How Google's Social Network Changes Everything Essay

How Google's Social Network Changes Everything - Essay Example This paper illustrates the main reason for the rampant growth of Google+ as the added features in this social networking site that lack in others such as the map to view the location of the site, it helps Google serve ads better which are good for exposure of businesses hence attracting many businesses and marketers. It is also integrated into other Google products such as Gmail and YouTube hence exposing it further and increasing the chances of people connecting with others without having to struggle to search for them. The rise is also brought about by the fact that it belongs to Google which is the most used search engine hence increasing its growth and success rate. It, however, has its downside and which have contributed to it not surpassing the capacity and fame of facebook. Its sharing rate is way lower than of Facebook and it has problems with making its users stay on the site hence the large difference between the registered and active users. Most are forced to use it becaus e of its connections with other Google products but it does not mean they will stay active. The fact that whatever photo anyone registered to the site uploads automatically goes to the site and can be seen by others even without sharing is sometimes a downside of the site. Many people also do not really understand its features and hence fail to use it regularly. For businesses that market in Google+, they risk not sustaining their customers as people are rarely active on this social media site. They log in in spurts and this will be the case even with the growth of the business. With its low sharing power and ability as compared to Facebook, people will also share less about the businesses and the products in Google+.

Vidoe analyze Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Vidoe analyze - Essay Example The Maori people, a minority group from New Zealand, use tribal tattoos not only as a form of identity, but also as a show of one’s social status in the society. According to them, ones Moko designs improved one’s stature and indicated their shift in status quo. On the utmost point, the Moko designs also declared the holy nature of leadership as performed by the elders (Ellis 185). Maori health tattoos were used to maintain ones youthful nature, especially girls would tattoo their chin and lips so that incase ones eyesight would fail at any point, he/she would repeat the tattooing again in order to see well. According to the two YouTube videos I have watched, the Maori people are proud of who they are and are glad that the Moko designs are now widely spreading. For instance, vacationers visit the area to see them and learn more about the tattoos. Although it had started dying by the coming of the church and Christianity, it has been resurrected by those proud of the culture and the women are trying to uphold it by educating their children and grandchildren about the Moko and the beliefs of the Maori (Ellis 175). They say it identifies you and people need not ask who you are, where you come from and what language you speak anymore. They are proud of themselves and the sense of satisfaction that comes with being a Maori. They even insist the Tatau and Moko designs have created a spirit of unity and brotherhood in them as it gives them a sense of belonging and sweeps away the fear that they have been concealed as a minority. In my own opinion, I feel that since the Moko are used as an identity mark, the non-Maoris should not be allowed to get the Moko because it is a tribal tattoo and only the Maoris have the right to their specific patterns and art forms. Besides, although most non-Maoris are getting the Mokos on their bodies and

Role of Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Human Error

Role of Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Human Error Table of Contents (Jump to) Introduction Cognitive Therapy and Human Error Automatic Subsystem Attentional Subsystem Conclusion Bibliography Q: As a Cognitive psychologist, how could you help reduce human error either at work, on the roads, or at home? Word Count: 1819  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­_____________________________________________________________________ 1. Introduction Human error is evident is all areas of human involvement, and may differ vastly in terms of the seriousness of the outcome. A typing error, for example, is easily corrected with no harm to anyone; however, an error in a medical procedure may have more damaging consequences for both the patient and the medical practitioner. Reason (2000) identifies two main approaches to human error namely the system approach and the person approaches. The system approach maintains that human error is inevitable, but reviews it as a consequence of larger, systemic problems. The person approach, which is largely the more popular, views error as, arising primarily from aberrant mental processes such as forgetfulness, inattention, poor motivation, carelessness, negligence, and recklessness (Reason, 2000: 768). In his essay, Reason (2000) suggests that there be a movement toward a system approach to human error, arguing that the human condition is not changeable, yet the conditions under which they work a re. The following essay will consider the role of cognitive therapy in reducing human error. Focusing on two main areas of research: cognition and behaviour. This will be followed by a conclusion of findings. 2. Cognitive Therapy and Human Error Aaron Beck is the founder of Cognitive Therapy (CT) and in this approach he proposes that our feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all interlinked, and that thought and behaviour changes, will result in feelings being transformed (Sanders Wills, 2006). Therefore, Cognitive Therapists make use of behavioural experiments and target cognitions in order to bring about cognitive, emotional and behavioural strategies. This understanding of CT and the methods used by Cognitive Therapists becomes increasingly relevant to the theory of human error when considered in the backdrop of The Emerging Model of Cognitions presented by Panko (1997). The Emerging Model of Cognitions (Panko, 1997) highlights the interplay between three subsystems, namely: the automatic subsystem, the attentional subsystem and the environment, and each of these systems impact on the cultivation and execution of a plan. The automatic subsystem includes schemata (sets of information and response patterns) that are below the level of consciousness. These schemata are triggered by a specific stimulus, which elicits a patterned response. Panko (1997) gives the example of speech, which involves a number of complex processes, or schemata, which we are not conscious of, but results in the patterned response of speech. Error will sometimes occur when a situation arises for which there is no existing patterned response (schemata). In such a situation, a schema that has been activated in a similar situation is then activated, resulting in occasional error. The second subsystem described by Panko (1997) is the attentional subsystem. This subsystem involves log ical and attentional thought, which, like the automatic subsystem, is also built on schematic organisation. According to Panko (1997) error rooted in the attentional subsystem can be largely attributed to lay theories. This researcher explains that, Even after people receive training in specific areas, such as physics, they often revert to lay theories afterward†¦lay theories are schemata that we have developed over many years. They are very likely to produce errors when we model situations (Planko, 1997: ¶16). Finally, the environment is the third subsystem indicated by Planko (1997). According to this researcher, the planning and execution of an action is in constant play with the environment. Plans are fed back to the environment, and are then adjusted accordingly. When the environment is a buzz of information and stimulus, thus confusing the schema, unexpected results can occur. From this model, the following causes of human error can be identified. Firstly, disruption to the automatic subsystem, as a result of the ill matching of schema to an unknown situation. Secondly, disruption to the attentional subsystem, by reverting to lay theories, and finally, the environmental impact, where it is understood as influencing the formation of schema. This model brings to the forefront the idea that, to a large degree, human error can be understood as being rooted in cognitive and behavioral mishaps. Cognitive therapy may be employed to help reduce these errors by tackling the automatic and attentional subsystems presented in the model. 2.1 Automatic Subsystem Cognitive Therapy explains the working of schema, defining it as a relatively enduring, deep cognitive structure that organizes the principles of giving appraisal and meaning to experiences, especially in relation to rules of living, with regards to self, others and the world (Sanders Wills, 2006: 147). An event schema, or cognitive script, involves processes and practices of approach tasks and problems. These ways of processing are behaviorally oriented and triggered by certain stimulus (Scholl, 2002). Such schema are constructed either directly, through repeated a process a number of times, or indirectly through movies, role models and stories (Scholl, 2002). Scholl (2002:  ¶4) identifies two distinct methods of data processing. Data-driven or stimulus-driven processing occurs when no schema exist form which to process information. The individual examines all information and proceeds through a careful decision making process. Schema-driven processing occurs when an individual responds to a stimulus (decision making or problem solving situation) by evoking a programmed response or behavior script (schema). This is done without extensive data collection or analysis. According to Scholl (2002) error is more likely to occur when an individual has a rigid schema. In this instance, an individual, despite the in information provided, uses the same schema to respond to similar situations and no longer makes a distinction between them. The results in inaccurate decision making and errors occur. Such error can be seen to occur, for example, on the road. An individual with a rigid schema may have his or her problem solving diminished when confronted by a faulty traffic light. Instead of considering the unique information, he or she responds as if it where a normal functioning light, resulting in an accident. Cognitive therapy, by means of schema therapy and challenging core beliefs attempts to loosen and change some of the enduring schema. 2.2 Attentional Subsystem As previously described, disruption to the attentional subsystem occurs when a person reverts their attention to a particular thought. From this it can be understood that, despite having a variety of options available, thinking because inflexible and rigid. A person may even be said to have become fixated. One such lay theory may be seen in the form of excessive worry. Worry is a type of negative intrusive thought, which tends to distract the worrier from the task at hand. For example, a person new to their job, having undergone and successfully completed the necessary training, may become anxious on starting their job. This would be further compounded by such worrisome thoughts of, I am not good enough, I know that I will make a mistake, when I make a mistake I will be fired. This talk is the lay theory they have about themselves and their competence. This negative self-talk interferes with the brain processes necessary for completing the task, and error occurs. Shearer and Gordon ( 2006) give reference to a number of cognitive behavioral strategies that can be employed for the reduction of worry, including repeatedly challenging the worry process, experiments of behavioral exposure and mindfulness based meditation. Another approach offered by cognitive therapy for confronting such patterns of thought is that of Attentional Training. Wells and Papageorgiou are the founders of Attentional Training and describe it as a way of decreasing the fixed focus (which is typically self-focus) and allow for more flexibility in thought (Sanders and Wills, 2006). Harvey, Watkins, Mansell, and Shafran (2004: 67) describe the process involved in Attentional Training: The therapy is divided into several stages: The therapist first provides a clear rationale for why reducing or interrupting self-focused processing may aid recovery. The patient is asked to fixate on a visual stimulus (e.g. a mark on the wall) and then to focus attention for several moments on each of a series of different sounds (therapists voice, tapping, clock). The patient is instructed to exclusively focus on each sound alone. The patient shifts their attention rapidly between the sets of sounds. The patient attends simultaneously to all of the sounds, trying to be aware of as many sounds as possible. Through this process a person preoccupied by worrisome thoughts, learns to attend to more than one stimulus, and is thus able to shift there attention when these thoughts arise. Conclusion This essay explored and discussed the phenomenon of human error, the processes involved in human error and the possible negative outcomes when human error occurs. This included a range of problem outcomes, from relatively harmless to far more damaging ones. Two prominent theories of human error where identified, namely the system and person approaches. Working from the person approach, The Emerging Model of Cognition provided a framework from which to consider the role of cognitions in human error. This model highlighted the role of cognitive therapy in helping to reduce human error. Schema Therapy was identified as an effective method for helping to make rigid schema more flexible, thereby freeing the individual to be able to consider a larger variety of options before acting. Attentional Training was identified as a method for approaching unconscious schema in the attentional subsystem. This approach in cognitive therapy trains the individual to attend to more than one stimulus. Th is allows the individual to be less distracted by intrusive thoughts, such as worry, and attend to the task at hand. Cognitive therapy is an increasingly popular option for psychological therapy. Interventions using this approach have shown long lasting effects, and reduce the possibility of relapse. Cognitive therapy has been developed for a large range of problems from panic and anxiety disorders to eating problems and hallucinations. It is also applied in a range of settings from mental health to life coaching (Sanders Wills, 2006). This essay has pointed to two ways in which cognitive therapy can be useful in helping reduce the occurrence of human error. Bibliography Harvey, A., Watkins, E., Mansell, W., Shafran, R. (2004). Cognitive Behavioural Processes Across Psychological Disorders: A transdiagnostic approach to research and treatment. Oxford University Press. Panko, R.R. (1997). Theories of Human Error. Retrieved on March 1st, 2007, from  http://panko.cba.hawaii.edu/HumanErr/Theory.htm. Reason, J. (2000). Human error: Models and management. British Medical Journal,  320, 768-770. Sanders, D., Wills, F. (2006). Cognitive Therapy: An introduction. London: Sage. Scholl, R.W. (2002). Social Cognition and Cognitive Schema. Retrieved on May 3, 2007, from http://www.uri.edu/research/lrc/scholl/Notes/Cognitive_Schema.htm. Shearer, S, Gordon, L. (2006). The patient with excessive worry. American Family Physician, 73, 1045-1056.

Reasons to End Social Poisoning on the Internet Essay -- Censorship Cy

Reasons to End Social Poisoning on the Internet [NOTE: Many of the links the student refers to are no longer active.] While spreading the word of knowledge to the masses, the internet simultaneously dispenses social poisons. Many of the recipients are, unfortunately, children, and despite the American policy of free-speech, this kind of unintentional inculcation must stop. One of the problems lies in the fact that the right to criticize and the right to display "poisonous" material are one in the same: The Right of Freedom of Speech. But should a clear and present danger to social health take priority over the rights of an individual? Does the individual even have power? In Digital Literacy, Paul Gilster observes that "A global web of communications... points to a viruslike spread of ideas" (Gilster 27). Should society protect its youth from this "viruslike spread" by regulating content on the internet? These questions are tough to answer, but this paper will address them, introduce a socially harmful hate site, and reveal why society needs to be rid of the poison on the internet. One of the problems with social contemplation on this subject, though, is that this situation is relatively unknown to history. Though the power structure of the internet has been compared to centralized government, decentralized government and social anarchy, Jess Holbrook, in a discussion on November 24, accurately cited the internet as being "unlike anything else we’ve ever seen." So perhaps time should be taken to evaluate the effects of the internet on not just the nation’s youth, but the nation in general. While the evaluation is taking place, the presence of these social poisons on the internet must be recognized. The American Nazi ... ... real life himself, only the former is readily available to children. There needs to be a body which regulates the poison on the internet and makes it safe for the child to "surf the net." Not all sites on the internet are terrifying and problematic. But imagine a black child, whose ancestors survived the slave trade, coming across the American Nazi Party site, and "learning" that they are evil because of their skin color. No child should be exposed to this. Works Cited - Bolter, David Jay. Writing Space; The Computer, Hypertext, and the History of Writing. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Hillsdale, New Jersey; 1991. - Gilster, Paul. Digital Literacy. Wiley Computer Publishing. New York. - Hall III, William B. "American Nazi Party." 28 November 1998. 5 December 1998 <http://home.earthlink.net/~wbhall/>. - Landow, George P. Hypertext 2.0. Johns Hopkins.

Status of Leader

Usually it is perceived that the status of leader always affect the communications within the group and people with a higher status always intimidate people with a lower status since leadership is the procedure by which a leader, by influence, persuades followers to track their objectives for the team. In simpler words, leadership is an act of influencing the activities of an organized group in its efforts toward goal setting and goal achievement or a specialized form of social interaction †¦ in which cooperating individuals are permitted to influence and motivate others to promote the attainment of group and individual goals. From each of these perceptions, leadership engages a course of influence whereby the leader has an impact on others by inducing them to behave in a certain manner. (Lussier, 2004) In order to influence the team members, the status of the leader plays very important role. People tend to listen and obey the people from higher status. Leadership involves the possession of qualities that lead others to want to follow the leader's directives, either because they feel obligated to do so, or because they desire to do so In other words, leadership is a characteristic that is voluntarily conferred upon a person by others and involves the ability of a person to engage the active and willing cooperation of followers. Leaders come in each size, figure, and temperament — short, tall, neat, sloppy, young, old, male, and female. However, they all seem to have some, if not all, of the subsequent constituents: †¢ The first fundamental constituent of leadership is a guiding vision. The leader has a clear idea of what one desires to get professionally and personally and the strength to persist in the face of setbacks, even failures. If not one knows where one is going, and why, one cannot possibly get there. †¢ The second fundamental constituent of leadership is passion — the underlying passion for the promises of life, combined with a very particular passion for a vocation, a profession, a course of action. The leader loves what he does and loves doing it. Tolstoy said that hopes are the dreams of the waking man. Without hope, we cannot survive, much less progress. The leader who communicates passion gives hope and inspiration to other people. †¢ The next fundamental constituent of leadership is integrity. There are three essential parts of integrity: self-knowledge, candor, and maturity.   (Leadership Qualities, 2005) Hence it is the status of leader always affects the communications within the group and people with a higher status always intimidate people with a lower status References Leadership Qualities, What makes a good leader? Retrieved on September 30, 2006 from http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/leadership-qualities.html Lussier, R.N., ; Achua, C.F. (2004). Leadership: Theory, Application, Skill, Development, (2nd Ed.). Eagan, MN: Thomsen Southwestern. ;

Fast Food Popularity in China Essay

Examine the reasons for the popularity of fast food restaurants in your country. When, why, and how have these restaurants become so popular? (Cause) Demonstrate the impact of this popularity on your country’s culture, i. e. , food, health, economy, lifestyle. (Effect) You will need to do some research on the fast food chains growth, menus, nutritional background, business models, and perhaps more. Your research should include more than one fast food restaurant. Recently, McDonald’s announced their plan to expand outlets from 1300 to 2000 by the end of 2013 in China. It is reported that the main purpose is to compete with KFC, which is the largest quick service restaurant brand in China with over 4,200 restaurants in more than 850 cities across China. The growing huge market and politic strategies taken by restaurants make fast food popular in China; this in turn has a great influence on China’s economy, culture and health. There are several of causes for fast food popular in China. On the first place, the growing market and industry attract plenty of fast food restaurants. China’s fast food market worth over 700 billion yuan in the last year and had a rapid speed–about 12 percent in the past several years. Furthermore, the market is estimated to grow to 1400 billion yuan by 2015. The second main cause of this popularity is some strategies taken by fast food brands especially localization. Take KFC for example, the brand adds many localized product like Beijing Chicken Roll, tomato egg soup and corn salad to meet Chinese consumers demand. The popularity also brings some effects especially for Chinese culture. First, the change reflects on food consumption habits. For example, Yum! China’s menu is dominated by meat-rich food except for breakfast. Furthermore, fast foods are becoming affordable by most people so that the brand opens almost one third of its restaurants in countryside. Second, traditional wedding has been influenced with wedding services provided by some fast food brands. Nowadays, to compare with Chinese traditional, extravagant and tawdry weddings, more and more young people in China prefer smaller, easier and cheaper weddings. Many fast food restaurants contribute to this tendency like McWedding offered by McDonald’s, which is held by restaurant assistants with a more intimate and less costly way. In short, fast food popularity has an effect on Chinese eating habit and wedding tradition. Also, the popularity has an effect on economy. For one thing, it increases the revenues for economy. The revenue of fast food industry in 2011 is $74. 8 billion which benefits the economy in turn. More important thing is that the revenue will keep growing at the rate of 14. -15. 0% in the next five years. For another thing, it influences the agriculture. With the explosive development of fast food industry, many grain farms are out of use. In 2011, there are roughly 700 thousand hectares of arable land are reconstructed to raise livestock or fowl instead of growing grains. As a result, China needs to rely more on importation and increase grain imports. In 2010, China imported 927 (1000 MT) wheat, while in 2012, nearly 3200 (1000 MT) wheat were imported. It is obvious that the popularity benefits China’s revenue while harming the agriculture foundation. Finally, the popularity also carries two problems for people’s health: obesity and diabetes. The number of overweight people has grown from 18 to 100 million in the last 5 years with the rapid development of fast food industry. As a result, many complications like high blood pressure and diabetes become more common in China. Take diabetes for example, there are over 92 million adults suffer from diabetes and the costs of diabetes make up nearly 1. % of GDP. It is undeniable that fast food restaurants make Chinese people cost a lot on their health especially on the treatment of diabetes. In conclusion, the pursue towards maximum profits and proper strategies contribute to the popularity of fast food in China, as a result, China’s culture, economy and Chinese health. In the foreseeable future, the popularity of fast food will last for a lone time and will have long-term effects in china.