There is a lot that has changed when it comes to media and the way information is recieved by the mass public.  Over fifty years ago the only way to see a new movie was in the theatres. The only way to listen to a song was on the radio, or your cassette or cd player.  The only way to go shopping was to actually GO shopping.  Nowe, with the advent of computers and the rapid progression they have been through, you can now sit in front of a screen and manage your entire life without even looking outside. 
   There are positives and negatives to this, and no matter how you look at it, there is no wrong way to handle things.  There are just a few more risks you are taking, or a few more dollars in the gas tank. 


   The first thing people should be aware of is identity theft. In order to handle banking online, or shop for anything online, you have to put your information into a system.  Over the years this system has become more secure and there are now ways to protect yourself.  Theft however, still is, and always will be, something that people need to be cognisant of if they are going to use a computer to handle their information. The Federal Trade Commission has created a page to help out individuals who are dealing with identity theft, as well as listing tips and instructions on how to safeguard yourself and your family from becoming a victim.  On this page they say that your identity can be used for basically anything, including medical assistance.  If this is not avoided it is very possible that somebody could spend years resolving complications that could affect their credit, careers, or home situations. 
  http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft


     New media has made it very easy to save money and time on a daily basis.  The first thing to be aware of is identity theft, but if you are careful it is very beneficial for errands that would have in the past meant gas money and running all over the city.  Where before shopping and banking meant being out all day, you can now just turn on your computer and do it all while you are cooking dinner.  In an article on investopedia.com, they say that consumers have started to do shopping online more because there are more sales and it is easier to manage time.
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/buy-sell-online.asp


   Another big issue that has risen from new media and the internet is cyber bullying.  The creation of chat rooms and social media has also created an opportunity for people, especially preteens and teenagers, to fall victim to verbal abuse or make bad decisions due to peer pressure. This of course has and always will be something society needs to be aware of, but now that kids can be connected outside of the classroom and playground, there is less supervision and more scheming that goes on.  Children will conspire to do reckless activities or use cyberspace to gang up on a peer. Bullying Statistics, a website dedicated on prevention and awareness of cyberbullying goes through and explains that half of the teenage population has fallen victim to some sort of bullying through eother social media, text messaging, or degrading pictures.  The website lists ways that parents and teens together can prevent this from happening. 
 http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html.

   Being a big new media user I do know that in order to use all of the new ways technology has evolved you need to be very aware of the lack of privacy you are allowing for your life.  While it does not always seem like it is a big deal, and a lot of times, people are not expecting things to come back in a negative manner,  it can and does come back to haunt you when you least expect it.  CNN posted an article about the controversy of olympic athletes due to social media.  For everything from halloween pictures to the admittance of marijuana use, their are now strict rules that olympic trainers make their athletes follow in an effort to maintain the stature that the Olympic Games hold.  While a decade ago you heard mostly the success story of an athlete, you can now see how they act on a daily basis.  This takes away from the hero element, as well as the credibility of the athlete.  Michael Phelps can tell you all about that.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/02/living/olympics-scandal-twitter-photos/.

   For business, new media has been a huge benefit.  The amount of sales and publicity has definitely improved since online coupons and ads came around.  The best way for a company to take advantage of the internet is through mobile devices according to localvox.com.  In an article on small business statistics, the amount of people who use their phone to accommodate their life is rising substantially each year and has become a very lucrative way to reach out to consumers. 
 http://localvox.com/local-online-marketing-blog/marketing-resources-case-studies/small-business-marketing-statistics/.


   The convenience of new media has helped spread news rapidly, making citizens feel much more involved with worldly news.  Newspapers are now online, as well as chat rooms and social media websites that can put information into circulation the second it is known.  When you connect to the internet you have connected to the entire world, all you have to do is click and read. http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/ has a plethera of online newspapers listed, helping to narrow down the search for relevant information.


   For students, or people who are trying to become students, the internet has made it possible to get a degree without ever leaving your couch.  Online colleges have become more and more common, making it possible for a busy person to further their education without having to compromise their daily lifestyles.  Nathan Heller, a blogger, says that not only does online classes help the student, it also manages over crowding and financial issues that colleges face.
 http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/05/20/130520fa_fact_heller


   In regards to convenience in the work place, new media has made it the norm to be able to handle tasks on a daily basis.  Instead of sending out individual letters you can now just send an email.  It is also much easier to organize information and keep information separated. For example, a paralegal can now access a clients file and add or remove information without having to search in a file cabinet or read through handwriting that is indistinguishable.  If you want to start your own business it is also much easier and more common.  There are now ways to start your own website, organize your finances and accept money from consumers.  Paypal is one of the more common ways individuals take payments.
https://www.paypal.com/


  New media has helped politicians, as well as hurt them, in ways that were not possible before.  Now, with the use of cameras, phones, and social media, there is the capability of capturing a moment and showing it to the world in a matter of seconds.  This has been proven time and time again.  George Bush is a very big victim of this happening.  You can watch all of his silly mistakes in one shot through YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE59vpev-xU


   The last thing I am going to talk about is the importance of separating yourself from social media.  It has become very easy to stay connected at all times with facebook, twitter, youtube, and other websites.  This can be a good thing, It can give you a break when you are overwhelmed, or keep you up to date on all the latest gossip from your favorite television show.  The problem is that people have started using these sites to kill time every second of their day.  People are losing the ability to just sit back and ponder.  We are losing the ability to do nothing and be okay with it.  Marcella Brooks, in an article on the website, The Collegian recommends staying off social media when you are bored.  In her article it is said that social media has become an addiction. Bill Genereux, an associate engineering technology professor, says that he enjoys the time he takes to himself.  It gives him a chance to meditate and stay connected to his own being, not just the world around him.
http://www.kstatecollegian.com/2013/10/22/everything-in-moderation-technology-culture-promotes-addiction/


Thank you for taking the time to read my blog on 10 things to be aware of with new media.  I hope you can find some useful information.  Now get off the computer and go ponder life.