Final Project - Globalization, the Internet, and Socialization

Globalization, the Internet, and Socialization
Unit 2 - Economics, Globalization, and the Concept of Diffusion

Learning Objectives:

• The creation of the internet has allowed people to connect with others on a global scale without geographical limitations.
• The increased use of social networking sites, particularly among youth, is drastically changing the way people interact.
• The Internet promotes individuation but not isolation; people seek out and socialize with others based on shared qualities through networks.
• Social interaction is actually increased by the Internet, it has just shifted from the physical world to the virtual world.

Background Summary:

In 1962, DARPA created the first "Internet" system to enable communication between government computers. In 1991, Tim Burners-Lee launched the World Wide Web that we know and use today. Since then, the Internet has seen the introduction of browsers, web sites, search engines, and social media. It has changed drastically from it's initial creation to its modern state, and it has impacted our society more than anything else in the modern world.

Today, billions of people use the Internet for socializing. Websites such as Facebook and Twitter allow individuals on completely different continents to interact on a personal level. The use of social media has become so ingrained into our society that it is considered highly unusual for someone to not have at least one social network account. The Internet and social media have blown up communications to a global scale, allowing for information to travel faster and farther than ever before. People use social networking sites for everything from sharing photos with family to coordinating revolutions. The Arab Spring that occured between 2010 and 201, for example, was largely stimulated and planned through social media. These sites also change how we get information. When something happens, people immediately post it or tweet it or share it or like it or pin it or reblog it or Snapchat it. Because of this, news travels faster and people get more first-hand accounts of events. Social networks open up dialogue between individuals of differing opinions, promoting open debate and disscussion. Websites like Facebook and Twitter in particular have a powerful impact on how people percieve information.

There is much debate over whether or not so much virtual interaction is good for us. Some authorities believe that the transition from physical, face-to-face interaction to virtual interaciton is harming our society, but others think that it is actually benefiting our social skills. Most studies show that people who actively use social networks balancing their virtual interactions with their physical interactions. Many even say that social media provides a healthy social climate for people, as individuals can seek out others like themselves. 

TED Talks Nicholas Christakis: The Hidden Influence of Social Networks

Assessment: With the constant use of the Internet and social networks, there is a lot of concern for the impact on people's ability to socialize. After reading the articles and watching the TED Talk, write a discussion post (to be posted in the comments) in response to the questions below. Be sure to include references from the material provided and your own experiences with social media.

1.  What do you think are the biggest changes/impacts of social media on socialization?
2. Do you think that social media and the Internet have harmed or helped social interaction? Why?

Relevant Readings: 

How Technology Makes Us Better Social Beings 
A discussion of the impacts of technology on socialization

The Impact of the Internet on Society: a Global Perspective
An overview of the original article highlighting key points

The Social Side of the Internet 
A survey of people's opinions on the Internet's ability to impact groups of people

Good News for Sharks - Shark Fin Soup Losing it's Appeal

Rows and rows of shark fins

Shark finning is one of the biggest dangers to sharks. Shark fin soup is a delicacy in many places, especially in China. Every year, millions of sharks are caught by fisherman, have their fins removed, and are through back into the ocean to die. Often the sharks are still living when their fins are removed, and most of the animal is wasted. Sharks are especially vulnerable species because they take so long to mature and don’t produce many young. Almost half of over 400 shark species are on the ICUN Red List.

A shark left to die after having
 its fins removed

The best solution to protect sharks from shark finning would be to, well, end the demand for shark fin soup. Many organizations are fighting to protect sharks by proposing laws against the practice. Several countries, organizations, and even airlines have taken measures to decrease shark finning and the consumption of shark fin soup. China, Massachusetts, the UAE, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and WildAid have all contributed to the recent decline of shark finning.

Shark fin soup

The demand for shark fin soup, called “fish wing soup” in Mandarin Chinese, is very high in China. It is a delicacy, and so many fishermen seek to capitalize on the consumers’ desire for the dish. To the Chinese in particular, it is a symbol of status and generosity. Due to the value of shark fin soup to Chinese culture, there has been considerable opposition to the fight against shark finning. Shark fin soup is one of the “big four” Chinese dishes, along with abalone, sea cucumber, and fish maw. Unfortunately, many Chinese consumers did not realize until recently that “fish wing soup” is made with shark fins due to the somewhat misleading name. It wasn’t until consumers were made aware of the threat to the shark populations that they began to stand up for the protection of sharks and the removal of shark fin soup from menus.

The Chinese government and consumers have taken steps to reduce the consumption of shark fin soup and, by extension, shark finning. Shark fin soup has been banned from being served at all official government banquets, and the general demand for shark fin soup has decreased to less than half of what it once was. The UAE has cracked down on shark fishing in its waters, particularly to reduce the amount of shark fishing for fins only. Three Asian airlines, Thai Airways, Cebu Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, have banned the transportation of shark fins. While shark finning is illegal in the U.S., it’s still legal to sell shark fin soup in some places, so recently Massachusetts banned the sale of shark fin products. These actions have helped to restore some shark populations and bode well for the future of the various species.

There are not many negative side effects to the decrease of shark finning. I suppose it could have a negative effect on the businesses of shark fishers, however it could be argued that they will benefit in the long run due to the replenishing of populations. Some may even say that it is dangerous to replenish shark populations due to the threat they pose as a predatory species, however sharks are not actually as dangerous to humans as most people believe and actually hold a very important role in our oceans’ food chains. By reducing the demand for shark fin soup and shark finning, shark populations will continue to grow and flourish, balancing out the ecosystems in which they live. Protecting sharks from being finned will save many species.