#smartsexy

In a world where traditional newspapers are dying out, print reporters are trying to find a way to keep newspapers (and their jobs) alive.  That's why a new campaign was started by the Newspaper Association of America, called "Smart is the new Sexy".  According to the CNN article http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/27/tech/social-media/newspapers-smart-sexy-campaign/index.html, the NAA wants to "generate a national dialogue about the value of newspaper media-- by asking consumers their thoughts on how being smart can be attractive. The campaign encourages consumers to share their personal connection to newspapers through the papers' Facebook and Twitter accounts -- with the hashtag #smartsexy -- to spark conversations online." Readers are also asked to make videos about what newspapers mean to them, and the best ones are showcased on NAA's YouTube and Facebook pages.

I think this is a great idea by newspapers.  I am one of the young news followers who usually reads news on twitter or facebook, rather than obtaining a hard copy.  Like the article said-- sex sells-- creating the idea that smart is the new sexy will definitely turn the heads of young readers.  I'm sad to say, I believe that traditional newspapers will eventually die out,  but I'm glad that newspapers are adopting these current/trendy forms of media. 

Raise my child? There's an app for that

Since a great majority of today's population relies on technology, it's no surprise that social media is targeting every age group. But when are these new technologies going to change the way we live our lives or raise our family? According to the foxnews article http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/10/26/squirmy-toddler-theres-app-for-that/ there are many apps that are specialized for young children and toddlers for parents to use for teaching and entertaining kids. This article says that these apps work better at keeping kids quiet at dinner/etc. then traditional methods like a coloring book or quiet game. 

I realize that kids are growing up in a world of new technologies and need to stay involved with current trends, but I'm not sure if I agree with this article.  When I grew up we definitely did not have all of the games and gadgets that are available nowadays, but we didn't really need them.  I spent almost all of my time outside... like all of the other kids I was friends with.  I understand that these new apps and games are great learning tools for children and should definitely be used, but with a limited amount of time per day.  I've worked at summer camps for many years and the attitude and actions of children nowadays are not very good.  These kids rarely wanted to play games outside, they would rather play their video games or text on cell phones... at camp.  It was really frustrating to see how connected to technology they were at such a young age. And I'm worried this will happen to these children that are playing with their parent's cell phones and ipads at the dinner table.  Again, I think new technology could be great for children, but parents must limit how much time they use playing viral games.

Make the world a "greener" place using Facebook

We all know facebook has the power to persuade its users. It provides service to more than 800 million people, targeting more people than any other form of social media.  How is facebook using all of this power? One  way is creating apps.  An innovative app that will come out early 2012 is designed to make users more aware of how much energy they are using. http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/10/21/new-facebook-app-highlights-energy-conservation/

Facebook says that the average American only thinks about energy consumption for six minutes a year.  A new app that is totally centered around energy consumption is what the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is hoping to use to change that number.  This app will let users share "their home’s energy usage against a national average of similar homes, compare their energy use with friends, enter energy-saving competitions, and share tips on how to become more energy efficient."  This will create a game, like farmville, and the competition factor is likely to create a successful app. The NRDC says this has the potential to save more than $700 billion in the United States, related to energy efficiency.

I think this is a really good idea.  I believe users will be very surprised when they learn how much energy they are using compared to others.  It also has the power of peer pressure, to use less energy then your friends or neighbors. I personally don't play facebook games, but I know a lot of people do and I really think this will be a successful app.  Creating awareness about a worldwide issue by playing a game on a social network is a genius idea.

Is online dating taking over?

In an era where people are constantly busy... who has time to meet someone or go on dates?  Since almost everyone is connected to technology 24-7, it may seem logical to try online dating.  According to online dating magazine, more than 20 million people visit online dating services a month.  So how do you find "the one" without meeting them first in person?

This fox news article-- http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/10/16/online-dating-matures-5-new-sites-that-will-get-lucky/   highlights five new websites that are different than the typical online dating sites. These boast creative ways to help you find your perfect match... one offers the best concept by proposing dates with a particular topic, another is only for the elite market of verified grads from top universities, there's one that is geared towards groups of people... and the list goes on.

I don't agree with online dating. I know sites like match.com claim that 12 people are married or engaged everyday because of their website, but I don't buy it.  Its hard to find people that you connect with and even harder to find "the one"... but wouldn't it be easier if you don't spend all of your time on technology?  These websites may provide great services, but I think meeting in person is the best way to find the best matches for love.

Social Media used to select jurors?

Social media is coming into play in all aspects of life.  Now, it’s helping in the selection of jurors for the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor.  According to the CNN article:  http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/20/tech/social-media/social-media-jurors-murray/index.html Not only did the potential jurors answer a 100 question survey, they were quizzed about the information put on social media.  

LA defense attorney Sherard Kopp said in the article, “if somebody has a Facebook page where their settings are public, and you can see what their interests are, you can very well learn valuable information there.”  If a potential juror talked about their view of the Jackson doctor case, they may be biased.  Jury consultant Richard Gabriel said social media has really helped screen jurors for high-profile murder cases.

We’ve always been told to watch what we say on social media, and stories like this make me take that to heart.  Everything people say on social media can and will be found if someone wants to find it… It can be used against you for juror selection, at your job, and who knows what will be next.

Be sure to think before writing negative Facebook posts...

After a long and awful day at work it may feel good to let out some steam by ranting on Facebook... Well you may want to think again! Companies are looking to make stricter policies about what their employees post on social network sites.  Negative posts lead to sticky situation for the National Labor Relations Board to deal with.  According to their website, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions. (https://www.nlrb.gov/who-we-are) Social network posts fall into the legislation of the NLRB, working to make sure employees are protected from getting fired for unlawful reasons.

The Foxnews article (http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/09/26/companies-look-to-improve-facebook-policies-amid-surge-complaints/) talks about how employers are annoyed that they can't fire employees for talking about work online. According to general counsel, Lafe Solomon, "federal law permits employees to talk with co-workers about their jobs and working conditions without reprisal -- whether that conversation takes place around the water cooler or on Facebook or twitter."

This doesn't mean that employees can say anything they want to on social media... One Wal-Mart employee was fired after a Facebook post because it was " 'an individual gripe' rather than an effort to discuss work conditions with co-workers."

Since there appears to be a fine line for the reasons of termination, a lot of companies want their social media policies reviewed or they want to establish one for the first time.