Globalisation and the media: wider issue

Google Glass feature: a case study in Globalisation. - page 31

1) Why was Google Glass controversial?

Google Glass is controversial through some arguing that it will act as a distraction from people engaging with each other and instead being consumed onto a technological development - thus effecting humanity in negative way. In addition to this, there is a strong issue with the concept of "privacy" as the glass could possibly enable people to film others without consent and track a high proportion of what is going on. In addition to film footage, sound is also an extreme issue as the Glass is reported to pick up audio. More importantly, the underlying issue is the fact that Google will be able to see what everybody else sees therefore the product almost adds to the extreme power that the organisation hold already as the consumers of this product will act as mere puppets recording and tracking the world around them for the eyes of those in power. 

2) What are the positive elements to Globalisation that the article highlights?

A positive element of globalisation is the increase in choice and opportunities for people. For instance, the article recognises "Google" to be a tool in starting this as thanks to them audiences were able to go onto the internet for the first time and access extensive amount of information to the convenience of them. 

3) What are potential negatives to Globalisation?

A negative to Google's globalisation is the fact that this is a clear example of one organisations "concentration of ownership" and the lack of hope of other organisations in the global market to compete. This means that the previous amount of space for other organisations to grow is now suffering as Google take up on dominant space on the net, effecting newly emerging organisations. 

4) What is a techno-panic? How does it link to moral panics?

A techno-panic is derived from Stanley Cohen's theory of "moral panics", and it is related to the fears regarding a contemporary technology or technological activity. 

5) What is your opinion on the privacy debate and major corporations being able to access large quantities of personal data?

In my opinion, I think that it is inevitable to run away from the issue of privacy and live your life in the 21st century in complete silence away from being watched or monitored. I don't agree with this and I think it is unfortunate that we, as consumers, leave an e-print everywhere. However, in order for there to be a sense of safety within our society it is a useful element that major corporations can monitor what individuals are doing. Ultimately, one who is a consumer of the internet, social media sites or even Apple technology, would be naive in thinking that their information is completely personal as this is clearly untrue. In relation to Google's new technological "Glass" development, I personally find it to be extensively intrusive and something that I personally wouldn't cave into consuming.