Technology (which I love!) is not always a good thing. Information overload seems to be a major concern. I, myself, enjoy the incredible access to information that the World Wide Web provides us. Spam is problem, but as I see it, a manageable one. I love it when my children have a interesting question that needs answered or a difference of opinion that needs clarification and we can go to the internet and look up the facts.
I do admit to being a little too dependent upon technology. My computer imploded at the end of this semester and I will be lucky to squeak by C's in a couple of my classes. There are cases of parents being addicted to online gambling, etc., and are neglecting their families because of it. As with anything, if you have an addictive personality, you should practice moderation. Some believe the internet isolates people and makes them antisocial. I disagree, while I tend to feel disconnected when I don't have access, I communicate with my family all across the country with my computer. We stay in touch more now than ever before. We email pictures, anecdotes about our children and share our lives in ways we couldn't unless we lived in the same community.

Women in technology are still a minority population. Women in technological positions are often relegated to lesser positions and often have to work twice as hard to prove themselves as capable as their male counterparts. While this is not always the case, discrimination against women and minorities in technological fields does exist. This discrimination lessens with each new generation that comes into positions of power. It is my hope and belief that by the time my youngest child becomes an adult in a position of authority, the prevalent attitude toward women and minorities will be different than it is today.

Cyberfeminism: Networking on the Net Richards, Amy and Schnall, Marianne

One of the most important thing I learned from this course was from the website, Responsible Shopper. The things I learned about companies we deal with everyday were very enlightening. I have to say I had no idea about the level of damage companies do to our environment and the abhorrent way they take advantage of third world citizens, especially women and children. I plan to use this website frequently, to help ensure my own purchasing decisions are well-informed.

Check out your favorite company at Responsible Shopper!