Monday, May 31, 2010

Are teens in need of etiquette lessons in school? - MENGCHAO

Base on the article posted on Stomp on 21 December 2009, It is about teens behaving like hooligans and places feet on bus stop seats. I feel that the teens there are being very inconsiderate to the people around them especially where there are elderly around. Teens nowadays lack culture and some schools do not provide social etiquette lessons in school therefore teens has the mentality and mindset that they own the world not caring about others around them.

However, not all teens lack of social etiquette lessons. For example, in the MRT, teens would allow elderly folks to take their place instead. Not all teens lack of etiquette as some are responsible.

In Conclusion, I think that most of the teens need of etiquette lessons in school because as times goes by, more and more teens would disrespect their elderly. Teens needs to learn etiquette lessons in school as in the future, they would be able to cultivate a good lifestyle and set good examples for their kids and for the next generation of youths.

DONE BY MENG CHAO [104606E]

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

To be completely honest, i can't live without facebook. Funny as it seems, but it is true. Everytime the topic facebook comes across, my friends would always direct it to me because i'm known to visit facebook 24/7. Yes, its addictive to some. Facebook is like a drug for me. Once you try it out, you can't go back. But, i managed to control myself one way or another.

So, what is facebook? Facebook is a form of social networking. Its the same as friendster, twitter, myspace and etc. There are many features in facebook. Status column, profiles, groups and etc. What i find most interesting are the oh so creatively titled groups. I bet most people tend to go to facebook just to join the groups. Groups created are not just for miscellaneous purpose but a fraction of the groups has its own objectives. However, some of the objectives are not acceptable to some. Take for example the group called 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day'. Just because of this page, facebook are to be banned in Pakistan. As a Muslim myself, sketches of Mohammed are considered an act of blasphemy to my religion. We believe in him as much  as others believe in their own religion. So why must there be such a group be created? It is not just rude but disrespectful. With such example, i believe that people who creates such groups should think twice before doing so. This kind of situation didn't just occur once, but it has occured before to other countries.

In all, facebook has its pros and cons. Each of us has our own perspective of facebook be it good or bad. As for me, i feel that facebook is good. It allows us to socialize with others. But sometimes, i feel that it needs improvement in such a way that their pros outweigh their cons. Therefore, good or no good, ban or no ban, i will still use facebook.

Done by: Farah Diana (103231S)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Facebook Banned in Pakistan- Yuan Qi [102830Y]

Just like anywhere else in the world, in Pakistan, Facebook is home to its local celebrities, small and famous – including former President Pervez Musharraf who has used it as a platform to reach out to his supporters to further his political propaganda. The whole country is addicted to Facebook which has spawned a culture of its own, with fashion designers and aspiring artists using the social networking platform as a marketing tool, even tagging pictures as a full time activity.

But all these has come to an end, until May 31, at least. The Pakistan High Court has ordered Facebook to be banned over the outrage of a Facebook page called “Everybody Draw Mohammad Day”. The page started as a good natured jibe to the religious extremist group in the country. It has created a large fan-base with numerous submissions of their holy prophet drawn in various forms of art all in good humor. However this act of drawing their most holy prophet in wild sketches and cartoons was still seen as a blasphemy by many, but Facebook has turned a deaf ear to their protests. This has then prompted the government to act.

What has gone wrong? Looking deeper into the issue, we are seeing how technology has changed our way of living. In the past, we have only one real life – a life where we talk with our friends and gossip about the latest happenings over a cup of tea. Many now also have a second life – a virtual life where we live on online platforms connected to thousands and millions of other people. In this virtual world which offers a choice of anonymity to its netizen, some have been living recklessly without any thoughts on the consequences of their actions.

The virtual world created by Facebook has allowed many to enjoy the freedom of expression, but what if this privilege is being abused - knowingly or unknowingly? We have grown more tolerant of crude languages and pictures of people being posted nude online, but what if the picture that we see is a schematic diagram of a bio-chemical bomb, with the step-by-step guide to make one in your backyard? Facebook have to realize that they are not just a corporation whose main aim is to make money. As a provider of the massive networking platform where millions meet each day, they have to also ensure adequate check and balances are in place so that people do not abuse their freedom online. Every country has its police force to ensure law and order so that its citizens can live without fear of getting harmed. Likewise, Facebook as an online nation have to also enforce its guidelines to ensure any errant behavior is being corrected before it explodes into something tragic.

Other than Facebook, everybody has to do their part too. People need to respect cultures and religions and be sensitive over the contents that they share. Saying someone is as stupid as a cow may be funny among the Chinese, but it becomes an insult when spoken in front of a Hindu. Also we need to learn to abide by rules and guidelines. People need to understand that rules are there not to restrict our freedom, but is there to ensure that our freedom gets protected. Ultimately, there can be no freedom without rules.

Done by Yuan Qi [102830Y]

Monday, May 24, 2010

Nowadays, everybody live and breathe facebook. It seems like the hippest thing right now, if you see someone using their computer there is a high chance that he has logged on to his facebook account. However, I do find that there is an irony. Facebook supposedly is a social network; its main motive is to bring all colors, country and religion people together. But the truth is, is people more sociable than ever, and is they more friendlily to strangers?
I believe that having a facebook, do have its good and bad point. People could upload pictures for friends to view or chat online anywhere, anyhow, anytime as long as there is internet connection. It create convince for one to check what the others have been up to lately. The problem is that people are too busy ‘updating’ their account and status on facebook, that they neglect the people beside them.
Honestly, I feel that facebook is not the problem. The problem lies with the people that use them and how they choose to use them. A person could choose to use it wisely and spent adequate amount of time on it. Be aware of what you are posting online, before causing an online uproar. For example, posing on sensitive issues like religion and races. One should be considerate and not forget to care for the people around them.
Done by:Theresa Lee(103573T)

Friday, May 21, 2010

Effective writing skills - Facebook banned in Pakistan

Facebook is a public webpage where people connect socially. It has grown over the years and people have been using it as a form of communication. Recently, there has been a case at Pakistan where facebook was banned because of religious issues. There was a group created called “ Draw Mohammed Day” The group encourages people to draw or sketch a picture of Prophet Mohammed who is the highest prophet in the religion Islam.

Many people uses facebook for different purposes. Some use it to connect with their friends, while some country like Australia ruled that facebook is a valid protocol to serve court notices to defendants. It is believed to be the world’s first legal judgement that defines a summons posted on facebook as legal binding.

I think that Facebook can be both good and bad in some ways. For example, It is bad because it can be targeted to certain audience and would cause outrage if it is regarding something sensitive like Religious issues. Anyone and everyone can view the facebook page and news can be spread throughout. While it also can be good for people spreading news online or doing a survey. Many people would be able to take note of it within seconds after posting if they are online.

Done by CHIA MENG CHAO [ 104606E ]

Monday, May 17, 2010

Social etiquette of Smart phones: Where do we draw the line?
Just look around and we will realize that owning an iphone or even a blackberry is a common social phenomena. Try walking around asking people what these two devices are, and will be nearly impossible to find someone who does not recognize either gadget. However, the question is that does a person know how to use it wisely and not affect others, or it is just too much for them or even others to handle.
Due to technology, the functions of a phone grew increasingly. From a phone which could only make phone calls, it is common now for a phone to surf the net with just a touch of a button. Nonetheless, new communications technology creates a "double-edged sword”. For example, these gadgets allow people to exchange ideas electronically faster and easier. But constantly tapping of the keypad can be every bit as much if not more distracting than talking and it is also pretty insulting to the speaker. It erodes the boundaries between home and office. Adults can now do their work at home due to the convenience. Hence this will cause them to spend lesser time with their family. Teens would also lose focus on their studies as they could now log on to “Facebook” with just a tap of the button anywhere, anyhow and anytime. When the elders are talking to them, they might shut them out, eyes and mind fixed only onto the small screen. Basic manners that were instilling from young are all lost now. A mother and daughter might go out shopping together but with no form of interaction. This is due to the daughter constant “tweeting” and do not have any “spare” time to even speak to her mother. Just take a train ride or a bus and you will be able to see what I meant. Soon these gadgets might “steal” all of our manners even before we realize it. Hence, use it wisely and spare a thought for others as everyone deserve respect.
Done by:Theresa Lee(103573T)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Smartphones.

Wherever you are, be it in the train or bus or even walking to somewhere, there will always be someone holding onto a phone. No, not just a phone; a smartphone. Take for example, the iphone. I mean come on, iphone is practically taking over our society. How could one small gadget have a large impact on someone's lives? Simple. The influence of technology.

Smartphones are no ordinary phones. They go beyond that. Whether you’re researching news to predict the stock market or looking for the shoes to match with your top, you’ll find it on the net.Many smartphones allow us to sync with our desktop computer. This means you can store, view, and work on documents directly on your handheld. You can also receive and respond to emails as they arrive in your inbox on your home computer with real-time push email. With the large memory space stored in your smartphone, tonnes of applications are eveready just to fulfill your entertainment pleasure. Even i am impressed by the functions of a smartphone.

But despite the oh so advanced in technolgy of the smartphone, it has basically brainwashed everyone in the basics of a phone. Not to mention, it has also brainwashed everyone out of their etiquette in reality. Nowadays, the smartphone has been overused. Be it at home, journey to sch or even in school, you can see people fixating their eyes on their prized possession; their smartphones. Because of that, they don't realise how they are affecting themselves and others. Take for example; you're in a train, engrossed in the latest application you've just downloaded. Instead of giving ways to passengers who wants to alight, they had to make a whole round just because of someone who pays more attention to a smartphone rather than to the surroundings. Also, it is rude to use your smartphones during conversations. You are not just being rude, but you are being anti-social. True enough?

There may be no way to change one's perspective of a smartphone but there's always a solution to everything.

DONE BY FARAH DIANA 103231S (:

Social Etiquette of Smartphones - Yuan Qi [102830Y]

Smartphones connect us to the world. It virtually connects us to the reality that makes our lives. See some nice food that you like? Take out your phone, snap, then open up the web browser and have it up on Facebook for all your friends to see. Have a gossip to share? Open up your Tweeter application and all your friends around the world will be discussing about it the next moment.

At times, it makes us so immersed with this new virtual world that we get lost and isolated from the real physical world around us.What happens when we get lost? Take a walk around, and it is a common sight to see teenagers holding on to their phone while playing the latest online game and walking oblivious to the people who have to give way to them.

Walk into a lecture room in school and you find students locked in IM chats talking about the boring lectures and the hottest happenings in school. How would you react to a guy who is flashing the latest app on his iphone which makes a woman's boobs go wobbling up and down with the shake of his hands? So where do we draw the line?

Before the situation worsens and we start seeing signs outside of public places showing ''No Smart Phones allowed'' People need to go back to the basics and start to brush up on basic courtesy and social etiquette while using their phones.

I believe when it comes to doing what is right, we just need to follow the simple principle as laid down by an ancient Chinese sage: '' Don't do upon others what you do not what on yourself''. Put the safety of the people around you as priority and respect the audience or speakers by not distracting everyone with the use of your phone.

When you really need to surf the web, it will be polite f you can excuse yourself and do it where it will not disturb others.There is always a time and place to do certain things without bringing inconvenience to others.Not only knowing where to draw the line of using smartphones will bring convenience to others but will also ensure that your reputation as a considerate smartphone user will still be intact.

In this way, everyone gets to benefit as civilisation and technology can grow hand in hand.

DONE BY YUAN QI [ 102830Y ]

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Social Etiquette For Smartphone - Meng Chao [ 104606E ]

Technology has been advancing throughout the years and from the normal hand phones which we use just for communicating evolves to smart phones like the blackberry and iphone which most of us are caught up in. Nowadays phones not only have the sms system, it allows users to have access to the internet anywhere almost instantly. It makes people rely too much on technology till the point where we can’t live without it.

Smart phones are convenient especially for people in the business industry where they would be able to send e-mails, smses and call just by a click on their phone. It is till the extend that the last thing that they see before they sleep would be their phone, and the first thing they see when they wakes up would be their phone as well.

Due to the convenience of the phone, many people would communicate more over the phone through emails and smses. People would gradually lose their communication skills socially. They would not be able to speak with clarity as well as how they speak over emails or smses. Smart phones are also the main cause of distraction to people of all age. Being it in the lecture theatres, classrooms or even during meetings people are always seen using it.

Therefore, I think that smart phones like the iphone and blackberry have been a good invention but it is to be used with consideration and not use it on inappropriate times.

DONE BY CHIA MENG CHAO [ 104606E ]

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The one

Hi everyone! Welcome to factassignment.blogspot.com

Our first topic is.... *drum rolls*


SOCIAL ETIQUETTE OF SMARTPHONES, WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE?
Write in about 200-300 words
Deadline: 17 May

Group blog with individual postings
Please ensure your name clearly indicated with each post.