Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Facebook and Self Esteem


Facebook is often maligned for being a threat to personal privacy, a drain on productivity or, unless you’re careful, a roadblock to college admissions. It’s not very often we hear about the positive effects of Mark Zuckerberg’s social network. But a new study finds that Facebook can affect us for the better in one important way: how we feel about ourselves.
Researchers at Cornell University have found that a well-groomed Facebook profiles can act as a sort of mirror where users only see themselves as “the fairest of them all,” which, of course, results in a boost to self-esteem.
For the study, Cornell researchers placed 63 students in front of computers in the university's Social Media Lab. Some of those computers displayed the participants Facebook profiles, some were turned off and some had a (real) mirror propped in front of them. Those that had the Facebook page were only allowed to look at their profile and its associated content.
After three minutes, the students were given a questionnaire to measure how their experiences affected their self-esteem. The control group and those with the mirrors showed no rise in self-esteem. However, those who had computers displaying their Facebook profiles reported a rise in self-esteem. Students who went ahead and edited their profiles reported the highest boost in self-esteem.
“Unlike a mirror, which reminds us of who we really are and may have a negative effect on self-esteem if that image does match with our ideal, Facebook can show a positive version of ourselves,” said Jeffrey Hancock, associate professor of communication at Cornell University, in a press release. “We’re not saying that it’s a deceptive version of self, but it’s a positive one.”
Whether it be flattering photos or a sense of belonging, researchers aren’t sure exactly what it is about Facebook that brings about the good feelings, but say they will continue examining the different aspects of Facebook in hopes of discovering where the secret to self-esteem lies.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

iPad 2


The iPad 2 is coming soon, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal that said the next-generation device is currently in production.
Citing "people familiar with the matter" the new slimmer, lighter iPad will include a faster processor, a camera, and more memory. The resolution of the display, however, won't get much of an upgrade from the existing model, the report said.
The fact that the iPad 2 is coming isn't groundbreaking news, however. Apple has a pretty consistent history of sticking to a one-year update cycle for many of its products. The first iPad hit stores last April, so it could be logically assumed that the new version is on its way.
The Apple rumor mill has a history of prolific, unconfirmed reports. Last week a "Reuters eyewitness" claimed to spot the new iPad at the launch of News Corp.'s iPad-only newspaper, The Daily.
iPad accessory makers have also fueled the rumor fire, with several companies churning out cases that have features like an opening for a camera (which the current iPad lacks) or a space for a larger speaker. But as as PC Mag noted recently, these reports should be taken with a grain of salt. Apple rarely, if ever, comments on rumors. Not surprisingly, an Apple spokesperson declined to comment on the WSJ report.
The iPad has been the dominant tablet on the market, selling 14.8 million units in the nine months since its release, according to Apple. iPad sales made up 17 percent of Apple's revenue in the last quarter, totaling $4.6 billion, the company recently said in an earnings report.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chevrolet 2011 Camaro SS Convertible

Ever since my parents bought a Pontiac G6 Hard Top Convertible I haven't been too crazy about convertibles in general. I tend to like small, quick cars as opposed to large and bulky, which is seemingly what the Camaro has been and will be. I dislike convertibles because being in the back seat is terrible, my experience has been with only two doors, which is what the Camaro is, and we've had terrible trouble with our soft top we had, and with the hard top control mechanism. Some specs of the 2011 Camaro Convertible - 6 Speed Manual @ 426HP. 0-60 is 4.9 seconds. The base models will run you $37,500 and up. I like the look of the car, but I don't like the price tag and interior of it. Like mustangs, I believe that the Camaro is cheap inside with hard plastics that easily scratch. The convertible is currently a soft top which I believe truly looks ugly when up, making it not a daily driver if you live anywhere with snow. My opinion on this car is that while it has substantial power, without the top down it doesn't look sleek and the price is ridiculous.

New Blog!

Today I decided I would give blogging a try! *Claps* I've never done anything like this, and am looking for a way to be more creative in writing. I decided to stick to two of the areas I know best as far as content goes, cars and technology. A little about myself, I live in CT, I'm a senior in High School, I love my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse and everything about technology.   I'd like to jump right in to posting, with a little bit of my views on the new 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.