The main theory that I would relate to my popular culture topic is
uses and gratifications theory (UG) (Petracca
& Sorapure, 2009, p. 410). The Macintosh computer has brought great joy
as well as purpose to many lives. In 2011 alone, 75.6 of households in the
United States used a computer (“Computer
and Internet Use in the United States“, 2013). I would guess that number
has increased dramatically since that survey. This tells me that people are
“using” the computer and at the same time “enjoying” the time they spend on it.
Whether it’s surfing the internet to doing homework for an online class,
Americans are spending a lot of time on a personal computer. I do feel that
there are both positive and negative implications though when it comes to
computer usage. Unfortunately the negative side is that it allows people an
outlet to express their opinions with no filter. The paper I wrote about the Cheerios
commercial showed just that. People were able to express their opinions and
most of those comments were not very nice. They had free range of the computer
to spew whatever derogatory remarks without any consequences. This is one thing
I wish could change about the internet, but I’ve accepted the fact that it will
never change.
I would have to say the most interesting finding is all of the
wonderful information we can find by using our computers. I’ve been able to
Google a Math topic to help my daughter with her homework. I can’t tell you how
many times I felt like an idiot because I didn’t know the answer. The computer
though allowed me to find it! Other than hoping peoples negative and hurtful
comments couldn’t be published with the click of a button, I would have to say
that I don’t think of the computer any differently. It has improved a lot of
businesses with their ability to track customer data and it has allowed busy
students like me to continue my education while still working.
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