Journal Post 1

Living in the 21^st century, there are not many technologies, ideas, and concepts that have not been revolutionized. Writing has expanded and become something more than simply a book in a reader’s hands or newspaper stacked up for the public. Now, writers can be seen across more than just a hard copy medium, they can be discovered digitally. Any one in the 21^st century can be seen as a writer, even without the proper training and credibility. There are bloggers, social media users, and online website article publishers. With multiple ways for people to get their ideas and stories across to various individuals, a simple click can create the pathway for new thoughts and entertainment outlets. Technologies such as phones and computers give writers so many opportunities to enhance their writing which to me, shows that writing isn’t as closed off of a field as it used to be. With the ability to right click a word and find endless synonyms and definitions, there is a lack of vocabulary and expert knowledge needed to write a well-rounded article. There is less pressure on writers because the method of writing and publishing works is simple and there is no pressure in doing so because you do not necessarily need a trained publisher and editor. Any one can publish their opinions on the latest democratic debate, or news event, quickly online, which creates trending topics. This can unify writers or create argumentative works. These pieces are based on opinions but the use of publishing facts can also cross a blurred line. Since there isn’t a fine line between fact and opinion when it comes to self-made publishers often times readers are misinformed and can create stories that aren’t actually true. Many find Wikipedia as a reliable source but because any one can log on and alter the information on the site, these “writers” can falsify information and wreak havoc on the researchers. Also, feedback for articles and published pieces is instantaneous. Viewers can comment, post, and email the author in seconds. With phones, television, the internet, and tablets, writing has become such a rapid and ideal way to communicate opinions, facts, and storylines with more than just the people around you, but worldwide. Because of these changes, I see writing as an entirely revolutionized method of communication.