Social Media, Web 2.0 & this thing called "Technology"

I find it humorous to sit back and look at the extent to which technology influences my life on a daily basis. Now, I am not referring to technology such as my fridge, car or electricity. I specifically am interested by voluntary technologies that I organize and dictate my life by. Recently my girlfriend said to me "get off the computer, why are you always on that thing anyways"? This made me begin to consider the effects that certain technologies (SMS, PDA's, Web 2.0, Social Media) have on society and the level of their acceptance and implementation amongst different genders and generations. In fact, this has become the thesis for a paper I am writing this semester.

Regardless, what set the ball in motion was when I sat down and outlined the "technologies" that keep me up and running. In fact, if all of these were to disappear in one simple moment, I believe I would just stare blankly into space wondering what to do next. Well, I think I could figure it out, but it would be such a change from the past 10+ years of my life that it would not come easily. The following is a simple outline of what I use daily, and how I use it. This is my inspiration for my paper.

Microsoft Outlook - This replaced my paper calendar three years ago and I've never looked back. Having it on my laptop at all times, and being able to invite attendees and have constant reminders of where I have to be make it an essential part of my day. It's also nice to have my daily tasks managed right inside it, and receive my e-mail. This program is almost never closed on my trusty HP Laptop.

Blackberry Pearl - This hands down was the most addicting toy I have ever bought myself. Although I've only had it a month, it has completely changed my life. In fact, I rarely find myself needing to bring my laptop around since I can answer e-mails, look up information and get in contact with everyone I know. On top of that, it complemented Outlook perfectly which eliminated carrying my laptop in tow. The one click synchronization of all my daily events lets me always know where I have to be and when.

Apple iPod - I still remember the day I coughed up $700CDN to own a 1st generation 10GB iPod. I've since owned a shuffle and a 30GB iPod Video. Having music with me at all times, plus the ability to take large files and watch videos has made countless hours in airports, planes, buses and trains seem like nothing. I'm currently waiting for the iPod Touch to have a major revision before I take the plunge on it.

Memory Key - School work used to be centralized on my laptop. Then I had to transfer files to my desktop to print, or take my laptop places to work on files. Instead, I just use a trusty 2GB memory key. I keep all my school work on it so no matter what computer I am on, I always have the most up to date versions of my assignments. Perfect!

Facebook - Now we get into some of the social media and web 2.0 sites that keep me coming back to my Laptop. Like everyone, Facebook plays a major part in my online life. Although it used to be fun to browse walls, and look for friends, I now find it to be an essential part of organizing my social life and discovering what is going on. It's easily replaced e-mails, phone calls and text messages as the easy way to arrange a fun night. Set up an event, send it to whoever, and voila.

Flickr - Another pivotal site in my daily life. Having been a pro member for almost two years now, Flickr ensures that wherever I go I have access to my photos. Also, if I ever happened to loose the hard copies (digital hard copies) then I have them backed up. It's also perfect for sharing photos with friends and family. The one issue I have with it is that it's basic account is severely limited. Still, once you go pro, this site is excellent and worth every penny.

Twitter - This is my newest Web 2.0 site that I have integrated into my daily life. Although it honestly serves no real purpose to me, I find it fascinating to update throughout the day letting the world know where I've been and what I've been doing. It is also a nice touch for the blog to keep some content always changing.

Blogger - I started designing web sites when I was 10 years old. I'm now 22. I still find using an install of Blogger easier to manage my blog than spending any time customizing my own. Mainly out of laziness. Still, it provides me with everything I need to have a fully functioning blog since my coding skills are stuck back in 2002.

Youtube - This is everyones dirty little secret. Who has not spent an entire Saturday browsing videos of dutch kid's singing pop songs, babies laughing, people whining about their lives and watching music videos.

Traineo / Fitday.com -These two sites have been crucial to my weight loss goals. In fact, I feel like plugging that I am down 14lbs in the past 9 days! Regardless, these two sites allow me to get support, keep logs, and constantly remind myself that I am one day closer to my goals.

Netvibes -I only discovered Netvibes a week ago and it already has taken over my homepage. It simultaneously gives me important information from Facebook, access to my Twitter, Flickr and Youtube accounts. It also brings me breaking news from all my favorite sources and does so in an easy to use way. This is quickly becoming my favorite "web site".

What I find most interesting is that with all of these, I don't even find my laptop to be as essential as it was a short year ago. They have allowed me to take my essentials everywhere I go, and have them accessed at the drop of a hat. Overall they all take a small portion of my day, but also allow me to live the life I want. My girlfriend might never understand how I could spend 15 minutes logging food into my Fitday Journal, but it keeps me going.