Because of the ever-connected nature of the Internet, 21st century media has the opportunity to be dynamic, iterative and fluid in real-time. Posts on social media can be edited, collaborative documents can be edited by multiple parties simultaneously and even live-stream functions have incorporated comments from the viewing audience. The ubiquity of content iteration also carries over to the world of gaming. This week, we return to our “For Non-Gamers” series and welcome Tom Loughney to discuss downloadable content (DLC) in gaming. Because of modern connectivity, developers are able to add content (including missions, costumes and bug-fixes) to games after the fixed release date. How might consumers react if book chapters were released after a book was published? In what ways does DLC represent a chance for developers to extract as much profit as they can? Would a hard rule on the deadline of a media product produce more “complete” products without the safety net that DLC can provide?
Episode 134: Casting Technological Judgment
In various areas of our lives and spheres of our society, choice and freedom lead to diverse identities and communities. In the contexts of technology and brand identity, the choices we make can lead to very strong sentiments of allegiance and potential hostility towards those with different persuasions. History shows us various conflicts along these lines in the realms of religion, politics and geographic difference, but what about modern technological allegiances? This week, we welcome Jack Zellweger to discuss the phenomenon of “technological judgment”. How and why do we criticize those who use different software and hardware than us? In what ways to we internalize these arguments as statements on relative progress or stagnation? How might we better capitalize on these distinct communities to better appreciate different approaches to technology?
Episode 133: Proactivity in Friendship
Numerous cultural and societal fixtures encourage us to seize the day, to reach for what is ours and to trust in the engines of our ambitions. This mentality may benefit us in certain circumstances, but in the realm of developing social connections, the rules change. We are compelled to strike a balance with the friendships we hope to encourage. Too much honesty can scare some away while a more aloof approach may communicate disinterest. But the burden of pursuing and maintaining such a relationship does not always fall evenly. This week we welcome Olivia Sabik to discuss the value of proactivity in friendship. Are certain friends more likely to slip into the "driving" role of a friendship? To what extent does distance impede proactive behaviors? And ultimately, are we allowed to approach those we feel could be more even in maintaining the social responsibility of friendship?
Episode 132: "I Love You"
“I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way.”
Especially around and after Valentine's Day, it's worth reexamining our cultural definitions of love, how we express it and how we relate to it. In particular, the phrase "I love you" has various connotations and contexts tied to its utterance. It seems to represent gentle, almost habitual moments but also the dramatic, life-or-death circumstances depicted in romantic cinema and literature. It can be said in platonic, romantic and even euphoric circumstances. So this week, we welcome Anna Gomez to talk about how we use this phrase, what we might reduce or obscure in the process and what its cultural functions are. Do we overuse or misuse the phrase in any way? Has it become an emotional substitute for more complicated feelings? We would also like to thank Mark Ashin, Richard Pera, Charlotte Graham and Megan Carr for their written contributions to this episode.
Episode 131: The Path of Objectivity in Journalism
In our respective attempts to understand the world and societies in which we live, many of us turn to journalism and the narratives it helps convey. Some stories illuminate hidden details about our communities while others clarify obscurities surrounding our leaders and icons. But when looking for stories and journalists we find reliable, objectivity becomes key. Can we trust that a story is "fair" if it involves sensitive information and arguments? Does fairness mean equal representation or the acknowledgment of a biased perspective? This week we welcome Gabe Brison-Trezise to discuss his thoughts on the subject. How are journalists required to balance objectivity and gripping stories? How do economic concerns regarding journalism factor in?
