Blogpost 8: Means of Transportation

Everyone wants everything to be fast. With the influence of technology, our means of transportation are being developed. Going back in time, people use horses to travel across the globe. Some of them would just walk to get to their destination. Years later, they invented a simple machine with wheels and still powered and pulled by horses. We can say their getting better because it can accommodate more people and it is sometimes used to travel with goods.

Compared to what we have today, there is a large difference. We can travel without horses. We already have cars, planes, trains and ships. Land, water and air, there are no boundaries. These machines are being powered by engines, which is very common in every vehicle. 

I read the article "Five Future Transportation Technologies that will actually happen" by John Brandon from the site www.foxnews.com. In the article, there are five inventions that are being tested and still being developed. The first one is the Hyperloop, these are automatic trains that can replace the autonomous driving vehicles like cars. This train can speed along 800 miles per hour. It also has a new magnetic rail system that's why it has the ability to gain such speed. Second, the Maglev Trains, some people call it's system as "Magnetic Levitation." People thought that this would be only seen in movies, but Maglev Trains are already working in Japan. In can transport passengers for 310 mph and approximately can take you 200 miles in just 40 minutes. The third one is Autonomous Vehicles, these vehicles are being manipulated by Robots or Programmed Computers. Scientists believe that these are the solution for car accidents. They thought that computers can think and drive way better than humans do. If you are wondering, Google and Lexus are already using them. Fourth, the Smart Cars. These are small cars that solve heavy traffic in different cities. They are smarter and smaller. These are also powered by electricity. Lastly, the Urban Sport Pods. It can only have one passenger but it can take you to any route automatically. It has a touch-screen windows which you can slide through different destinations. 

John Brandon said, “Over the next decade, the Idea of getting work on time, heading out to the hinterlands for your family vacation or even going to the game will become much easier. Cars will drive themselves along pre-determined routes. Trains will use magnetic rail systems. “ We can say that vehicles are really getting advanced. Imagine, they can take you anywhere automatically. Plus, they’re very fast, you’ll never be late. Thanks to tech technology we are able to use this.

I read another article entitled "An Airship The Size of a Football Field Could Revolutionize Travel" by Tuan C. Nguyen from the site www.smithsonian.com. According to the article, Airships are our future in air travel. During 1920's passenger aren't taken to cargo but air lifted instead. People are taken off land through distances across their destinations. Today, Airships are being revived. UK designs this kind of transportation to it's limits. Compared to planes, these are like helicopters, it can lift off vertically. But unlike choppers, these can carry 50 tons of passengers and can take for a week. Some companies are competing just to improve their inventions. Some use it is sports. People say that it's not a blimp. During World War 1, these are called zeppelins and use to carry loads of weapons to transport in different areas. Unlike every vehicles, Airships don't have much problem. Cars have traffic. They also need roads. Trains need tracks and ships need water. Even airplanes need airports. Airship don't struggle like those do and they can also travel to far locations. That's why some scientists are funding this kind of vehicle.

Tuan Nguyen said, "Once aloft, the aircraft can reach a maximum speed about 100 miles per hour. It lands with the help of vectored propulsors, or thrusters that gradually push the ship downwards, reducing the lift by about 25 percent." I think this is the greatest invention we could have, in terms of transportation. You see, traffic is not a problem anymore and it can carry a lot of passengers. We don't even have to spend a lot of effort travelling to far places, instead we could relax inside the vehicle.

In conclusion, problems are being solve when it comes to transportation. We can travel to everywhere we like without getting exhausted and having a smaller risks in accident. Years later, we can already see the progress of every scientists is developing. We could just sit back, relax and acknowledge everything that we are having. 

Blogpost 7: Robots on the move

After years of development, technology created the greatest invention we could have, and these are the Robots. Robots are human-like machines manipulated by human, some are guided by computers. These mechanical inventions are powered by electricity or batteries. Some robots have their sense of intelligence or thought of its own, and some don't. But robots have one trait that every invention has, and that is they don't have feelings.

However, some robots don't look like humans. Many of these were invented just to help humans in some work. Just like in factories, people don't usually do all the work. They only press buttons and let the robots operate and finish their job.

Have you wondered what Robots can do? Well, stop wondering and keep reading. I read the article "Fast building inspection from the air: Quiet flying robots do the work" by Christian Eschmann from the site www.sciencedaily.com. In germany, several buildings need to be renovated. Why? Some of the reasons are because these buildings are getting old, painted walls are starting to get cracked, some parts of the structures are rusty. These are the results of the environmental influences. Since they technology came, workers came up with the idea of inventing something that might help them. They thought that they need something to make them exert lesser effort in maintaining the structures in a good state, inspect every corner with less danger and hazard. With the help of researchers, they created the Aerial Robot.

Compared to the most commonly used methods, this invention was created to simplify inspections around the structures. It moves to detect crack paints, damaged walls, weak joints and crumbling concrete. This aircraft is equipped with high-resolution digital camera that details image of every part of the building. In addition, it is also equipped with sensors to adjust altitudes and gust to avoid colliding with the walls. Since this was a remote controlled aircraft, Christian Eschmann was the man manipulating it. He is a researcher that develops and adapts micro-aircrafts for insoections in the buildings.

"Our micro-airplane are no substitute for experts or a close-up inspection. However, the octocopter accelerates the test procedure and enables permanent monitoring and documentation from the beginning. Design defects and warranty claims can be identified at an early stage, so appropriate repair measures can be taken in time. This means more security for buildings and people," says Eschmann. I am totally amazed by this person, he invented this thing to help his co-workers in the site. I believe that technology really helps us to do a lot of work without getting tired and exhausted. His invention reduced the danger and effort that the workers should have.

I read another article entitled "Scientists Worry Machines may Outsmart Men" by John Markoff from the site www.nytimes.com. Scientists have been debating since robots were invented. They were impressed and alarmed at the same time because these robots acquire several characteristics that may surprise you. The first one is it can open doors and find for outlets that they can charge. Second, they have the ability to create computer viruses and you can't stop them. Lastly, even it is manipulated my human, it still has the ability to kill autonomosly. These are not the only traits they have, in fact there are so much more. Though these acts are really alarming, scientists still want it and still find something that can make it even better. 

The debate countinues until today. Moreover, scientists thought that they are getting off limits and may lead to loss of human control. They even wage war with the customers through phones. Their concern is more about the further advances could create such disruptions and consequences. Some scientists point technology like in the hospitals, these machines interact with patients to feel empathy. They said that it may reach the "cockroach" stage of machine intelligence. Researchers also discussed the possible threats of what Robots can give. For example, if these machines are being developed soon, some criminals may attempt to use it to improve their tactics. Criminals can also use these to gain access to several confidential information that may give them the authority to hack. However, developers are still limiting their production of these inventions so that people won't be having any idea how it works. 

John Markoff said, "Their concern is that further advances could create profound social disruptions and even have dangerous consequences. They focused particular attention on the specter that criminals could exploit artificial intelligence systems as soon as they were developed." I totally agree with him because these things are happening in real life. Some criminals were put into jail for using technology to commit crimes. Computer viruses are also common nowadays, this way, some personal information are being hacked and can be used for against you.

In coonclusion, Robot are being invented not to outsmart man. These tools are used to help us do our work with convenience. We should not worry about what bad things these machines can do, we should put attention on how it improves our living. Let's leave all the worries to scientists and developers, after all they are more knowledgeable than us.

Blogpost 6: Health Issues

Greater inventions are being made through years. We can obviously see how things are getting better and better. Technology continuously amazes us with the things it can and will do. However, we aren't aware that this thing is dangerous as well. Technology gives us things in an instant. It gives us the convenience we seek but it also gives us negative effects in exchange.

Scientists and researchers are studying how to reduce these effects that can harm our health. 

What could be these harmful effects and what should we do about it? I read the article “The 19 Worst Tech-Related Health Risk” by Lara Schwedcherl from the site greatist.com. In this site, there are nineteen specific health risks that may help you and your family in future. Most of them consider the microorganisms that are connected with using cellphones that may cause pimples and other diseases. This site stated that using technology is massively disgusting than going to a gym. Using too much technology can also lead to hearing impairment, decrease of sperm count, neck pain, back pain, headaches, wrist pain, loss of sleep, anxiety, and car accidents that may also lead to death. Furthermore, the most important effect of using too much technology is the effect of radiation our body. For example, it decreases the power that our immune system can do to us. Not only does technology affects our physical health but also our mental health. Using too much social networking cite can lead us to poor interaction with real people. Also, the internet can cause us anxiety. Mentioning this, over sixty percent of people around the world turns to internet or known as “google” to help diagnose their aches and pains. However, we all know that technology is no comparison to people’s work and knowledge. Speaking about this, we all know losing one of our senses is hard to compete with someone who has every senses working. As researchers have said, losing vision will conflict with our knowledge and work because most of the people who are smart have perfect eye sight.

Lara said, “Carpel Tunnel, one of the cause of wrist pain can be caused of excessive typing. Not only does using too much hours using the laptop cause Carpel Tunnel but also losing sight." We should be aware that too much of everything is bad for us. This is why we should be always taking a break every two hours from using the technology.  Did you know that according to scientist, using too much social networking sites can decrease attention span because it may affect brain activity and may lead to attention-deficient disorder that is why we are suggested to hang out with real friends instead.

Doctors team up with scientists to expand their researches on how to improve devices used in health cares. As a result, they came up with better systems. I read the article "How Technology is Transforming Health Care" by Eric Topol from the site health.usnews.com. Based on the article, through today's digital innovations we can monitor a human body. It made us possible to have portable devices that access any medical information. To diagnose and find early prevention for any symptoms we sense. We the help of these advanced inventions, we are able to take tests at home and do multiple tasks. We can also monitor each heartbeat, do blood pressure readings, body temperature and glucose. 

It isn't necessary to consult a doctor, we can provide medications for ourselves. We can have different devices at home to maintain healthy. The government funds professionals to continue their researches. Until now, they are studying to make these things alive and better. They are also looking for possible ways to make these devices cheaper and affordable. The life science industry is one of them, and they are very careful in terms of medicines. They are not only motivated to make effective and affordable drugs. They strive to make things on it finest quality, but their advice is to not abuse it, otherwise it would be very harmful and put you in danger. 

Eric topol said, "Digital innovations have now made it possible for consumers to use portable devices to access their medical information, monitor their vital signs, take tests at home and carry out a wide range of tasks." I totally agree with what is stated, these things made our lives more convenient. Imagine, it is like you have a clinic at your house. You can have different access to your body, maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

As I have said earlier, too much use of technology is a bad thing, just like too much of anything is a bad thing. I know most of the health risk stated in the first cite, I provided, are unbelievable. However, because of excessive use of technology, scientist have come up with a lot of other pains and diseases that can be encountered through excessive use of technology. Carpel tunnel is just one of them. Scientists are not even sure yet of all the effects of radiation to our body. Not only does this diseases and pains risk our life but also our mental stability. This is why my advice to all of you is to need technology and want nature. 

Blogpost 5: Cyberbullying

Knocking you out and stealing your sandwich, this is how they bully before. Since social networking sites are the new place where teens hang out, this is where bullies hang out too! If you think you're safe behind your screens, well, think again. They can, and will still slap the shame out of you. They will hunt you and make your life miserable. Bullies don't care where, as long as you are there. You can run but you can't hide from them. Specially now, social networking sites make the world smaller. And worst, everyone can witness how they make fun of you. But how do they do it? With the use of technology, of course.

Bullying doesn't end. Bullies are everywhere, so be aware! They could be anywhere. I read the article "Cyber-bullying on the Rise" by Jim Gibson from the site www.canada.com. It is stated there that cyberbullying doesn't rely with just fists and cruel tounge. Bullying today is probably effortless now. The internet, the door for bullies. Bullying used to take place at school, but with the internet, everything is unlimited. You can bully everyone for hours, without getting exhausted. It is hard to detect who is the bully now, because you can't see a person face to face in social networking sites. Cyber bullies hide in the internet, why? There is a very less chance that adults would interrupt them. Adults are inactive in using these sites, so social networking sites are most probably populated with teenagers. 

Technology changed the way teenagers interact. Today's children are far more electronically connected. We can all have fun, but some don't notice that they are the object of somebody. Usually, bullying takes place where everyone can see except for the person being bullied. They could intentionally hurt you by teasing, indimidation, rumour or exclusion. They would send funny messages to everyone which you are the subject, making fun of your pictures. Posting unpleasant comments at your photos where everyone can see it. They would also edit your pictures just to look funny and eventually post it. Some people being bullied went viral, and that's really hard. You feel like the world is laughing at you. You can't even go outside or at school because everyone would be teasing you. And for some cases, some people being bullied, end up killing theirselves.

"Kids don't understand it's a public document as soon as it's on the Internet. They don't think it's illegal or can be easily traced" Jim Gibson said. Some kids post everything online and they don't know people are also browsing their profiles. Once an adult notices the bully, that is the time he/she will be in trouble. However, some bullies hide some of their personal information and uses different names for a less chance to know their true identities.

Since cyberbullying is now considered a crime, cyber crime laws in some countries are approved. One of the reasons is because the suicide rate of teenagers increases every year due to cyberbullying. I read the article "Cyberbullying linked to suicidal thoughts in Children" by T.S Blanchard from the site www.theinternational.org. Based on the article, prevelance of cyberbullying is increasing. Growth of suicide rate is strongly linked to cyberbullying than the traditionan face-to-face bullying. Children that are being bullied in the social networking sites are more humiliated because the Internet has wider audience. As a result, more people will laugh and make fun of the person being bullied. 

Comparing to some countries, cyberbullying is not mainstream because social networking sites such as Facebook and twitter are banned, like in Japan. Some countries are not really into computers, so there is a less chance of cyberbullying. However, for countries with advanced technology and active social networkers, there is a large possibility that cyberbullying occur. That is why cyberbullying is considered as a crime, and is punishable.

"As suicides and suicide attempts by teenagers who have been victims of online bullies receive widespread media attention, preventing cyberbullying and protecting the well-being of young people in the era of digital technologies has become more pressing than ever before" Blanchard said. Things are getting complicated nowadays. Cyberbullying can push someone to kill himself. Just because of humiliation in public with a very large amount of audience, children tends to commit suicide. We should be worried in our society. 

In conclusion, we should be aware with the people in social networks. These people could blackmail us or humiliate is in public. Tell kids to be careful of being active in media. The more they are exposed, the chance of being cyberbullied is larger. Ignore someone if they are sending you pictures of people they make fun of or repot them if possible. We should use technology wisely, never use it to hurt someone.