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Ironically, I’m still thinking about what you said that day.
For the past year, I’ve been getting myself into knowing people. The internet is full of wonders and there’s a place for everyone, even me, who was never good at this whole socializing… thing. Six years ago, I wouldn’t think I would have more relationships than I could count with my fingers. I didn’t even have a phone, and I was sixteen. But now I worry I’m not going to be able to keep up with my socials. That sounds so stupid, and it is completely beyond my understanding how I came to sound like a popular person… which begs the question: do I have lots of friends or am I just having multiple superficial, short term relationships? Or alternatively: how do time, space, shyness and sincerity work on the internet.
Time works very differently in virtual spaces. You already know the running gag of a meme or a trend dying a week after it becomes viral, but I’m not writing about that. I’m writing about the vertiginous speed at which you might be forgotten; not as a trend or as an influencer, but as a person. As a face. The weather changes quite fast in online chats, and people come and go as they please. And on that note, having a deep conversation with an anonymous account in a public forum is a strange experience, you feel both naked and accepted, both vulnerable and understood. That’s a friend you make and miss at the blink of an eye. Once, a person on those forums told me the most comforting words I needed to hear at that time: write who you are. Doing that made me able to self-reflect and find myself when I was deeply lost. I could never thank them, because, as I said, the rain is heavy and the sound is muffled. You never know when the other has left, or if they ever heard you in the first place.
It can also pull the strings of space, both closer and further away. I remember the spring of 2018. I went to Sweden and made three friends who all liked Homestuck; now, for the past years, I’ve managed to still talk to them through my phone. Isn’t that awesome.
And cliché.
So far yet so close, so close yet so far. And even then, there’s an impossible distance that eludes every metric. I’m talking about coldness. You see, even if we have everyone at the palm of our hand, we might not be able to talk to them sometimes. We have places to be and other people to meet, not to mention activities we like to do alone. Meanwhile, an ice wall seems to be rising between you and the other. Relationships get cold quickly. Or maybe that’s just me. “It would be too weird to call them now” “Does he even remember me?” “What do I talk about?” I have these questions because I worry I’ll be rejected. Fear of rejection: one of the most present on the internet, because fictional space means distance is made up too, which is a good thing since you can block anyone that hurts you, but a bad thing since anyone can marginalize you as well. Conclusively, we have full agency in what near and far mean; that’s both empowering and frightening.
Following the last train of thought, I see anonymity as a boundary in public space very few communication media have. Anonymity; this monster that seems to have shadowed all internet discussion. Let’s get this out of the way first, anonymity only exists as a concept. Even if you can fake an identity, there are parts of your true self that are impossible to hide. If you choose not to show your face, your voice still expresses who you are. If you express yourself only by text, your writing style informs of a surprising number of distinguishable features that make you up. Secondly, I’ve learned that being anonymous isn’t necessarily harmful. By one side, there’s those who use it to shield themselves for real-life consequences of spreading hate. By the other, however, and since you choose what is known of you, there’s the more general population that use it to be themselves while also being safe—they can be hurt psychologically, but never physically.
As expected of a place where people have control over the boundaries between the private and the public, people here show more honesty than elsewhere. No one can judge your body, your voice, or even your nationality if you don’t let them. Your personality alone may speak without fear.
Even then, coldness is still unavoidable.
Aristotle—sorry to pull this guy out of his grave, I’m a philosophy student and can’t help to do constant parallels—Aristotle wrote about friendship in terms of a space that surpasses another. That means you and I are not friends because we go to the same school, but because we want to meet later at the park. This, in online relationships, translates to “we are not friends because we play the same game or talk in the same forum, but because we call each other in Discord later”. Although there’s a joy in playing games with certain people, they aren’t always our authentic friends; the ground between gaming-buddies and friends is misty. This is why I met so many people, but not as many friends along the way. Most people I discussed this with had the same experience of finding interesting folk while playing a game, growing emotional investment toward them, and abruptly seeing them disappear like they never existed. So coldness is unavoidable, because when you face the uncertainty of the future, when fear of loss crawls by your back, it’s really hard not to build a shelter made of the thickest ice around your heart; not to escape having hopes, so you can’t have them crushed either.
I got myself into knowing people on the internet thinking it would be easier, but ultimately friendship is the same wherever you find it. Time seems to fly faster, but people come and go, so have fun while you can and cry when it’s over. Distance is fictional, but you don’t need to stay anywhere, be it here or in real life, if it makes you feel uncomfortable. And sure, this conception of virtuality comes in part from exploring it, and in part out of my own biases. There are things you might relate to that are ultimately subjective: this place is immense, its people, diverse... its "weather", strange. Everyone follows a different path. And ironically, I’m still thinking about what you, apparently a stranger, said that day.
You told me about the snow in Finland and the solitude of snowflakes, about friends long-lost and the impossibility of time. About cookies, both in a browser and in the oven; about humans, both stupid and wishful. Morning routines, favorite candy, nail ideas, the sun in Australia, the cliffs of Norway. We shared poems and songs, and I listened to your troubles and you listened to mine. All of these voices I’ll remember and consider my friends. Even if I lose them in the digital space, my arms will always be open to them, and to any kind stranger.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a digital landscape woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From smart thermostats that adjust our home's temperature automatically to wearable fitness trackers that monitor our health, IoT devices make our lives more convenient and efficient. However, this convenience comes with a potential downside: cybersecurity risks. In this article, we'll break down the challenges posed by IoT and discuss how to protect these connected devices, all in plain language.
Picture this: you have a smart fridge that tells you when you're running low on milk and a smart lock that lets you unlock your front door with your phone. These devices connect to the internet, and that's where the trouble begins. Unlike your computer or smartphone, many IoT devices lack strong security measures. This makes them prime targets for hackers looking to sneak into your digital life.
When hackers breach an IoT device, they could steal your personal data or use the device to gain access to your whole network. Imagine if someone could open your front door remotely or monitor your private conversations through a compromised baby monitor. That's the nightmare IoT security aims to prevent.
To keep your IoT devices safe, follow these steps:
Strong Authentication: Device manufacturers must make sure only authorized people can access these gadgets. They do this by using things like fingerprints or special codes, so hackers can't just waltz in.
Regular Updates: You know how your smartphone asks you to update its software? IoT devices need those updates too. These updates fix security holes and keep your gadgets safe from prying eyes.
Encrypted Communication: When your IoT devices talk to the internet, they should use a secret code (encryption) to keep their conversations private. Just like you wouldn't want anyone listening to your phone calls, you don't want hackers eavesdropping on your devices' chats.
Network Segmentation: Imagine if your house had different sections with separate locks. That's what network segmentation does for your digital world. It separates your IoT devices from your important stuff, making it harder for hackers to sneak in.
Stay up-to-date with these important things:
More Vulnerabilities: The more IoT devices out there, the more ways hackers can try to get in. So, be aware of the latest security issues and take steps to protect your devices.
Botnet Threats: Hackers use groups of compromised devices (botnets) to launch attacks. Make sure your devices have strong passwords and are updated to avoid becoming a part of these cyber armies.
Data Privacy: Be mindful of what data your IoT devices collect about you. Read their privacy policies, be cautious when granting permissions, and consider how your data is used.
Supply Chain Security: Buy your IoT devices from trusted sources. There have been cases where tampered devices ended up in unsuspecting hands.
Regulatory Measures: Keep an eye on government rules about IoT security. These rules can help protect you and your devices.
In our interconnected world, the security of IoT devices is essential. By following these steps and staying informed, you can enjoy the benefits of smart technology while keeping your digital life safe from prying eyes and cyber threats.
In today's fast-paced digital age, the world of education is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to Augmented Reality (AR). This cutting-edge technology is reshaping the way students learn, making education more captivating and effective than ever before. In this article, we'll explore how Augmented Reality is revolutionizing education by creating immersive, interactive learning experiences that engage students in a whole new way.
At its core, Augmented Reality adds a layer of digital content onto the real world. Students can access this digital layer through AR-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR headsets, turning traditional lessons into engaging adventures.
Imagine studying biology by taking a journey inside the human body. With AR, students can explore organs and systems in a dynamic, lifelike manner. This immersive experience sparks curiosity and ignites their imagination, making learning enjoyable and unforgettable.
AR bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Students can conduct virtual experiments, design virtual structures, and perform chemistry experiments safely. This hands-on approach enhances practical skills and deepens understanding.
AR tailors learning experiences to each student's unique needs and style. By adjusting content and difficulty levels, AR applications provide targeted support and challenges. This individualized approach boosts engagement, motivation, and academic performance.
AR encourages collaboration among students. Virtual group projects, interactive quizzes, and AR games promote teamwork and problem-solving skills. By exploring together, students learn from each other, creating a supportive learning environment.
AR makes education more accessible and inclusive. It provides additional visual and auditory cues for students with special needs, accommodating various learning styles. This ensures that every student can actively participate and benefit from the educational content.
AR transforms language learning. Students can engage in virtual conversations, practice vocabulary in context, and explore foreign cultures in immersive ways. This interactive approach enhances language acquisition and fluency.
Numerous studies show AR's positive impact on learning outcomes. Students using AR technologies perform better academically and retain information longer. AR enhances spatial understanding and problem-solving skills, as reported by Stanford University.
AR opens doors to global experiences. Students can virtually explore different cultures, landmarks, and historical sites. This global perspective fosters cultural understanding, broadens horizons, and promotes interconnectedness in our increasingly globalized world.
AR revolutionizes assessments. Instead of rote memorization, students engage in interactive, practical assessments. They solve AR-based puzzles, complete virtual experiments, and showcase their understanding through creative projects, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.
Augmented Reality is reshaping education, making it more engaging, inclusive, and effective. By embracing AR's capabilities, educators are sparking curiosity, promoting collaboration, and preparing students for the ever-changing world. As technology advances, it's crucial for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to embrace Augmented Reality and integrate it into education, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped for success.