Internet and Politics

Power and limitation of Internet for political campaigning

Political campaigning is an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making process within a specific group. Many political players and commentators agree that American politics are undergoing a period of change due the increased use of the Internet which has become a valuable fundraising tool. The Internet has also led to the declining effectiveness of television advertising.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_campaign)

For example, Obama made use of the Internet in his presidential campaign. It was effective in reaching out to the younger generation. This is because the new generation uses social websites and new media to keep themselves updated on politics. However, the Internet has its limitations because it failed to reach people of the older generation. People in this category will not be able to get political news and updates as quickly as those who have access to the Internet.

(http://wn.com/political_campaign)

Youths apathetic towards politics?

It is said that Singaporean youths are apathetic towards politics. This is because these youths are so caught up with their self-centered interests and they are surrounded with people who also lack such passion. Youths are too sheltered in a sense because they think that everything will remain the same. They do not know that they will have a part to play in building the future of Singapore. If they do not make moves to get involved or updated with politics, youths will remain apathetic and it will continue as a cycle when the next generation after them comes along.

(http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/10/singaporean-youths-are-apathetic-about-singapore%E2%80%99s-future/)

The video below shows that Singapore elections 2011 might be slightly different! Singapore youths should get involved and keep themselves updated...

Nokia!

Nokia

Nokia is one mobile brand that impresses me the most. Nokia E7 is the latest model and it is well-received by Nokia users. There must be a reason behind thins. I think that Nokia uses multimedia in their marketing communication to promote its product. There are different ways in which Nokia promotes its new products. Firstly, Nokia has its own website to provide information of different products, solutions and customer service. Secondly, it uses a memorable launch of its new product to attract present and new Nokia users.

This video demonstrates the way Nokia promotes Nokia E7...

Nokia collaborates with Microsoft to produce a better quality product. In order to demonstrate these features, the phone is promoted in a way that features its unique characteristics using graphics.

NewsML

NewsML is an XML standard designed to provide a media-independent, structural framework for multi-media news. NewsML was developed by - and is a registered trademark of IPTC. It is structured based, leaving out layout and other presentational features to style sheets and other presentation languages such as XHTML or SMIL. It is known to be popular outside North America, especially in Asia.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsML

Cybercrime and Preventive Measures

Cybercrime in Singapore!

Singapore may be a small country, but she also faces cybercrime issues on a rather large scale. According to The Straits Times news reporter, Melissa Sim (2010), she reported that "[s]eventy percent of Singaporeans have fallen victim to cybercrime - more than global average of 65 per cent." This shows that Singaporeans are very vulnerable to such cyber attacks and they do not seem to be aware of these attacks. It was also reported that most Singaporeans are attacked by viruses in their computers (Sim, 2010). It was researched into as to why this phenomenon is happening so prominently in Singapore. Sim (2010) stated that it is due to the lack of education and awareness in Singapore which led to such consequences. This is because Singaporeans are too trusting such that they fall victim to cyber attacks. Therefore, Sim (2010) illustrated that "[c]onsumer education is the best form of defense from online threats out there".

References

Sim, M. (2010, September 10). Seven in ten here are victims of cybercrime. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://global.factiva.com.libproxy.sim.edu.sg/ha/default.aspx

Preventive measures

Antivirus software is used to prevent, detect and remove malware but it is not foolproof against computer virus, trojan horses, spyware and adware. This is used for prevention and removal of such threats.

This video is about the PC Internet Security Tools...

It shows that users are supposedly to be educated of the risks they might face when they surf the Internet. Internet Security and Prevention Tools may help to keep one's computer safe, but one is still at risk of downloading viruses into his/her computer if one is not careful. Therefore, the safest method is not to download or click on any suspicious links.

What's New?

Google Tools

"Google Blog Search"

There are many tools that Google provide and I feel that Google covers almost everything that Internet users would need when they surf for information. I am fascinated with the tool "Google Blog Search" as it is like a worldwide encyclopedia of almost everyone's diaries.

Google Blog Search has many functions in which it can operate to suit user's preference and convenience. For example, the "advanced blog search" and "preference" will help one to have a quicker search. Besides, Google Blog Search is categorized into 11 categories which comes under "Top Stories". With these hyperlinked categories, one will be able to receive quick information and have a rough idea of what is happening in the world. In addition, a space on the Google Blog Search's page is dedicated to the "Recent posts" by bloggers and "Top videos" found in blogs. I feel that these functions unite bloggers and readers globally by the easy search and the similarities in searches.

Windows Movie Maker

I find Windows Movie Maker really interesting. I was really confused with the functions at first. However, I was able to figure my way out with trial and error. This is actually my 2nd movie that I created with Windows Movie Maker. The first movie was collating interviews for my other communication module. I believed that tough process of the first movie like trimming the videos, inserting captions, using visual effects to protect the interviewees' identities, etc. had made me understand the use of most of the functions in creating a movie. It was really a fun process and no doubt, my 2nd video was created within 15minutes! Although it is time-consuming, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and definitely learnt a new skill!