The latent potential that is social networking, Facebook being one of the most major tools of the same.
One of the main advantages of social networking sites is that they allow people who would otherwise have never met or known each other, actually get acquainted. It helps to organize the powerless, it fosters solidarity, it favors unity. It also dispels misconceptions and myths, while only bolstering others.
But if used properly and democratically, social networking has enormous prospects to yield useful dividends.
A study, a copy of which is with The Hindu, has, for the first time, shown how social media can affect the results of the next Lok Sabha elections. Conducted by the IRIS Knowledge Foundation and the Internet and Mobile Association of India, the research claims that results in over 150 constituencies could be decided by ‘Facebook users, making them the newest vote-bank with the power to shape Indian politics.’
Regarding the limitations, those conducting the study informed:
Admitting that the ‘approach may seem simple to the point of being simplistic,’ it lists out the caveats. It does not factor in whether the social media users in each constituency are active. It does not examine other factors like ‘anti-incumbency or political realignments.’ And while Facebook may be a common medium, those using it are a heterogeneous lot.
However, researchers say their limited objective is to assess the ‘clout of the social media … and if Facebook users will have an impact, if they so choose.’
Does it mean we will interact lesser physically from now on?
Much has been said about social networking being the liberating force of the internet. It has brought people closer and helped bridge the gap between the message sender and receiver. Google, a name which is almost a monopoly in the Internet search engine category, has often been in news, not just for its path breaking technologies but also for flouting several norms or getting into loggerheads with governments who want the company to take down sites or certain information. Indian government has been one of the top countries that has asked Google to take down third party data for vague and incongruous reasons as “violation of laws of the land” or much worse, threatening national security, an excuse which is used to justify a myriad of unfair and unethical practices on part of every single government on this earth.
Google famously got into trouble with the way it fetches information for its Google maps, taking snaps in ways that intrude privacy of individuals. It uses drones and even car cameras to get stills of localities and key locations. This was naturally construed as intrusion of private space by many.
Now, Google has come up with something that will give new meaning to the words ” hands off “. It can’t be denied the Google glass is an awesome piece of technology, but for now, it is only accessible and affordable for the rich and lucky few, costing at 1500$ a piece.
So what is it really? It is basically a mini computer, that can do all the important searches of information, pictures and videos for you, just through voice or oral commands, without any use of hands whatsoever. Not only that, one can actually livestream the exact stuff that is being seen by the user. You just have to utter “Okay glass record a video” and you all good to go!
Here is the example video from Google:
Here is what Google had to say about this glass:
Want to see how Glass actually feels? It’s surprisingly simple. Say “take a picture” to take a picture. Record what you see, hands free. Even share what you see, live.
Directions are right in front of you. Speak to send a message, or translate your voice. Get the notifications that matter most. Ask whatever’s on your mind and get answers without having to ask.
All video footage captured through Glass.
What this means is that one can virtually (and literally!) see through the eyesof the other guy! That truly is awesome and mind boggling.
Does it mean we will truly become slaves of technology rather than the other way round?
Now let’s see, what are the potential implications of such a technology.
If it truly does become affordable, as Google is claiming, it would mean that people’s dependency on even mobile devices, like smartphones, iphones or ipads will reduce. The next level of evolution could mean the entire computer being reduced to an element like the Google Glass.
It could radically change the way we communicate, and not necessarily for the good. But one thing’s for sure – it would surely save a helluva lot of time. And paper!
Imagine sharing that wonderful feeling of playing merry go round with your little daughter with your spouse who is not there and misses her. Or imagine almost getting the same goosebumps that your friend had while on her first scary amusement park ride. I think that’s enough imagination for the moment!
