Press Release: Social Isolation and New Technology Nov 4, 2009 (Washington) People who use modern information and communication technologies have larger and more diverse social networks, according to new national survey findings that for the first time explore how people use the internet and mobile phones to interact with key family and friends. These new finding challenge fears that use of new technologies has contributed to a long-term increase in social isolation in the United States. The new findings from the Pew Internet & American Life Project show that, on average, the size of people's discussion networks – those with whom people discuss important matters– is 12% larger amongst mobile phone users, 9% larger for those who share photos online, and 9% bigger for those who use instant messaging. The diversity of people's core networks – their closest and most significant confidants – tends to be 25% larger for mobile phone users, 15% larger for basic internet users, and even larger for frequent internet users, those who use instant messaging, and those who share digital photos online. The survey was conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication, led by Keith N. Hampton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication and the Pew Internet Project. The survey also probed larger issues related to the extent of social isolation in America: At one level, the results challenge previous work. The Pew Internet survey found that Americans are not as isolated as has been previously reported and social isolation has hardly changed since 1985. Only 6% of the adult population has no one with whom they can discuss important matters or who they consider to be "especially significant" in their life. At another level, the findings confirm that Americans' discussion networks have shrunk by about a third since 1985 and have become less diverse because they contain fewer non-family members. However, contrary to the widespread speculation that the new technology is tied to shrinking social networks and declining network diversity, the Pew Internet study finds that ownership of a mobile phone and participation in a variety of internet activities are associated with larger and more diverse core discussion networks. "There is a tendency by critics to blame technology first when social change occurs," argued Prof. Keith Hampton, the lead author of the Pew Internet report, Social Isolation and New Technology. "This is the first research that actually explores the connection between technology use and social isolation and we find the opposite. It turns out that those who use the internet and mobile phones have notable social advantages. People use the technology to stay in touch and share information in ways that keep them socially active and connected to their communities." Here are some of the other key findings in the Pew Internet report: • Some have worried that internet use limits people's participation in their local communities, but the Pew Internet report finds that most internet activities have little or a positive relationship to local activity. For instance, internet users are as likely as anyone else to visit with their neighbors in person. Cell phone users, those who use the internet frequently at work, and bloggers are more likely to belong to a local voluntary association, such as a youth group or a charitable organization. However, we find some evidence that use of social networking services (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn) substitutes for some neighborhood involvement. • Challenging the assumption that internet use encourages social contact across vast distances, this study shows that many internet technologies are used as much for local contact as they are for distant communication. • Internet use does not pull people away from public places. Rather, use is associated with frequent visits to places such as parks, cafes, and restaurants, the kinds of locales where research shows that people are likely to encounter a wider array of people and diverse points of view. Indeed, internet access has become a common component of people's experiences within many public spaces. For instance, of those Americans who have been in a library within the past month, 38% logged on to the internet while they were there, 18% have done so in a café or coffee shop. • People's mobile phone use outpaces their use of landline phones as a primary method of staying in touch with their closest family and friends, but face-to-face contact still trumps all other methods. On average in a typical year, people have in-person contact with their core network ties on about 210 days; they have mobile-phone contact on 195 days of the year; landline phone contact on 125 days; text-messaging contact on the mobile phone 125 days; email contact 72 days; instant messaging contact 55 days; contact via social networking websites 39 days; and contact via letters or cards on 8 days. • Social media activities are associated with several beneficial social activities, including having discussion networks that are more likely to contain people from different backgrounds. For instance, frequent internet users, and those who maintain a blog are much more likely to confide in someone who is of another race. Those who share photos online are more likely to report that they discuss important matters with someone who is a member of another political party. • While participation in traditional social settings, like neighborhoods, voluntary organizations, and public spaces, remain the strongest predictors for the overall diversity of people's social networks, internet use, and specifically use of social networking services like Facebook, are also associated with knowing more people from a wider variety of backgrounds. "All the evidence points in one direction," said Prof. Hampton. "People's social worlds are enhanced by new communication technologies. It is a mistake to believe that internet use and mobile phones plunge people into a spiral of isolation."
-Travis
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Facebook Fan Page-Hmmm
Not wanting my blog to be left in the internet dust, I'm creating a Big Show fan Page-so all the goofy stuff I post might actually be seen by actual people. It's a work in progress, we'll see!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dear Guam, it was me Natalie -A lesson in Humility
A rather touching admission of an admittedly overzealous legislative staffer. If only we were all brave and enough to admit when we were wrong and accept responsibility.
"The truth... is rarely pure, and never simple." ow.
From: Natalie Quinata <nataliej.quinata@gmail.com>
Date: October 22, 2009 9:41:00 AM GMT+10:00
Subject: Clearing the Record
Hafa Adai All!
I would just like to clear some things up for the record. Yes, it was I, Natalie J. Quinata, a staff member of Senator Ray Tenorio's office, who posted a photo of Mrs. Jennifer Cruz and former Governor Carl Gutierrez on my personal Facebook account. Please know that I removed the post immediately out of respect for my boss. I did not hide behind anonymity and I never once denied submitting the post in the first place.
For the record, I must state that I acted completely of my own volition. I was not directed to display the photo on my personal account, nor did I seek any approval from my superiors to do so. I admit I had every intent to insight the emotional frenzy it has stirred and I apologize to Mrs. Cruz and the former governor for giving in to my basic human instinct to act on the hatred and wrongdoing I have been shown by others.
It was disrespectful of me and as a Chamorro with very Chamorro parents, I must say, "dispensa yu." I had not the courage, nor the faith in forgiveness to let go of the hurt within and I truly am sorry. I hope that in time, you both will forgive me.
Most importantly, I apologize for not seeing the photo for what it really is: the captured moment of a smile and an embrace between friends. It is a representation of who we are as a people and I'm sure, it is what we all love about our island most - each other.
Unfortunately, it is only now that I realize I have spent so much time wandering the dark alleys of politics, blinded by the same ancient fires of hate that many of us in politics say we want to be rid of. It is here that I lost sight of the Guam we're all fighting for, along with a few precious friends. I can only pray each of them will forgive me for my actions and thoughtless, hurtful words. I'm sorry I had too much pride to say "I'm sorry" much sooner.
I've had to learn the hard way that losing friends and divided families are a sad, almost inescapable aspect of politics on Guam. I know many of us wish we could change it and very few have ever tried. In thinking this entire situation through, I've decided that even though I may only be one person, this kind of change must start somewhere.
Politics and elections are not worth the people we intentionally hurt and it's certainly not worth the friends I've lost, the conversations, laughs and lunches we've missed out on and of course, the stressful days and endless nights of sleep deprivation. Well that, I'm kind of anxious to forget.
That being said, I am informing everyone of my resignation from Senator Tenorio's Office. To my friends in the media: Phill Leon Guerrero will take care of any requests from the office and for campaign purposes, I'm sure you all have my best friend Troy's number stored on your phones. (Sorry guys, you know I love you)
Senator Tenorio, Senator Calvo, the girls I've had the privilege to get to know and now love with all my heart, and all the brilliant people in the Calvo-Tenorio Team: I'm sorry for my abrupt exit, but I must be honest and admit that I've no longer the fire to fight this fight. I am even more sorry for any glitches this may bring the campaign. But this is what I loved most about the Calvo-Tenorio Team. An honest, good group of people, grounded in the vision for a better Guam. Your creative energy, work ethic, vibrance and honesty will get you through this and the long year ahead. I know you will find someone even crazier to replace me.
It has been my honor and my privilege to work with each of you. If I'm not studying, writing or trotting the globe in search of my next adventure, I'll be out enjoying this island of ours. I think we all should be enjoying life just a little bit more.
All my sincerity, humility and wishes for peace within,
Natalie J. Quinata
***Bernadette, Jac, Adrienne, Char Calip and my dear friend Carlo:
We've hurt each other for far too long and I concede. I really did mean every word I said and I will pray double time that forgiveness among all of us will come sooner than later.
snat*
And *Harry... thank you for showing me the better way;)
"The truth... is rarely pure, and never simple." ow.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Could Gay Marriage already be legal?
Attorney Howard Trapp claims a law passed in the !4th Guam Legislature could mean same sex marriage is already legal on Guam
He cites GCA 2-§2106 (b)
SOURCE: GC§ 1103.
§ 2106. Equal Rights for Women.
(a) The Legislature finds that the proposed "Equal Rights Amendment"
to the United States Constitution whereby women are to be treated under
law equally with men is an appropriate expression of law that should apply
to Guam, but also finds that even if such amendment is ratified by the
necessary number of States, it is not at all clear that the provisions thereof
will apply to Guam,since not all of the U. S. Constitution so applies and the
proposed amendment itself speaks only of a "State."The Legislature has
therefore determined to enact as local law the provisions of the proposed
amendment.
(b) Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged on
account of sex. All laws, rules, regulations and executive orders with the
force of law which are inconsistent with this section are hereby repealed to
the extent of such inconsistency.
Monday, October 19, 2009
New medical marijuana policy issued - Yahoo! News
New medical marijuana policy issued - Yahoo! News:
New medical marijuana policy issued
Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws.
The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.
Fourteen states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
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