I’ve had a very difficult time
coming up with two potential paradigm shifts to write a full essay and compose
a TED talk about. However, I’ve finally reached a couple potential ideas.
First of all, I think it would be
very interesting to dive into the historical connotations and ramifications of
the proliferation of the personal computer. The development of technology to
the point where anyone could own a computer and have that sort of computational
power at their fingertips was a wild change from prior limitations on human
productivity. While the change was somewhat slow, gradually moving from punch
card operated behemoths to the razor-thin laptops that we carry today, I think
focusing on the work of some influential entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and
Steve Jobs could illuminate a lot about the origin of our dependence on
technology. By looking at this first boom of the personal computer market, I’d
hope to not only learn about the technology involved but also the sociological
consequences of such available technology.
I’m also very interested in the
changing attitudes of young people towards college. I’ve read studies regarding
the higher suicide rates amongst college students today than in the past, and
the high pressure environment that has taken hold in universities across the
nation must have some cultural basis. A thorough analysis of the beliefs of
students, both high school and college level, to college life and the stresses associated
with could be fruitful. So many stories hit the news about high performing
students hitting a wall that leads them to depression or suicide, and I’m
curious as to how this could be observed as a paradigm shift from earlier, less
stressful cultures to the intense one we live in today.
One other idea I’ve thought about
is the prevalence of bottled water. I don’t understand why people spend so much
on it, and I think this would be something interesting to look into. I’ve
fleshed this idea out much less, but I think there is some potential for an
interesting project. Analyzing the causes and effects of the shift from
drinking tap water to bottled water could be quite intriguing.
I think these are both very interesting and very relevant topics. The personal computer has become a huge part of our lives so it would be interesting to follow the timeline that led up to this shift. And I know young people have a varying opinion on college, from the idea that it's a bad institution to the idea that it is necessary to do well in life, so that is also a good paradigm shift to explore. Good luck choosing a topic!
ReplyDeleteI think you have several solid ideas. However personally, I believe the water bottle idea would be the most interesting. It presents an opportunity to look into an idea that nobody really puts considerable thought into. I would be very interested to know why this shift occurred. Perhaps as people became more lazy and more sanitary this contributed to the rise of purified and easily accessible bottled water.
ReplyDeleteThe personal computer is clearly a major force in today's society whereas mere decades ago, only the rich could afford them. They have certainly changed the way the world thinks. You second topic is also interesting. Stress is pervasive and can cause harm to students. However, while I was reading it, I thought it might be interesting to look at the change in society's views on depression and suicide in general. Bottled water could be interesting to look at, but I'm not sure how far its effects reach. You have a variety of good topics. Be sure to pick one that interests you.
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