Web 2.0

The title "Web 2.0" is a simple way of saying that the internet today is nothing like the "original" internet. Anyone with access to a computer can easily create their own websites and can be published for anyone and everyone in the world to read. Today, it is not necessary to be a web designer or have any above-basic knowledge of the computer to put oneself out on the web. This is a definite advantage in some aspects--the internet connects so many different people because it is so user-friendly. However, this also means that ANY information can be out there, and everything we read is not legitimate. Because of the ease of designing websites, it is also safe to say that even "professional" looking websites can be fraudulent, so it's so important to be careful.

Web 2.0 can be a blessing or a burden for those of us trying to enter the workforce. One of the biggest drawbacks is the fact that potential employers can easily track information on us by what we publish on the web. Facebook, Myspace, Blogs, etc. can all be accessed, so it's important to keep them professional. There are plenty of advantages to job-seekers by using the web. New conveniences, like online job-searching sites and emailed resumes can greatly simplify the job hunt. There are also forums where you can chat with other people in your potential career field for advice.

Web 2.0 simplifies almost everything in the workforce due to its ability to connect people. Some of the biggest conveniences are emails, instant messages, chat rooms, video conferences, forums, etc. Instead of having to deliver a handwritten memo across an office park, an email memo can be sent. Instead of calling a co-worker to ask a question and risking a lengthy conversation, you can shoot her an IM and avoid small-talk. Chat rooms could be used to discuss a group project late at night from the comfort of our homes, and video conferencing saves time and money to avoid travel. While all of this technology makes the workforce much more efficient, it's important to also connect to co-workers to keep morale up in the workplace. I think we should all call from time to time to see how a close co-worker is doing, and sometimes walk a note to someone to make ourselves seem personable.

The statement that we have to "rethink everything" is true, because everything online is so communicable with very little privacy. An example that comes to my mind is composing an email to your boss. If you type an angry email, send it, and decide later that you should have taken a better approach, it's too late. If you were being considered for a job and an employer finds scandalous pictures of you on Facebook, you will likely be replaced by someone else. I think the bottom line is that Web 2.0 can bring us so much valuable knowledge, but we need to use our judgment to make sure that we are using credible sites, and that we aren't putting too much of ourselves out there for the world to see.