Year 2026.

It’s kind of overwhelming to think of the differences that technology is going to have in 2026, and how it’s going to affect our everyday lives. By the year 2026, I hope to be married, have two children, and a successful career that I love. If I continue with my current major, I hope to have my Master’s in counseling and that I’m a counselor at an elementary or high school in either Hickory, Charlotte, Lincolnton, or wherever Joshua has to move to find a successful law firm. My plan would be to work every day through the week, and then have weekends off to spend with my family. My days will probably consist of getting up, getting the children up and ready, and traveling to work before 8 am. After work, my plan is to go home and spend time with my family.

I do believe that technology is going to play a major role in my life in the year 2026. I believe that eventually everything is going to turn to either the internet or some sort of technological advance instead of pen and paper. There is a good chance that by the year 2026, Americans will operate from their households instead of a work place. The computers will end up being handheld, and computers today will be discontinued. I do believe that technology will take over, especially in classrooms. There will no longer be teachers in the classroom setting. Students will be taught via computer screen and will possibly perform homework assignments at home. There will be transparent toasters, robot housemaids (more than likely), voice activated cars/ security systems. It’s going to be amazing to see our advancements in technology when that time comes. 

Google Knows Everything..

While reading this article, I became very wary to the idea of Google knowing so many specific things about me without my consent. A few of the things that stuck out to me in the article were: If you use alerts, Google knows what topics are important to you. If you use a cell phone that has a GPS in it, Google knows everywhere you go. If you use Blogger, Google knows that you write about. If you use a calendar, Google knows where you have been, are, and where you plan to be. If you use catalog/ product search, Google knows what items are of interest to you. If you use checkout, Google knows all of your personal information. If you use desktop, Google knows what you have on your PC. If you use docs and spreadsheets, Google knows that you are writing a paper and that your checking account is overdrawn. If you use Earth, Google knows where on the planet you desire to research. If you use Gmail, Google knows everything. The fact that Google knows all these things is scary! It's no wonder that when you type your phone number in your name appears on the screen, or whenever you type in your address, an aerial viewed picture of your house pops on the screen. Personally, I believe that Google shouldn't have access to all of this information. Yes, when you purchase an item online you are posting your information out there, but Google doesn't have a right to that information. The sad part is that it's only going to continue to get worse than better.

Digital Divide

          A “digital divide” refers to the gap between those who are able to have access to the computing technology and those who don’t. Due to the numerous statistics that have been conducted, it is obvious that there are a number of counties/ countries who do not have access to the Internet. This particular idea proves that the digital divide exists. Researchers differ in their opinions as to whether or not digital divides are permanent, growing, or important. A specific example of the digital divide in the textbook was when the television and telephone were first introduced; there was a wide gap of those who have the technology and those who don’t. When it came to the telephone, the gap may have been based upon economics and whether or not telephone lines were available at the time. Televisions, on the other hand, had a gap that was primarily economic, although there were areas in North America that could not receive any form of over-the-air broadcasts. However, as the cost of televisions and telephone service started to decline, the gap between those who had the technologies and those who didn’t started to decline.

          After reading the section in the book about digital divides, I found that there are numerous disadvantages for those who do not have technology access. Your access to employment opportunities that are posted online, ability to apply for jobs that require resumes to be emailed, ability to have jobs that require technology skills, access to up-to-date news, access to potential markets, access to a wide range of products and merchandisers, and access to research information.

          Over the years, I have found that there are many countries that no longer have issues with digital divide after the media market has expanded the way it has. I’m sure that there are still numerous countries that do not have access to these products, but at some point in time, they should be able to find a way to get these products. I’m sure that if all countries had access to the internet, then maybe they would be able to understand the importance of staying healthy and how to avoid certain diseases. The internet may just be the thing these countries need in order to have this information.

My first blog...

My name is Lorie Daughtry. I work hard to make a good first impression. I'm very goal oriented, & I love spending quality time with my family, boyfriend, and friends. I currently work as a office assistant at Maple Springs Laundry, my family business, two days a week due to my school schedule. I'm a firm believer in Jesus Christ, I'd be lost without him. I am very excited about this semester!