Assignment 21A- Reading Reflection No.2

“Cognitive Surplus”, Clay Shirky

1.     The general theme of the book was that we have a vast amount of time available that could be used to put towards productive and useful projects, yet we are using that time participating in passive activities like watching television. Although there is still passive use of technology, like watching television, people are now combining it with active participation, and these online communications, according to Shirky, are changing the world.

2.     This book connected with what we learn in ENT3003 because this class is all about creativity and finding an opportunity and looking for a way to solve it. That means our time is focusing on actually creating and enhancing useful products that will actually improve our lives. In this class we are dedicating our time to analyzing our opportunity and enhancing our solution for each assignment rather than watching TV or constantly being on social media, which are both unproductive.

3.     If I were to create an assignment that was to go along with this book it would involve really going in depth of how technology can actually be positive rather than just negative in our coming society. Each student would have to interview three other people. In these interviews they will ask questions involving how they use social media productively. And if they believe more of their time is spent using it productively rather than for no purpose. They will then be able to reflect to discuss how even though there can be downsides to wasting time on technology, now a days active participation I social media can actually lead to the spread of new ideas and productivity.

4.     One thing I found surprising in this book was the different case studies that Shirky shared, especially the one about the South Korean teenage girls who actually used social media to spark a protest that was actually more effective than the traditional media PR machine. This just shows how social media is becoming a large part in our lives that can actually be positive and helpful, rather than negative and distracting. Using as a social media as an outlet to share ideas or obtain information can really help and further anyone in the future when it comes to the business world.