from judy’s point of view

So I just recently received an iPad for my graduation gift and have
been totally immersed with this new sleek toy! Loving it. I have
forced myself to use the iPad for everything I normally do on my
computer like surfing the net, watching videos, reading rss/books,
sending email, edit photos, writing code, chatting, and writing up
papers. It's not that easy. I wrote a web proposal on this thing and
it felt so foreign to me. The two finger typing thing reminds me of
how funny I thought my dad looked when he typed that way on the
keyboard. It just felt weird. I think I can get used to it though
it's like learning how to play the piano and knowing where the keys
are. As for writing code ... What a pain in the ass. There's so much
involved and I don't think there are any apps that do everything for
you. On my computer, I have multiple apps opened for development:
MAMP, Versions, and Textmate. Other than that, I can pretty much do
what I do usually. So, the iPad opened me up to games. I have found
a free game that is really fun. If you are that person who likes
leveling, building, making money, and creating your own world (in this
case, kingdoms)... We Rule is an excellent game that also works on the
iPhone! You can also visit other worlds but you have to "friend"
others.. So please come join me and add me as a friend... judyzscpl1

I've just finished a book called Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.  This book is an earlier edition of what is out now, Influence: Science and Practice, but speaks to the same principles in detail and application.  I picked this book for personal reasons.  I needed guidance on how to frame ideas and thoughts in ways that people can understand me.  So, I went to this book to seek out answers. Instead, I found this book useful in other ways.  This is a great book if you want to learn the science behind influencing people, when those tactics are being used, and how to deal with them.  Each chapter goes into depth about tactics - examples of how they are used, theories developed from experiments and studies, reasons why people are compelled, how to use it, and how to deal with it when it is against you.

Here are some key points from the book (see links below):

• Reciprocation - People tend to return a favor.
• Commitment and Consistency - If people commit, orally or in writing, to an idea or goal, they are more likely to honor that commitment. Even if the original incentive or motivation is removed after they have already agreed, they will continue to honor the agreement.       
• Social Proof - People will do things that they see other people are doing.        
• Authority - People will tend to obey authority figures, even if they are asked to perform objectionable acts.        
• Liking - People are easily persuaded by other people that they like.        
• Scarcity - Perceived scarcity will generate demand.          

After reading this book, I have more questions.  Sure, I tune into influence tactics used on me.  The sales/marketing department of an organization know how to get people to "want" their product.  But it's harder to identify those that use subtle tactics.  But what gets me is if these tactics are used by so many people and different reasons - good or bad.  How do I know if I think a certain way is based on my decision and not from external factors? Can I stop being so easily influenced? What makes it okay to be influenced and is it ethical to be influenced?

Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Cialdini
http://www.rickross.com/reference/brainwashing/brainwashing20.html
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/04/book_review_inf.html#axzz0SVybMZLm