10Jan 2023 by nrcmmc
Time to BeReal

Time to BeReal

Apps, Guidelines, Reviews
“Strip[ping] away all of the unrealistic expectations social media has put on us all” says one reviewer of the popular new app ‘BeReal’ (source: BeReal App Review). Solely looking at that fact, one may think the new social media app is a breath of fresh air compared to the other ‘big 4’. It requests filterless, unedited photos from users at varying times of the day - with only 2 minutes to get it submitted. A few caveats to the positives: If the two minute time frame is not achieved, the app notes it; and users can’t see others’ content unless they post their own for the day. Also, users are encouraged to report immoral content to the company, but the company itself is not required to monitor the content. The…
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11Jul 2022 by nrcmmc
Public Library Pitfalls

Public Library Pitfalls

Hazards, Resources, Reviews
Modern Media Articles | First NRC Modern Media Committee *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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06Jun 2022 by nrcmmc
All Sides

All Sides

Resources, Reviews
AllSides is an American company that presents viewers with multiple versions of similar news stories from different perspectives to show readers news outside their filter bubble.  It exposes people to information and ideas from all sides of the political spectrum to increase their understanding of the world and each other.   AllSides portrays the day’s top news stories from the Left, Center and Right of the political spectrum side-by-side so you can view the whole picture.  Each article is reviewed and labeled left, left leaning, center, right leaning or right.   Knowing the political bias of media outlets allows you to consume a balanced news diet and avoid manipulation and fake news.  Media Bias Ratings are provided for over 800 media outlets and writers, so you can easily identify different perspectives.  https://www.allsides.com/media-bias …
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07Mar 2022 by Martin Van't Foort
Oculus Quest 2 Review

Oculus Quest 2 Review

Devices, Gaming, Hazards, Reviews
According to the webpage, oculus.com/quest-2/, Oculus Quest 2 is “an all-in-one headset filled with hundreds of unique experiences.” These experiences include playing games, doing a virtual tour of places around the world, and working out. It appears the main focus is to get teens and young adults to play games and “lose track of time” (also cited on their webpage).  To “lose track of time” is a very dangerous reality many gamers face. Time is a God-given gift that He instructs us to use to seek Him. Ephesians 5:16 speaks about “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This tells us that we must be wise about how we spend our time. In regards to the gaming aspect and being “immersed” in a virtual reality, Oculus Quest 2 can…
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06Dec 2021 by nrcmmc
Tinder App Review

Tinder App Review

Cell Phones, Devices, Hazards, Reviews
Tinder is an online dating app used by 7.8 million people in the United States alone, making it the most popular dating app in the US.  Of that, 75% are male, 24 % are female, and 30% are married.  With those statistics, one can see where problems lie in using an online dating app, which, as correctly defined on the Tinder website is a “popular app for meeting people” and “the possibility of forming connections that could lead to more”, or as most users know it as a “hook-up” app. Here is a basic rundown of how Tinder works for a person.  Once a user (supposed to be an 18 year age requirement) sets up their profile, Tinder can “match” them with other users.  From there, the user ‘swipes right’…
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03May 2021 by Sandra Post
Gryphon the Great?

Gryphon the Great?

Resources, Reviews
Are you looking for a new router? Are you wondering about better internet security options? Are the needs of your family’s device usage increasing or not currently being met?  If any of those describe where you are currently, take a look at the Gryphon Router to see if it meets your needs. What is the Gryphon Secure Mesh System Router? A highly innovative system with a focus on parental controls, advanced security features and the ability to control a generous area of your home for an arguably affordable price tag. What does ‘MESH SYSTEM’ mean? A mesh router WiFi system consists of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage. (Source) Here’s what…
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03Feb 2021 by nrcmmc
Review of VSCO App

Review of VSCO App

Apps, Reviews
  In the current times, various social media apps such as TikTok and VSCO are gaining traction, particularly with teenagers. VSCO was created in 2012 but recently gained popularity when Instagram users with a lot of followers began using the #VSCO hashtag.  VSCO is a photo editing and media sharing tool. The free version gives users access to standard editing tools, such as white balance, exposure, contrast and a sampling of the available presets. Users can scroll and test out presets themselves or can tap on the “for this photo” feature, which displays a collection of suggested presets for each specific photograph. The free version also allows users to explore others’ photos and find inspiration in curated portfolios that include collections such as “humankind,” “editorial,” “summer,” and “style” to name…
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06May 2020 by nrcmmc
Vault Apps – Are They Hiding Something?

Vault Apps – Are They Hiding Something?

Apps, Reviews
VAULT APPS - Are They Hiding Something? At first glance one sees a calculator and music app--normal  apps found on a cell phone, right? However, this is an easy way to hide pictures and videos from your typical photo gallery. They are also used to hide chats, searches,downloads within various apps. With a quick Google search, there are You-Tube videos and articles suggesting the best apps available to conceal photos or other information on your cell phone. While some articles boast of the importance of hiding your personal information, credit card information, media files under these vault apps (also called ghost or disguised apps), simple safety settings on your cell phone can do the same.  The most common use for these is to hide inappropriate cell phone pictures/videos or shared…
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