"Born Digital" and "(Cyber) Conspiracy Theories" Response

    For the readings this week, we were given an introduction to the book Born Digital and a chapter from (Cyber) Conspiracy Theories.  Both readings, though a bit challenging, proposed many new viewpoints on the security and equality of the current internet and digital media systems.  I made many connections to both readings, and enjoyed learning about the arguments presented by the authors.
    Of the two readings, I was very interested in the introduction to Born Digital and the views of children that have grown with the internet vs. their parents who have had to adapt as new technology became standard.  It was interesting to read about how "digital natives" behave around technology as I could see all of the technology that I have grown up with and understand better than my parents or other "Digital Immigrants."  I remember many of the things mentioned in the article such as iPods after Walkmen, and the internet fad that was Neopets.  Though these are memories that happened at an earlier stage of my life, it is still evidence that I have grown with the digital world and have been given a greater advantage than those who had to learn on their own time the skills that I gained while playing.
    After reading the Born Digital piece, the Blackmon piece on (Cyber) Conspiracy Theories really got me thinking about what it meant to be a "digital native."  Having grown up with computers and relatively unlimited access to the glorious internet, it was eye-opening to see the amount of students who do not have regular access to computers or the internet.  I was shocked to see how the influence of digital media has impacted minority students and their views on how their "digital persona" is so pre-determined.  It seems unfair to me that, as individuals in the article hinted at, the only minorities that get media attention are either rappers or sports stars.  To truly be a digital community, all races should have equality in their pursuits and have a better chance at establishing their own individual digital identity among the masses.