How The Internet Sees You

Once again, Facebook’s privacy options are in the news, with recent changes and ancient text messages fueling renewed concern. Provocative discussions of our changing expectations and norms are everywhere.

One abstract, and rather surprising, way of looking at your online footprint can be reached here. Aaron Zinman built the Personas engine for the MIT Media Lab, and it calls up one answer to the question “How does the Internet see you?” The colorful display changes each time you run it.

Even optimists and technophiles, and I count myself among them, would do well to admit that our networking is unprecedented, and consequences for law enforcement, politics, finance, friendship, and our workplaces are truly unknown.

I have not quit Facebook, like some are loudly recommending. I was, however, curious enough to spend a full half-hour examining and adjusting every single privacy setting on my account (top right hand side, Account > Privacy Settings). I recommend you do, too. I found very few of the settings where I wanted them.

It’s The Future: Photosynth City

The first of an occasional series. It is the future: let your jaws drop.

Microsoft’s photosynth software constructs 3D models of individual monuments from tourists’ photos. This takes it a step further. You can begin to appreciate what the world will look like to our children.

Google Earth and Street View are only a few years old, and already we take them for granted. Don’t forget! These are miracles; we are blessed. For more on modeling Dubrovnik, read the Gizmodo article.

By the way: Facebook turns six years old tomorrow, February 4.

This Joyful Radio Show

Every Monday from 2 to 3, starting February first and continuing at least through the summer, This Joyful Noise will be broadcast on WHCR 90.3 FM New York, The Voice of Harlem, from the campus of City College. We have less than a month to get ready; send music, story ideas, events worth promoting, and potential interviews and guests (including your awesome self). Don’t be shy. There is no shortage of stories about New York City to tell, but we do have limited time and limited resources, so all your help is greatly appreciated.

This will be the first time This Joyful Noise becomes an actual audio program: February first is our rookie card, our first edition. Don’t miss it. In the future, when there are podcasts and book deals, and fame and fortune, you’ll want to be able to say you were there at the beginning, before we knew what we were doing.

This blog will also be revised and revitalized. Posts will be shorter, more interesting, and less about me. Tune in tomorrow for the first installment.

This Joyful Noise is hip and with it, and we want to reach as many listeners and contributors and collaborators as possible, so we’re now on Facebook and Twitter. Permanent links will be provided on this site.

News on content and guests will be posted as it becomes available. As always, the best channel for questions and feedback is emailing us at thisjoyfulnoise@gmail.com. Thanks for all your help and support, and here’s looking to a great 2010.