Globalisation: taking it further

1.Why was Google Glass controversial?

It simply eroded their privacy. This is a major issue as the development in new and digital media has meant that our lives are being exposed to anyone and everyone whether we decide to do this or not. There are always third parties ready to pounce of people (customers) to understand their tastes and preferences so these businesses can market to a wider range of people. So people are afraid that the Google Glasses will record them in the privacy of their own homes revealing certain things that other businesses like Samsung or Nike would want to know about their customers. Therefore, this information would then be sold onto other institutions (third parties) giving them more power over audiences.

2. What are the positive elements to Globalisation that the article highlights?

It has given audiences more power when considering the resources they have. The internet is the main element that has helped increased globalisation because of the resources on there that audiences can access for free. The famous search engine 'Google' has certainly been a significant factor for the rise in globalisation as it brings all information popular sites together and usually on the first page which makes it user friendly.

3. What are potential negatives to globalisation?

Americanisation. Cultural imperialism has been a factor that people are worried about in their society. They don't want other cultures changing their own ones just like how the American culture is being forced upon the World. This is because of the development in digital media which has given many people from America the power to share their views, values and behaviour through social media specifically. As English is the most spoken language and America has a bigger population than those countries who dominantly speak English its much easier for them to communicate more of their ideologies to the whole World.

4. What is a techno-panic? How does it link to moral panics?

Techno panic is where people are worried at the prospect of technology invading their privacy. This links to moral panic because people are concerned on the impact technology will have on society.

5. What is your opinion on the privacy debate and major corporations being able to access large quantities of personal data?

I believe this is the consequence we have to accept if we want the internet to continue to develop. It will constantly be requesting our personal details as we decide to make transactions online rather than in store which means our details are threat of hackers or businesses.

Media factsheet: Globalisation and capitalism

1. Who continued the phrase 'a global village' and what multinational companies illustrate this?

Marshall McLuhan was the person who created the idea that we have a global village. The idea tells us that countries become interconnected and independent when considering the economy (BBC).

2. What role does Slavoj Zizek suggest the media plays in global capitalism? How can you link this to our previous work on Marxism and Hegemony?

First of all capitalism is where the country is controlled by private institutions and tend to exclude themselves from other countries. Slavoj suggests that globalisation has effected the media as countries are being less strict with the news, views and ideologies they receive from other countries.

3. What does 'capitalism with a conscience' mean?

The idea that the goods or services we buy can reflect our lifestyles, personalities and values.

4. What is the (PRODUCT) RED campaign?

A private sector company that works as a charity to help those in Africa suffering from aids. An institution like Nike is working in Africa which would not only help the country but the brand image of Nike as they are seen as moral as they are doing ethical work.

5. Based on what you've read in the Factsheet, what is YOUR opinion of the (PRODUCT) RED brand? Is it a positive force helping to fight AIDS in Africa or a cynical attempt to make multinational companies look more ethical than they actually are?

At the end of the day, Africa are benefiting from the investments Nike and other firms are making whilst they increase their brand image. So both of them are benefiting from (PRODUCT) RED. I do believe these firms are doing this to help their brand images for sure because they are facing high costs doing this in the short term.