Deresiewicz argues that the contemporary self wants to be recognized, that we become real to ourselves by being seen by others. Technology is taking away our privacy and concentration. Most younger people view the idea of being alone as uncomfortable. I know when I'm all by myself for a long period of time I'll text some friends to feel less alone. The internet has allowed isolated people to be connected. With the loss of solitude the author argues that we lose introspection. I disagree. I examine myself daily, often when I am laying in bed at night. The author says solitude isn't easy but I think it is easy to be alone if you want to be. The last thing he says is solitude isn't polite. I will agree with this. If your off sitting by yourself or staying home on the weekends people will start to wonder why your not friendly. It may not have anything to do with friendliness but rather a personal preference for being alone.
Discussion Questions:
1. With less solitude and less introspection, what do we lose from that?
2. Does being alone make you uncomfortable? or is it nice at times?
The Chronicle review of the article
psychology article about the end of solitude

Siegel explains participatory culture as a characteristic of Web 2.0. It allows for a lot more capturing and sharing of content for a richer experience. He also relates it to the idea of democracy. People have creativity through which they can express themselves through the use of social media, blogs, discussion forums, and picture/video sharing. Instead of telling someone about a joke you can send them the clip of it. Web 2.0 also allows for new ways to communicate with others and share common interests. Freedom to say and post what you want also relates to democracy, however, it can be negative and harmful to others.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does Web 2.0 and participatory culture allow for anyone to be heard?
2. How is participatory culture and Web 2.0 beneficial to society? harmful?
Participatory culture and the democratization of information
boredatbaker.com

Jackson talks about multitasking and cognitive switching in this chapter. With all the technology around us we are doing a lot more than just one thing at a time. I often watch TV while doing some homework or have Facebook up while reading. Jackson gives the example of molly and how she acts when then tv is on while doing other things. With some phone companies you can surf the web on your cell while in the middle of a call in order to schedule a reservation or settle an argument. We often enjoy being distracted and interrupted to satisfy our attention spans and need for entertainment. Multitasking often leads to more shallow engagement in each activity in which they are participating.
Discussion Questions:
1. More people are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD is this due to better detection methods or new media causing these problems?
2. When is multitasking beneficial and when is it harmful?
cognitive costs of multitasking
multitasking's effect on productivity
multitasking could be bad for your brain

There is anxiety surrounding the integration of new media into the home and people are concerned about independence, separation, and autonomy of teenagers. Parents play a crucial role in monitoring online activities. They now have more areas to worry about since kids have access more freely. Parents worry that their kids spend too much time online and worry about what they do with that time. I have witnessed new media causing separation where everyone is watching a different show or all on their phones, but it can also bring bonding when the whole family is playing a game on the Wii.
Discussion Questions:
1. To what extent should parents monitor their children's media activity?
2. In what ways does technology hinder family bonding times? promote it?
New media family article
social media's effect on kids
effects of internet on family dynamics

Intimacy has changed due to the advances of media. Teens have developed new ways to use new media for dating and other romantic pursuits. Traditional dating practices are on the decline. Texting is often done all throughout the day to keep tabs when you are not with a person and even used to get to know somebody. Peoples relationships can be very public like the one Ito talks about on Myspace. Facebook often cues others in to relationships and people know if it's serious/real or not by whether it is "Facebook Official". People even show their affection through social media and texting. I personally do not like to display these types of behaviors because I feel a personal relationship should be kept personal.
Discussion questions:
1. Does new media have a positive or negative effect on personal relationships?
2. Is intimacy expressed on social media less genuine?
Do displays of affection on social media reflect a happy relationship
Social media killing personal relationships