Many companies are now in a quandary about how to handle workplace computer use. Please thoroughly discuss with concepts from the chapter and personal experiences. Avoid brief and general responses.

1. Discuss the problem of workplace abuse of social media, e-mail, instant messaging, online shopping, and other Internet browsing. Should full personal use be allowed?

2. Are computers and their links to the Internet similar to telephones?

3. Should employees be allowed to access the Internet for personal business if they use their own smart electronic devices?

4. Should management be allowed to monitor all Internet use?

5. Should employees be warned if e-mail is to be monitored?

6. What reasons can you give to support an Internet crackdown by management.

7. What specific reasons can you give to oppose a crackdown.

 

Critical Thinking Discussion Guide

1. Many people are concerned that privacy is increasingly rare in our hyperconnected world as our online presence leaves a lasting footprint. Do you fear that disclosing personal matters online will hamper your job search? Discuss.

2. Experts have argued that social media fool us into thinking that we are connected when in reality they do not help us develop true friendships. Do you agree that technology diminishes personal relationships rather than bringing us closer together? Discuss.

3. Are common abbreviations such as lol and imho and all-lowercase writing acceptable in texting or instant messaging for business? Discuss.

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4. Traditional mainstream media act as so-called gatekeepers who decide what kind of content gets published. However, social media networks have changed the game. Now anyone with an Internet connection can potentially publish anything and reach vast audiences. What are the benefits and dangers of this unprecedented access? Discuss.

5. Some marketers employ machines to inflate the number of likes and fans online. So-called Facebook bot networks (botnets) operate large numbers of fake accounts around the world. A rental agency based in Washington, D.C., went from two fans to almost 15,000 within a few days. How do you feel about companies and their brands pretending they have actual traffic on their sites and buying likes? Discuss.

Self-Awareness Quiz

Directions: Please answer very specifically, with details and complete sentences and thoughtful answers.

As with most good habits, self-reflection is most valuable when done consistently. Here are 11questions you can ask yourself today to strengthen your self-awareness muscles.Provide a discussion of each, including specific personal example. Please avoid generalities or clichs.

1. When am I at my best?Explain.
2. What kind of person do I want to be today? Describe.
3. What situations make me feel terrible, and what do they have in common?Analyze.
4. What activitiesam Idoing when it feels like timeflies by? Describe.
5. What is working well in my life and work today? Explain.
6. If I had a magic wand, how would my life be better in 3 months?Describe.
7. If I change nothing, what will your life look like three months from now?How does this make me feel?
8. What actions, if taken, would make me proud of myself,regardless of the outcome?
9. Whennegative thoughtsarise, how do I deal with them?Explain.
10. How do Istay groundedwhen I feel overwhelmed?Be specific.
11. What motivates me to make progress?