27A - Reading Reflection No.3

Cognitive Surplus

1. The general theme of the book is explains what we really use our free time for. It explains that social media has given a platform to people who have never had a chance to find their true artistic ability. This in turn has allowed many people to self-actualize. It explains the difference between creative and consumptive activities and it aims to explain why collaboration is one of the greatest tools. It also tries to tell you that not everything has to be used for what it was created for. An empty swimming pool is usually built for people to swim in it, but that doesn’t mean that skateboarders can’t use it to have fun. The same goes for social media. We don’t have to use it by consuming only, we can create and express ourselves.

2. It definitely connected with what we have learned about the collaborative spirit in this class. There are many things that we need to learn alone and even more that we have to learn together. I think it also really connected with the creativity aspect of this class. It talked about how we all have innate desires to create and the ability to express ourselves. Whether this is a thought, feeling or idea, we can bring it to life.

3. I would give people a blank social media and I would ask them to fill it up. That would require them to pick a theme that’s consistent. I would then ask them to create the content and post it. I would give them the option of working alone or with others. I would have them judge each other’s accounts after a month and see who they think has the most influential account.


4. My biggest breakthrough was realizing that I was utilizing a lot of the techniques and aspects described in this book. I have been taking this corona virus time to really create the life I want to live and to bring my ideas to life. I want to be able to say that I used my time wisely. I am really using the technology and social media I have, to help others as much as possible. I have really been practicing my creative skills as well, and have not been giving into distraction.