21A - Reading Reflection No. 2

Cognitive Surplus by Clay Shirky

1.What was the general theme or argument of the book?

The general theme of the book Cognitive Surplus is that we need to use our time more wisely. The internet, TV, and social media is consuming people’s lives in a negative way. Shirky talks about how we need to use technology to benefit society, change the world, and for civic value.

2. How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

In this class, I have learned a whole lot about how to manage my time. Time management is so important every day and sometimes I catch myself binge watching Netflix for hours. This book really explains how important it is to use your time and the technology around you for something important and meaningful. Since starting this class, I have learned to manage my time and use my technology to my advantage. For the first time ever, I have networked with people that can benefit myself and my future career through the internet. I use technology to video chat, talk, interview, and get information from people around the Country.

3.If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

My exercise would include two steps. The first step would be to require all of my students to not watch any TV or go on any social media for 24 hours. This means no social media or TV watching on their phones, computers, I-pads or any other technology they may own. I am choosing the small-time frame of 24 hours because I know if I were to ask for longer, people would lie about doing it and I feel 24 hours is a reasonable and doable time frame. After the 24 hours, I would make my students answer a serious of questions relating to what they did over those 24 hours. Like how much school work did they get done, did they do anything they normally didn’t (like go workout, read a book, or hang with friends). After they answered these questions I would make them reflect on their findings and hopefully they come to the conclusion of how much more productive they are without using technology as a distraction.

Second step, would be to get them to experience technology and social media in a new way. I would require them to reach out to someone they admire over social media or to see how many comments or feedback they get over a really important topic. I’m not really sure exactly what I would do, but I would come up with a way to prove how powerful using your time and technology in a positive way is and how it can change the world.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

I think what surprised me the most about Cognitive Surplus, was how wrong I was about social media, technology as a whole, and how important using your time really is in this world. Growing up, I have always viewed social media in more of a negative way. I see it as a place that people judge you and criticize every part of you. Yes, I do have social media accounts and post on them occasionally. I myself don’t get any “negative” comments, but I feel like people judge me anyway. I feel as if I see so many negative things on social media and It has really clouded my judgement. I have also read so many articles and have seen so many posts about how technology and social media is ruining and consuming lives. However, after reading this book I realize how much technology and social media can help the greater good. How it’s not about getting rid of social media, it’s about changing the way people use it. Shirky taught me that you can use technology and social media in a positive way.