Self Reflection

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) continues to have more and more of an impact on our lives. This has definitely been true for me. I have become accustomed to CMC because it has always been available for me to use. This class has allowed me to analyze my CMC habits, and I have come to find that while I may be a bit too dependent on my cell phone, CMC is secondary to more traditional means of communication to me, and I do not rely solely on CMC.
One of the class’s first assignments was to fast from all text messaging, social networking, and instant messaging. I was afraid of what I might discover about myself, and my dependence on CMC because I tend to feel like a part of my body is missing if I don’t have my cell phone. However, as the week progressed, I found that not checking my Facebook, texting my boyfriend, or putting up an away message on my buddy list wasn’t that hard. Not using these mediums was a bit inconvenient, but I was pleasantly surprised at my self discipline.
Overall, this class allowed me to evaluate my CMC use by learning about different habits, behaviors, and even addictions when it comes to CMC. I don’t think that I have reason to change my CMC use because it has not been a problem for me, but now that I am more educated about all of the advantages and disadvantages of being involved in CMC, I am more aware of my own style of communication.

Attractive Corpse

Today, there are websites for absolutely everything. During class, we discussed some of the wide variety of discussion forums, online communities, gaming sites, other media networks, and more. While there are clear benefits to having such an endless variety of online locations and services, some websites such as these are not so positive. Allowing for such extensive freedom and anonymous self expression can have some negative results as well.
I recently discovered a website called attractivecorpse.com. This unusual site is dedicated to assisting suicidal people with the planning of their death. The site describes its services as a wide range of ways to help their “clients” to leave a good and lasting impression through their suicide. The site actually charges for assisting with suicide location, fashion and make-up consultation, suicide note editing, photography, and choosing a method of suicide. It also features specials for couple suicides, and discounts for those who reserve their suicide date in advance during the “busy holiday season.” The site openly discusses their ability to meet their clients’ death wishes, and refuse to assist anyone who is not sincere in their suicidal desires.
While the site claims that it does not intend to glorify or promote suicide, it prides itself on charging the suicidal to assist them in killing themselves and making them look good in death. The site admits to having upset the grieving families of the suicidal, but strangely offers their condolences. I am surprised that a site centered on suicide continues to exist. I am a firm believer in the freedom of speech, but assisting a suicide is unethical. I found the site to be odd in the way they openly discuss suicide in a positive light and promote their morbid services with photos and discounts. I do not agree with what this site does, but it goes to show that there really is a website for anything.