With the COVID-19 being a global pandemic, it remains the most discussed news topic. Due to the severity of the virus,many brands are blocking ads on platforms with corona-related content, but news sites are against this. They are encouraging the placement of ads alongside COVID-19 content as it becomes a global reality of life. Instead of blocking ads, news site are asking advertisers to be more cautious with what types of ads are being shown. They mainly want ads that are related to coronavirus or directs viewers to the CDC website. Ads with the wrong message can be problematic or insensitive.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/29/news-sites-ask-brands-to-get-advertise-alongside-covid-19-content.html

 

Back in December, no one would’ve believed you if you said that cruise ships would be empty in March. Well, things have sort of taking their own route now with Corona dominating the world we live in. The virus has affected countless cruise ships but that still hasn’t stopped many cruise ship workers to post about what it’s like running an empty cruise ship.

Cruise ship workers have found a method of entertaining themselves but also informing the rest of the world what their cruise ships are like without passengers and how they benefit from it. Many users are intrigued from what the world has become by these videos. This is considered by many users as a “behind the scenes” for cruises.

Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-workers-use-tiktok-behind-the-scenes-look-empty-ships-2020-3

On March 26 at the MIT Technology Review’s annual EmTech Digital event two experts on artificial intelligence debated on where should AI go in the future. AI is a just a tool that can be either beneficial or dangerous depending on how we decide to use it.

Until now, AI has been used for many good things like improving medicine, security and comfort. Follow this link to read more about where AI experts think this technology should head in the future.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615416/ai-debate-gary-marcus-danny-lange/

As the Corona Virus, other wise know as COVID-19, continues to shut down the world, people everywhere try to restore normalcy and continue with every day life. Amongst the numerous amount of people who are impacted by the crisis, children, in particular are facing extreme challenges. The article below is meant to advise parents as how to help children make it through this mess. I however, am particularly interested in the vital role technology will play in this situation. 

https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/amp/

The Pros

While technology can’t provide every thing a face-to-face encounter can, it is certainty the next best option. For example, students are able to use video conference software  to see their professors teach and go over the material. This interactive technology is almost exactly the same as being in the class room with the teachers. The student is able to ask questions, view material, discuss with class mates, and so much more. Teachers are even able to request assignments to be turned in for grading online. And considering there are some nasty germs going around right now that’s probably for the best. If everything is virtual than people are able to eliminate the risk of getting COVID-19. It’s also helpful in the case a student become sick and can’t leave home. It’s also a good way to maximize your time. With online technology there is no waiting in the hallway between classes or long rides to campus. As the article mentions, there are other ways to use technology admist the crisis aside from learning. Technology can also be used to socialize with friends, family, and relatives who are in isolation. Though it’s wise to limit any news consumption, technology can also be helpful when researching information about the situation.

The Cons

The sad thing about this situation is that this crisis relies heavily on technology. Which means that kids who don’t have access to laptops, WiFi, software, or Microsoft Office, will fall far behind in their studies. Many schools and communities are coming together to provide free WiFi and devices to kids in need, but these options are often rare and require parental help which some kids don’t have. One particular struggle that the article discusses is the lack of routine kids and parents are facing due to remote learning. When compared to an actual class room, a laptop provides little structure and consistency. With technology, work can now be completed at anytime during the day or night which gives children more opportunities to procrastinate. Parents are also running into common technological problems such a bad WiFi connections and slow hard drives. 

Closing

Aside from the general struggles caused by the virus, one thing is sure, technology is making this situation a lot easier to cope with. I can only imagine the struggle schools, businesses, and children would face if this crisis were to take place in a time with no technology. As long as we can work through the complications, things will get better and we will survive. 

 

https://hitconsultant.net/2020/03/04/ginger-acquires-technology-assets-livebetter/#.XoFf1C2ZPx4

As an Information, communication and technology major you have many different opportunities and many different roads you could take your degree. One of them being into the Information Technology space, with IT being the base of ICT study you can broaden the horizons. As an IT manager you would have to delve deep into your knowledge and experience you’ll be in charge of the companies electronics and network systems to keep them up and running. To be an Information Technology Manager you will need to be fully trained in information systems, keeping up with new hardware, and assisting those who need assistance with the programs in use. If IT management sounds like something you would be interested check out more here!

With the U.S and other countries under quarantine and practicing social distancing, it means many businesses and actives are now happening over the web. Online activity has increased, and it is important for us to not only be concerned about our health, but also cybersecurity. Check this link for more on the topic:

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/working-remotely-and-cyber-security-during-covid-19-outbreak

For most social media platforms around the world, there is a Chinese copy. Instead of Facebook, there’s Renren. Instead of WhatsApp, there’s QQ. Instead of Tumblr, there’s Diandian. Instead of YouTube, there’s Youku. Our focus today will be the Twitter substitute Weibo.

Over 50 accounts were recently shut down due to the publication of “politically harmful information.” The owner of the platform stated that they did this based on laws and regulations that they have to abide by, but users of the platform think otherwise. Some of these removed members claim that their posts hadn’t been political in years. One specific member, Yu, said that his last political post was over two years ago.

This practice of shutting accounts down is nothing new to the platform. In 2013 people were detained due to “posting unverified or critical information” on Weibo. In 2018 around 10,000 accounts were taken down. These actions show that the application isn’t as unbiased as it could want you to believe.

For the past week or so, President Trump has been floating the idea of an Easter Sunday target for reopening the country and easing social distancing measures. As we’ve seen coronavirus cases skyrocket over the course of the week -140,886 in the US and 720,117 worldwide at the time of writing- experts and concerned citizens alike have expressed their fears over a potential premature return to life as it was before the pandemic. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, who just today estimated the final death tally in the US could reach 200,000, has been effectively leading the country through this chaotic and uncertain time, standing tall at the podium amidst lies and misinformation from the president. Dr. Fauci has been repeating for weeks that an Easter Sunday target is unfeasible and potentially catastrophic for the country, standing by his assertion that, while not set in stone, the timeline for an end to the outbreak could span well into the summer and even the fall, not leaving out the possibility for a cyclical return of the coronavirus for years to come. At a time where receiving trustworthy information could be the difference between life and death, Fauci has served as the beacon of hope in an otherwise untrustworthy White House response to the outbreak. When all is said and done, it is to him and countless other doctors, first responders, and medical professionals whom we must all be grateful for.