Googley goo

Isn't it funny how during my last blog post, I wrote about how simple a Google search could be and the digital footprint that I have already left behind? It’s crazy and actually really creepy how you can basically Google anyone and figure out some seriously personal things about them. I would be lying if I said I have not “googled” my friend’s parents just so I could find out their home address and send them a surprise gift. Home address! Just imagine I weren't their friend and just a stalker? Google is terrifyingly informative, and I’m starting to see why people are so concerned about their privacy rights. I remember during my senior year of high school it was so important for me (as well as the rest of my graduating class) to make sure I deleted every possible picture that could be considered harmful, placed all of my accounts on private, just in case college admissions came across my online profiles. Not only was it important at that time, it’s especially encouraged for people my age now to make a good impression through our online presence. Although it may look “cool” to have a picture of you holding up a red solo cup in a crowded sweaty dorm room, it doesn't exactly feel too cool when a hiring professional views that socially offensive image and crosses you off the list of possible employees. I’m definitely a cautious consumer when it comes to keeping my social media private. Professionals may be watching, but so is my mom! 

What is a Darla?

Hello world!

This first blog post serves as yet another addition to my digital foot print along with my graduation speech, tweets, old Facebook statuses and high school records that can be found through a simple Google search. Scary, right? At the moment, I can easily identify myself as a second semester sophomore, 19 year old Asian-American college student from the “cah-pahking” in “hah-vahd yahd” state of Massachusetts. Things that are not considered to be as easily identifiable are my goals, intentions – even hobbies! That is where this class comes into place. As a communications major who hopes to participate in the deep, vast sea of online media, my initial feelings were pure enthusiasm! When I finally decided to settle on Communications, I have been quite eager to take Digital Literacy. Although I couldn't have told you what the course was about prior to our first class, I knew that it was a requirement for my major. I thought, “if Digital Literacy is a requirement, than it definitely must be beneficial for me in my future career” and that was certainly enough to excite me. After completing this course, I hope to gain the knowledge that I have discovered to be missing in times of confusion, uncertainty, and the indescribable frustration of writers block. I hope to strengthen my creativity skills and have the words flow out of me sounding natural and genuine. I hope to set myself apart from all of the other cookie cutters in the online world. Ultimately, I just want to learn how to be cool.