Google’s greatest product would definitely be it’s search engine. We can say this because of the effects Google has had on ourselves and how it has shaped the way we think and gather information.

Nowadays we rely heavily on Google to find the answers we need. We have become a society where Google is the first place we turn to get information, right at our fingertips and in a matter of seconds.

Google has shaped us into a society that wants information right then and there, and google ability to do this for us is the reason why we have become this way, because it is beneficial and easy for us.

Google is a platform that allows us to communicate online with people all around the world. We can share our ideas and gain ideas from others so quickly and easily. Google is a great platform for businesses and marketing, as you can reach a much wider audience. It is also a great all-rounder, for personal use and business use, with everything there for you to access.

What are the stacks?

The stacks consist of the 5 biggest corporations who are associated with many aspects of the internet. These include Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon. These five are all associated with the internet and what makes it today, therefore it makes more sense to talk about the stacks rather than the ‘internet’.

The features of the big 5 -

The big 5 all have similar characteristics. Apple, Google and Microsoft are all large technology companies. These companies provide us with our devices, computers, mobiles and software to be able to access the internet. Facebook and Amazon are online corporations that people use as means of communication online.

The stacks are the largest and most popular corporations that are considered a necessity to those who use the internet. Each of these companies don’t have a need to compete with each other, as they all work together to create what we know as the internet today.

With so much content and creations out there, be it songs, shows, artworks, books or photographs, there are many more works that re-create or take inspiration from these original concepts. Nowadays it is difficult to come up with something original, and a lot easier to take someone else’s work, re-arrange it, or combine their ideas with your own. This is what we consider a ‘remix’. 

Take note of this video by Kirby Ferguson:

https://vimeo.com/139094998

This video gives further insight into the world of remixing, what is considered a legal remix and what is considered a breach of copyright laws.

Now take a look at these two videos:

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Steamboat Willie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBgghnQF6E4

Steamboat Itchy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-BgOC39NM8

Is the second video considered a remix and a breach of copyright?

Taking note from Ferguson’s analysis, these two videos are visually similar with similar concepts, and it is clear the second video takes inspiration from the first. However it is not considered a breach of copyright laws, because it has been changed enough to be considered original, despite taking inspiration from another video. 

How does remixing shape our online identity?

Today, remixing can be quite a controversial subject when someone does ‘remix’ another’s work. However we see remixes everywhere, in online posts, memes, videos etc, and they are very easy to make. We have become a culture where remixing is another way of creating original content.

The act of taking a ‘selfie’ has become such a huge phenomenon over time and over social media. The selfie is an image that is taken by ourselves or with others, using our mobile devices, and posted online, be it Facebook, twitter etc, and is used as a representation of ourselves, what we do, where we’ve been and what we’ve seen. There are a few aspects of the selfie I’d like to discuss:

What makes a good selfie?

A good selfie is completely dependent on the creator. What exactly is the situation? Who will see the photo? Where will it be posted? How will it be used? These are all questions that determine what makes a selfie ‘good’, based upon how it will be used as a representation of you. For me, a lot of my selfies are taken with my friends and family, so they’re more casual rather than serious, and I don’t put much time or effort into preparing for the photo, I just take it.

What are the drivers of selfie culture?

Selfie culture is driven by a multitude of things. A big part of selfie culture are the people who take selfies, mostly the younger demographic, who are highly active and consistent on social media. Selfies are considered a way of representing yourself, who you are, what you look like. On sites like Facebook, you are asked to set a profile picture, to let others know who you are. Selfie ‘trends’ also come and go, like the ‘duck face’ or the use of a selfie stick.

How does age, gender, culture and more influence our actions and perceptions of the selfie? 

As previously mentioned, a large number of people taking selfies are situated within the younger demographic, and the selfie is considered a necessity. Some people put a lot of dedication into their selfies, be it lighting, background, makeup etc. to be sure that they post the perfect selfie. More often than not, women are the ones who put more attention into their selfies than men. There are many different perceptions of the selfie, and these are just a few.

Originally posted by goverload

Memes have become a normal part of our everyday lives, appearing on the internet on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Reddit. Memes are often used by the media to address current issues, topics and trends, in a way that is straightforward, informative and often entertaining.

We’ve all seen a meme somewhere at some point (maybe even today), and we have often been able to relate to those memes thinking “huh…that’s me.” Relatable memes are one of the most common meme formats, as they can be understood by many who may be or have been in a similar situation.

What makes a meme in general?

Relatable- A meme that can be understood and recognised by those who see it.

Simplicity - A simple format of an image and text, getting the point across with very little information.

Context - A meme usually has some sort of background information which the viewer is already aware of. Successful memes are those that address current trends or topics.

Connection between image and text - The text in a meme is able to support or give further context to an image, or give a whole new meaning to an image.