. There are several iPods, lap tops, cell phones, etc. That even though these are recognized as complete different devices they have the same function.

3. This shows an image of a Zebra inside a televeison. This is one of the 10 main components in my collage because it represents our connection with nature and other animals, which is also through a screen. I can state without doing any research that more than 75% of the population in America does not travel to places such as Africa to see other animals in their natural behavior and habitat. We only see these though the famous Animal planet on television and remain satisfied. Which tells me that only seeing is enough for us, and there is no need nor interest to actually experience it.

4. I have put several watches throughout the entire collage with the purpose of representing time. Most of these watches are located at the bottom where most of the images of people are located, including the babies. As we know digital devices take too much of our time and sometimes we do not even notice. It is normal for us to dedicate 2 hours to the computer every day. Or to spend 30 minutes talking in the phone. These hours are not felt, only wasted. And these hours are part of our lives and mainly our youth, but we do not feel them. Our minds are too busy and our bodies too stiff and we consider it as being normal. Out of all the different negative impacts digital devices have on us, I think its effect on our time is the most crucial one.

5. In this collage I also wanted to represent how people's relationships are affected because of the use of digital devices. I have shows this through a broken photograph of a couple and in between a computer. I have seen before not only in real life but in movies how a many of a couple's problems come from devices. For example, a phone call of another man or woman during a romantic dinner. This is does not only affect the trust these two people have on each other but it is also disrespectful. Families are also affected by these devices. Most families time together is watching T.V. which is not actually interacting with one another just sharing the same room. Also children spend too much time on the computer or playing video games that they become more and more distant from their families and friends. Also, I do not think that at this point we are not able to hold a relationship with other people without electronic devices. And this is because we are expected to keep on communication through these. We are too dependent of these devices and in my point of view these are generally valued even more than any real relationship with someone else.

6. This represents our minds. Among all this overwhelming mess of digital devices our consciousness remains. Although we usually consider these devices as the source, in my work the mind is actually portrayed as the source of all these devices which are surrounding it. Inside of it the word "Digital devices..." is written as if it were the only thing inside our minds. This illustration also has a helmet looking device suggesting that even though the mind is the main source of all these devices it is "plugged in" to this cyber world making it unable to escape from this mess. In other words the devices and our minds are a never ending vicious cycle and without one another it cannot sustain itself.

7. This part of my collage shows the audience. I have illustrated a big television across, but it would be nothing without an audience. Even though this is also the television inside our minds, the one no one else sees but us, it also shows how we are inside someone Else's mental T.V.. This would not only make us characters in the life drama of someone else but also the audience. Looking at the collage the people are too small compared to the television they are watching. And this is because I also wanted to show that this digital world is way bigger than any of us. Even if it lives inside us, it is too big for us to control it. Beneath this audience there is an image of two babies. Which represents the following part of this collage.

8. The picture of the babies is surrounded by watches. Suggesting the present and the future that these babies are expected to have. Live surrounded by many different digital devices and depend on them. These babies are also inside a television and are shown in black and white. Usually we interpret the black and white as being old, however, a baby represents new life but that new life has no place in this electronic world, which makes me think that in order to become part of one must be modernized by all these devices and apply them to his daily life.

9. This show the images through cameras. Most of the time while looking at cameras in a magazine to find the right one, we see the quality of the picture the camera takes through the screen. Ironically enough only pictures of people smiling and pictures of natural scenarios are displayed. I think this unconsciously causes us to believe that the camera only captures those perfect moments and places. Therefore, most of us (non-photographers) only take pictures when we are having fun or when we are somewhere considered as peaceful and without much contamination. This also shows the good life through a screen and if we purchase that camera we will also be able to capture it, not to live it.

10. Best Buy! This store is very available throughout New York city. The praises are great and the service is generally good. This store is famous for selling what entretains us the most. Or rather say it sells what makes our lives function. Because of this store we are able to obtain many digital devices at great prices therefore it should most definetly be part of this illustration. It has done a great contribution to the digital mess in our lives so it is understandable if we feel indebt with it. It is after all the BEST buy we could ever make.

1. Is your art a hammer or a mirror?

Overall I would consider my work as a mirror. This is because I have focused on reflecting my perspective on digital devices rather than showing the negative impact of these on us. As you can see there are no consequences mentioned on my description of my work and none of the images suggest any tupe of impact on this people, simply their actions and setting.

2. Does your art make you fink and theel? What are some of your own reactions to your art?

*I do not know what theel means* I would say my art makes me fink against digital devices because I often describe my work as a mess. And by definition, the word "mess" is consider to be a negative aspect around us. By doing so I am informing what my perspective is to the viewer. And even though no description is provided to him/her they will definetly see that the whole image itself is overwhelming.

3. What was the most interesting aspect of your making of the art?

I would say that the way I constructed my work and the way I chose 10 main different aspects to represent it are the most interesting aspects of it. Each peace was intended to be meaningful and connected to one another. It took me a fair amount of time to design it and to set the colors in a way for it to be clear that it was a television. Also the details throughout the whole image are the ones that truly communicate the message. In other words the big T.V. would simply be the setting of these.

HW 16- Big Paper 1 Outline

Theme: "Can't stop!"

E.Q. What is the impact of using Digital technology in terms of communicating on us today?

Hook: We cannot stop! It is killing us but we can't stop!

Thesis: Using digital technology as a way of communication has led us to replace our sense of personal interaction with one another and lessen our ability to build relationships, however this life style is generally considered as utterly correct.

Argument 1: Talking to a computer instead of my friends. As time passes our ability of personally interacting with other people and making relationships lessens.  We base conversations on what's new because it is what's interesting. Exploring one self and question reality is not common and therefore at some point unacceptable. 

Example 1: Americans use electronic devices to communicate with other people. Devices such as, computer and phones. (data)

Example 2: (Feeling more comfortable to talk to someone through a device) south park episode, season 12. Stan sister's Internet relationship.

Example 3: The book Feed, target Violets unusual behavior and arguments and discuss the consequences of these. 

Example 4: Reference to my dad's interview on spending time with someone and at the same time interacting with some electronic device. 

Argument 2: The Internet has become the center of the world for most people. It is right to think of it as the one with the right of running our lives in every sense. 

(From looking up the meaning of a word we heard, to looking for ways to be that would be acceptable)

Example 1: Reference to the interviews on digital technology, mention the Internet.

Abrupt to a point to lessen our ability to build a relationship with other people. 

Example 2: We do not know how or when to draw the line. Reference to the book Feed. Compare my own life to the character's and discuss Violet's revolutionary act.  

Example 3: Own experience, when I or those around me do not have Internet, explain the situation and consequences. 

Argument 3: There are some advantages to this chosen way of life, even though these cannot still be completely recognized by all people. 

Example 1: Everything bad is good for us article. The author acknowledges some of the good aspects of playing video games and watching T.V.

Example 2: Richard's and Bao Lin's post on their own experiences while dealing with these devices. Why they are so attached to these and the Internet. What do they find there that cannot be found in the outside world. 

Example 3: My own experience. Relate to previous example, and state arguments of why our current life styles can actually be seen as positive in  a way.  

Significance: Regardless of how positive these may be seen, we are still investing too much time being physically inactive. As well as the Internet and devices leading us to lessen our ability to form relationships with other people and believe is the correct way of living. 

Example 1: Explain self experiment about writing letters instead of messaging or sending e-mails. Share results and impact on my life. 

Conclusion: answer to the question: What can be done to change our ways, if we ultimately desire to do so?