Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
1001 Words is Worth More Than a Picture
References:
http://images.google.com
http://oels.byu.edu/student/idioms/proverbs/a_pic_thousand_words.html
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Modern Technology Fuels Conspiracy Theories
Every day people observe the world around them. From the moment we wake up to the minute we fall asleep, the mind is constantly learning and interpreting what we view. We draw conclusions and perceptions of reality and form our lives accordingly. And what one person sees may be the complete opposite of what another person sees, even if they view the same occurrence. This leads people to challenge one another and their opposing views. Conspiracy theories are a very good example of this. Hoaxes and reality alike spark debate to find the truth, and perceptions are used to sift through wayward ideas in order to determine the facts.
With today’s modern technology, this “sifting process” becomes complicated. Videos, photos, and editing technology can now be used to accurately reflect virtually anything the mind can dream up. But at the same time, the advanced technology can be used to accurately portray visual evidence. Without pictures, Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster would only be folktales. Hard evidence makes it much more difficult to refute conspiracy theories.
Although the imagination plays a large role in conspiracy theories, modern technology has its place. As Arthur C. Clarke’s third law states, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” (quotationspage.com). Basically, when people don’t understand something, they use terms such as magic to describe it. Even basic principles such as electricity, fire, and gravity appeared supernatural and magical to those who couldn’t explain them. Over time, these things that can’t be explained finally reach a logical and scientific conclusion. For example, a piece of rope and a wooden board can be used to flatten crops into near-perfect circles and designs (wikihow.com). Before I learned of this method, I was convinced that crop circles were real because I personally couldn’t explain how it could be done (even though it’s fairly simple). These days, it can also be easily done by using an aerial photo and Photoshop.
Technology can also be used to disprove conspiracy theories. A popular conspiracy theory that is still around today is the moon landing hoax. Some people still believe that the moon landing was taped in a Hollywood basement and that we never went to the moon at all. But with a little knowledge of cameras, NASA history, basic physics and a little common sense, all moon landing hoax theories can be debunked (braeunig.us).
In conclusion, perception can be a very powerful influence. We choose what to believe and what to disregard as reality. The popularity of conspiracy theories thrives on seeing only one side of the story and modern technology fuels the adage that “seeing is believing”.
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Arthur_C._Clarke/
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Crop-Circle#Things_You.27ll_Need
http://www.braeunig.us/space/hoax.htm
With today’s modern technology, this “sifting process” becomes complicated. Videos, photos, and editing technology can now be used to accurately reflect virtually anything the mind can dream up. But at the same time, the advanced technology can be used to accurately portray visual evidence. Without pictures, Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster would only be folktales. Hard evidence makes it much more difficult to refute conspiracy theories.
Although the imagination plays a large role in conspiracy theories, modern technology has its place. As Arthur C. Clarke’s third law states, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” (quotationspage.com). Basically, when people don’t understand something, they use terms such as magic to describe it. Even basic principles such as electricity, fire, and gravity appeared supernatural and magical to those who couldn’t explain them. Over time, these things that can’t be explained finally reach a logical and scientific conclusion. For example, a piece of rope and a wooden board can be used to flatten crops into near-perfect circles and designs (wikihow.com). Before I learned of this method, I was convinced that crop circles were real because I personally couldn’t explain how it could be done (even though it’s fairly simple). These days, it can also be easily done by using an aerial photo and Photoshop.
Technology can also be used to disprove conspiracy theories. A popular conspiracy theory that is still around today is the moon landing hoax. Some people still believe that the moon landing was taped in a Hollywood basement and that we never went to the moon at all. But with a little knowledge of cameras, NASA history, basic physics and a little common sense, all moon landing hoax theories can be debunked (braeunig.us).
In conclusion, perception can be a very powerful influence. We choose what to believe and what to disregard as reality. The popularity of conspiracy theories thrives on seeing only one side of the story and modern technology fuels the adage that “seeing is believing”.
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Arthur_C._Clarke/
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Crop-Circle#Things_You.27ll_Need
http://www.braeunig.us/space/hoax.htm
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