Changing the Internet in Japan

The Japanese government is proposing a new law that will affect the Internet in Japan. This week’s article provides information about what the law will do and how it will change Internet use in Japan. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and expresses your views.

How much influence do you think the new law will have on Internet use in Japan? Do you agree with the government’s position or with the critics of the new law? Why do you feel that way? If you were an Internet user in Japan, how would you deal with the changes that this law will make? What do you think about the mobile-services filtering that is already in place in Japan?

Japan Article

Facebook: Checking Out Isn’t Easy

You have probably seen Facebook, the social networking site. You may even have a profile there. Have you thought about what happens when you want to delete your profile? This week’s article discusses the experiences that some people have had when they tried to delete their accounts. Go to the links below and read the articles. They have similar, but slightly different information. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and expresses your opinion about the topic.

Do you know anyone who tried to delete their Facebook account and experienced the “bug” in the system? Was the office manager’s reaction appropriate? Should Facebook create a one-step "delete account" button, instead of using the form that they now have? Comment on Facebook’s use of Beacon. Should people have privacy concerns about using Facebook?

Facebook Article 1
Facebook Article 2

Google Tests Video Ads

It seems that almost everyone uses Google. Their system works well and people seem to get the results that they want. Google makes its money through advertising. The ads that we see when we search generally do not interfere with the process and are not obvious. This week’s article is about how that is going to change. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and expresses your opinion about the topic.

Is it wrong for Google to change the format of its advertising? What sorts of things are appropriate for Google to include in its advertisements? Google introduced universal search last year. Can you think of an example of its effect that you have seen? Look at the comments below the article. Do you agree with people’s reactions? Will you stop using Google if the format of their advertising changes?

Google Article

Dating Sites Compete for Users

Online dating sites have been around for some time. Our article this week looks at how they have fared over time and influences that have affected them. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and expresses your opinion about the topic.

How do you feel about the idea of online dating? Is an online dating service something that you would consider trying when you are an adult? What concerns should people have about this sort of service? What do you think of Match.com’s tactic to get women to participate? Do you think that social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are taking business away from Internet dating sites?

Internet Dating Article

Microsoft Bids Billions for Yahoo

Microsoft has announced plans to make a bid to purchase Yahoo. This week’s article looks at the reason for Microsoft’s effort to acquire Yahoo and the implications that this merger would have. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and shows your understanding of the article.

Microsoft’s bid to take over Yahoo is considered hostile. If you were in Jerry Yang’s position, what would you do? Should Microsoft be allowed to purchase Yahoo? Should the government get involved with antitrust concerns about this merger and other mergers of large companies? If the merger does take place, how do you think it will affect searching and online advertising?

Microsoft Article