A Mammoth Digital Network

Last year, 9th grade, I was so happy to be able to take my Dad's Freshman course, Digital Citizenship.  In his class I learned a lot about the software and hardware of computers and how they work.  Additionally we talked a lot about digital social networking and the enormity of the internet.  It boggles my mind to think that my Dad used a type writer for one of his previous jobs!  On the other hand, it is almost more mind boggling to think of how computers, like a living organism, stores and finds information.  Anyways, over the past year taking his class and in the experience of owning a laptop I have come to shocking realizations of the mammoth digital network.  For example:  I recently got a Tumblr account.  Tumblr is a cite where people post, reblog, and comment on (mostly) art work.  I found it very interesting how this cite created an environment of sharing your work and encouraging others with theirs.  In this aspect I have understand how easily talent can be shared and appreciated today.  Being in a school with a "one laptop per child" program I have also discovered a "con" to the digital network: it becomes a mask (for some).  In a school where everyone from middle school up uses a computer I have observed (in more than a few cases) people who become more confidant online than in real life.  It's not always bad; say there was someone who would never sing to anyone's face but they record their songs and share them, that's not bad at all.  There are some, however, that do and say things they wouldn't in real life.  Whether it's bad things, or just uncharacteristic of their personality – the internet is not a second chance on reality!   I say – "If you wouldn't say it, don't type it".

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