CYBER HACKTIVISM

Hacktivism is the act of hacking, or breaking into a computer system, for a politically or socially motivated purpose. The individual who performs an act of hacktivism is said to be a hacktivist. (Margaret Rouse, 2017)

A good example of early hacktivism is “Worms Against Nuclear Killers (WANK),” a computer worm that anti-nuclear activists in Australia unleashed into the networks of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the US Department of Energy in 1989 to protest the launch of a shuttle which carried radioactive plutonium. (D. Denning, 2015) The term “hacktivism” was coined that same year by the Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc), an organization which also gave birth to Hacktivismo, an international group of hackers and other protesters dedicated to the advancement of human rights. Rather than launching cyber-attacks, Hacktivismo used their programming skills to develop software tools to support free speech and privacy.  (D. Denning, 2015)

Anonymous – 

An unorganized collective of activists and hackers known for wearing Guy Fawkes masks and their use of an image of a man in a suit with a “?” for his head. Anonymous emerged in 2003, but it did not enter the public spotlight until 2008 when the group launched Project Chanology to protest efforts by the Church of Scientology to censor a video of the actor Tom Cruise praising the church. Since then, Anonymous, along with its related offshoots and regional and local affiliates have been responsible for thousands of cyber-attacks worldwide. They have conducted operations against governments, companies, churches, terrorists, drug dealers, and pedophiles. They have also partnered with other hacktivists in large-scale operations. Since 2013, Anonymous has participated in yearly operations against Israel on April 7 to protest Israeli actions against the Palestinian people. In 2014, the operation, dubbed #OpIsraeliBirthday, involved over twenty other groups, including AnonGhost; the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), the Afghan Cyber Army, the Gaza Hacker Team, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters, Anonymous Syria, Anonymous Jordan, and Anonymous Lebanon. Cyber operations against Israel have also generated counter-actions from groups such as the Israeli Elite Force. (D. Denning, 2015)

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Denning, D. (2017). The Rise of Hacktivism | . Journal.georgetown.edu. Retrieved 11 August 2017, from http://journal.georgetown.edu/the-rise-of-hacktivism/

What is hacktivism? – Definition from WhatIs.com. (2017). SearchSecurity. Retrieved 11 August 2017, from http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/hacktivism

WEEK 6: CYBER ACTIVISM

What is CYBERACTIVISM?

Cyberactivism is the process of using Internet-based socializing and communication techniques to create, operate and manage activism of any type. It allows any individual or organization to utilize social networks and other online technologies to reach and gather followers, broadcast messages and progress a cause or movement. Cyberactivism is also known as Internet activism, online activism, digital activism, online organizing, electronic advocacy, e-campaigning and e-activism. Cyberactivism’s basic working principle is similar to standard physical activism: to initiate a citizen-based movement toward a specific goal, cause or objective. Cyberactivism uses social networking tools and platforms to share and broadcast mottos and messages, and to interact with netizens. These platforms include Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and other popular and niche social networks, along with email, instant messaging (IM) and other online collaboration tools. (Techopedia, 2017)

Depending on the cause or need of the e-activist, cyberactivism can be used for various purposes, such as awareness creation, gathering and organizing followers and initiating reactions. For example, e-activists use e-petitions digitally signed by a number of followers before they are sent to government and legislative authorities. (Techopedia, 2017)

Examples of CYBERACTIVISM:

Anti-fur Coalition “Fur Free” – The video, which features a woman searching in a fur bag for her cell phone and pulling out a heart and innards serves as a gory reality check for viewers. Fur clothing and accessories were once living creatures. (O’Neill, 2010)

Amnesty International “Russian Dolls” – created to denounce and spread the word about human rights violations in Russia. The clip features Russian Babushka dolls riddled with blood, dressed as censored press and crying. (O’Neill, 2010)

Greenpeace “Have a Break?” – Greenpeace released a video to spread the word that Nestle, the maker of Kit Kat, was using palm oil purchased from companies that are destroying the Indonesian rainforest and pushing orangutans towards extinction. The video, which features a guy opening a Kit Kat at work, pulling out an orangutan finger and taking a bite, shocked hundreds of thousands of viewers. (O’Neill, 2010)

In todays culture we respond to the digital world more and more. Cyber Activism successfully harnesses this fact and simple gets things done. Im all for the Cyber Activists out there, making incredible information known to the masses.

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What is Cyberactivism? – Definition from Techopedia. (2017). Techopedia.com. Retrieved 11 August 2017, from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/27973/cyberactivism

Anti-fur Coalition “Fur Free” Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLx-TcsijM&w=560&h=315%5D

Amnesty International “Russian Dolls” Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5c_C9Ug_J8&w=560&h=315

Greenpeace “Have a Break?” Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaJjPRwExO8&w=560&h=315

Live it or Capture it. Social Media and Experiences.

This in class activity was very interesting, simple questions yet so much information. I know my own reasons for being obsessed with applications like Instagram and Snapchat for recording moments and memories but never thought how others felt. You can tell in your friendship groups those who love a selfie or have something to prove from their personal feeds. I asked 6 questions and the survey took on average a minute to complete. I had 79 responses in a 36 hour period and here are the results.

By the data collected its a very close race with both Facebook and Snapchat holding 30.4%. By the closeness of the results i would suggest most people have all 4 of these applications and use them simultaneously.

I was quite surprised from my friendship group/people i reached out to to complete this survey due to the 48% in Only on specific occasions. I have seen the feeds of people who completed and this suggests they simply have a lot of occasions to document.

Throwbacks are now thing #tbt is trending. Its a social media birth. I myself would be in the 27% with only for throwbacks as i rarely check my old feeds. Was pleasantly surprised with how many people recheck their photos and videos. Makes capturing moment and not fully living them worth it.

This response is self explanatory. We all are guilty of taking the outfit or squad picture at events like festivals but we tend to live in the moment these days as the people we want to share that memory with are generally there. The need to document comes from a social contrast of impressing people or showing your inner social butterfly.

I was quite surprised with zero responses for Social Acceptance either no one feels this way or they didn’t answer truthfully. Would an anonymous response have changed these details? For the memories at 59% but does this mean the initial moment was lost?

The development of filters and editing abilities is for the soul reason to improve ourselves physically and our photos but for what? Social acceptance and to live up to a particular image.

All in all i feel the group i had targeted were mainly around my age as well as family friends. This group takes photos for themselves, videos to relive memories and has a strong belief in personal happiness not that of others. Their feeds are specific and memorable.

*Link to Survey*

 

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ME

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve dabbled in multiple Social Media platforms and tested the waters. My rank of Apps;

#1 Instagram

#2 Snapchat

#3 Facebook

#4 Youtube

Since the creation of Instagram and Snapchat i find myself using Facebook less frequently as i personally enjoy sharing images and random fleeting moments over trying to describe and emotion or feeling through a wall post. I could be described as an Insta-whore as i post if not daily multiple times. A number of these photos are intact selfies but who would i be if not to post a selfie in todays digital world #2k17.

I feel social media and networking is incredibly important to myself being a creative learner and explorer. I have produced a small Fashion Collection and label for myself that i began on Instagram and Facebook and in a small blog. Without these platforms i wouldn’t have been able to advertise and thus sell some of my pieces. That would be my biggest social media achievement.

On the other hand are a long list of regrets, i won’t mention them all as some aren’t made for an in class blog (yes, let your imagination wander.. but not too far). We have all sent a photo we regret even on snap its hard to totally believe that photo is gone forever or if you get that illusive notification saying ‘blah blah took a screenshot’ and you simply die little inside followed by a raging reply to delete said snap. At that point its out of our control, thats terrifying.

Family on Facebook or Instagram keeps me wary of what i post. Most of the time i forget and post a typical drunken photo, somewhat exposing pic or a girls gone wild video, thank the lucky stars my family are generally pretty accepting of me, all of me; minus the lecture i may receive from mum (its okay its just her duty as a mother, she’s still cool).

My experience in the  Social Media/Networking world has been overall positive. Ive been able to keep in touch with friends i met on a Contiki Tour in Europe who are spread all over Australia and internationally, led me to one romantic relationship (unfortunately that didn’t last long, maybe saying something) and allowed me to express myself in a way i never knew before. I have grown as a person and become more confident in myself.

What i post is for me only me.

Wonderfull and confidence boosting comments and likes are just a bonus.

“People are not hooked on YouTube, Twitter or Facebook but on each other. Tools and services come and go; what is constant is our human urge to share.”
― Alfred Hermida, 2014

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Alfred Hermida, Tell Everyone: Why We Share and Why It Matters October 14th 2014

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

The Social Network

noun

1. 1.

   a network of social interactions and personal relationships.
   2.

   a dedicated website or other application which enables users to communicate with each other by posting information, comments, messages, images, etc. (Google Define, 2017)

Social Media

noun

1. websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. (Google Define, 2017)

The two are very similar and certainly intertwining. I believe there is a difference as Social Networking would focus more on professional building of relationships or even emotional connections/friendships. I feel Social Media is a series of platforms that allows individual expression and sharing of life’s moment through text, image or videos not only to friends but to a larger community of fellow creatives or general people. Social Media is the platform Social network/ing is the activity.

LinkedIn is a Social networking platform focused on building relationships and contact books specifically for professional expression and advancement.

Facebook, Instagram, and sites like Myspace have allowed thought, image and video sharing. They also allow a personalised profile and or feed. The information is selective and can be held as public or private.

The Social network/media affects almost every sector of our lives.

Politics and Public Service: Twitter is a huge platform that has allowed the thoughts and feeling over the average joe blow to get that information directly to delegates or representatives. A simple tweet or a controversial thought can be seen by millions and can gain result or get a movement started. (Ula Nera, para. 3 2017)

Marketing and Advertising: Small business particularly can now reach the masses and compete. Todays generation spends on average in Australia 8 Hours on social media of all forms a day so why not advertise for free not to mention online. Companies would be mad not to. Facebook is used a lot by business for free media. (Ula Nera, para. 3 2017)

Relationships: We as a human race are so focused on getting an education to get a job to afford the price of living today that relationships fall at the way side. If you don’t find the one in high school or work or uni then when do you have the time? Certainly not going to find someone in Surfers Paradise on a Saturday i can tell you that I’ve tried. So online we go, just like everything else. Apps such as Tinder and Plenty of Fish allow for casual hook ups of long term relationships. It also allows us to be more confident and the person we want to be online.

Career Progression: LinkedIn specifically is a Social networking platform focused on building relationships and contact books specifically for professional expression and advancement.

Honestly answer this question, Without Social Networking or Social Media platforms where would the world be today? Where would you be today?

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Google Define: The Social Network, Google Definitions https://www.google.com.au/#q=define+social+netwrok

Google Define: Social Media, Google Definitions https://www.google.com.au/#q=define+social+media

What is Social Networking? By Ula Nera para 2 – 3. February 1st 2017 Khttp://www.whatissocialnetworking.com/networkschangedworld.html

WEEK 4: EVOLUTION OF THE WEB

The Web or better known Internet has revolutionised the world. It has given birth to next level digital communication. The creation of the Internet has led to political, social, and digital advancement that wasn’t known before.

‘The first work on the internet began back in 1969 as part of a United States military funded research project. It wasn’t actually called “the internet” until 1984 when just 1,000 hosts at university and corporate labs successfully linked, but by 1998, 50 million people were using the internet, which was supported by 25 million servers. It took another 11 years for the internet to reach 1 billion users in 2009, but just three years later in 2012, the global internet population topped 2.1 billion people. Today, more than 2.7 billion people are using the internet around the world, which equates to 47% of the world’s population.’ (Susan Gunelius, 2013)

The history of the Web/Internet is a long and complicated one. Below is a video I have included that simplifies the most important parts in the creation of what the Internet has become today.

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The History of the Internet [Infographic] by Susan Gunelius.  Jun 26, 2013. Featured Post, Research & Statistics. Sourced: https://aci.info/2013/06/26/the-history-of-the-internet-infographic/

Video Sourced: https://youtu.be/h8K49dD52WA

A BREIF HISTORY OF INSTAGRAM

Instagram quickly became one of the worlds most downloaded and used photo sharing applications. It gave birth to a new species in society, the Instafamous blogger. Not only did it allow people to capture and share moments in their day to day life it allowed those images to be edited or filtered in the same application and everyone was now an experienced photographer in their own right.

My own usage of Instagram has taken over my use of Facebook. The new Story feature surely has a battle on its hand with Snapchat. The application has continued to grow to compete heavily with the mass market that is Social Media.

Heres my timeline of important events during the creation and growth of Instagram.

https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/1559322

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References:

• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/technology-video/12064686/Rise-of-a-tech-giant-the-history-of-Instagram.html ‘Rise of a Tech Giant’ By Brooke Streatfield, 23 Dec 2015
• http://internetbusiness-howto.com/brief-history-of-instagram ‘Brief History of Instagram’ by Andre W. Klein Aug 31, 2015 

HIGH TECH LOW LIFE. AM I BEING CYBERPUNKED?

Neyon Dystopia describes Cyberpunk as ‘Cyberpunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that features advanced science and technology in an urban, dystopian future.  On one side you have powerful mega-corporations and private security forces, and on the other you have the dark and gritty underworld of illegal trade, gangs, drugs, and vice.  In between all of this is politics, corruption, and social upheaval.’ (“What is Cyberpunk?”, n.d.)

Multiple movies have become world wide hits based on this Cyberpunk Idea and genre boom. Blade Runner 1982, The Matrix 1999 and more recently Ghost In The Shell 2016.

Aesthetically, Cyberpunk often borrows from the film-noir detective genre, but with vivid splashes of electronic neons and proliferation of wildly sci-fi technologies. Cybernetically-enhanced humans coexist with their unaugmented brethren, but a looming sense of foreboding hangs above everyone; a Cyberpunk world, if not already in full-scale urban warfare, is always on the brink of one revolution or another. Finally, Cyberpunk is empowering to outcasts, misfits, minorities, and other people who are so often characterized as “less than.” In Cyberpunk, anyone can be powerful, as long as their computer software is up to date. (Screen Rant, 2017)

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13 Best Cyberpunk Movies Of All Time. (2016). Screen Rant. Retrieved 10 August 2017, from http://screenrant.com/greatest-cyberpunk-movies-ever-all-time-best/

What is Cyberpunk?. neon dystopia. Retrieved from https://www.neondystopia.com/what-is-cyberpunk/

Image Retrieved: https://goo.gl/images/K7FTMj

CYBERNETICS – MAN AND THE MACHINE

Is it now Man and Machine, is the need for Man alone obsolete?

I look at Cybernetics as the control system in both man and machine and the communication between the two. Cyborgs are a futurist ideal presented first in the film industry. They are an organism that has both artificial and natural systems. Movies such as I-Robot represent the application of man and machine together in one body and one world, not without a few glitches along the way.

Norbet Wiener published the book CYBERNETICS in which he defined cybernetics as “the science of control and communications in the animal and machine.” This definition relates cybernetics closely with the theory of automatic control and also with physiology, particularly the physiology of the nervous system. For instance, a “controller” might be the human brain, which might receive signals from a “monitor” (the eyes) regarding the distance between a reaching hand and an object to be picked up. The information sent by the monitor to the controller is called feedback, and on the basis of this feedback the controller might issue instructions to bring the observed behaviour (the reach of the hand) closer to the desired behaviour (the picking up of the object). Indeed, some of the earliest work done in cybernetics was the study of control rules by which human action takes place, with the goal of constructing artificial limbs that could be tied in with the brain. (Cybernetics, 2017)

Can machines do the jobs man do better then us? Is human error eliminated or is the high chance of technical error worth the risk?

 

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cybernetics. (2017). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 10 August 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/cybernetics

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE… IN CYBER SPACE

Cyberspace refers to the virtual computer world, and more specifically, is an electronic medium used to form a global computer network to facilitate online communication. It is a large computer network made up of many worldwide computer networks that employ TCP/IP protocol to aid in communication and data exchange activities.

Its alit morbid but heres an idea; Cyber Space when your dead.

We all leave this world one way or another, but what are we leaving behind. This large tangled web of information, photos, details and memories/experiences from out lives are left behind floating in Cyberspace. This information is forever a memory of us. When you actually think about it there is a Cyber version of who you are sprawled out for everyone to know and experience.

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What is Cyberspace? – Definition from Techopedia. (2017). Techopedia.com. Retrieved 2 August 2017, from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/2493/cyberspace