My relationship with Technology - Final Blog Post!

The first video I watched, showed technology presented at the World Fair in 1964, as a gateway to a whole new world. Fast forward to today, we find ourselves surrounded by technologies that generations before us couldn't even think of. As we're explored throughout this semester, every technological advancement comes with its share of benefits and risks, showing that each has the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Personally, my relationship with technology is very mixed. I wake up and look at my phone before I even get out of bed and spend probably way too much of my day scrolling on different social media platforms. This constant connection with technology has also brought me many opportunities though. 

Being so good with technology, I want to go into a career field with it and declared a minor in social media and digital communication. Technology has also allowed me to have instant access to information and be able to communicate with my parents while I'm in college. I don't think that I would have been able to go to college so far away without the use of Face time. 

However, I've also become increasingly aware of the downsides. Some days, I find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours and wasting time. The loops that I fall into, shorten my attention span and make me easily distracted. I now have a hard time staying focused when I'm not on a computer and need to always have my phone on me at all times. 

I'm trying very hard to make my relationship with technology healthy and because of this class I have begun implementing boundaries - making tech-free time, watching my screen times and being more intentional about my digital usage. These small changes have helped me regain a sense of control while balancing screen vs. the real world. 

Technology has also impacted the way I connect with others. Video calling allows me to see my friends and family who live far away and has really helped me stay connected to them while I'm in college. Social media also helps me maintain those connections and see what people are up to on a daily basis. However, with every good, there's also a downside. In this case, I have noticed that group gatherings often feature moments where everyone is looking at the phone and not engaging in face to face connections. Deep connections are also often interrupted by notifications or phone calls. 

My digital footprint existence consists of social media platforms, comments on posts, academic and athletic mentions. This footprint tells a story about who I am and I am very public about my life. I probably shouldn't but unfortunately I do post almost everyday on TikTok and I do have a spam on instagram which keeps everyone very up to date on my life. However, after taking this class, I have become more conscious about my online presence, recognizing that potential employers and even strangers might form impressions based on what I post. 

Beyond my personal experience, I've also observed technology's broader society impacts. Medical advancements and communication technologies have been made and improved so many people's lives. Communication has also transformed how we see people and connected everyone across the globe. I have also witnessed the negative side of technology. Like the mental health issues it causes and the misinformation it spreads. Privacy concerns are also growing as our data becomes extremely valuable to the government and sellers. 

I don't believe that technology itself is good or evil, I think it's a tool that can be shaped and used positively and negatively. The internet that allows for cyberbullying also connected individuals from around the world. The smartphones that are extremely distracting also provide access to information and opportunities. The reality of all this exists in the balance between these extremes and the choices we make in our lives and relationships. 

Age of AI - Blog post #10

After watching the documentary about AI developments, I was fascinated by the advancements in our society. I learned how the modern AI system has progressed from simple programs to complex systems. The AlphaGo victory was really interesting - not because AI beat a human champion but because it made moves that human's couldn't even think of. 

Some important take-aways were AI's impact on employment that may affect different demographic groups. The documentary showed how jobs that were mostly held by women were facing high risk of losing them. This gender-specific impact of technological change shouldn't go unnoticed. 

What surprised me about this AI development is how the technology that brings so many benefits also introduces so many risks. Even though AI can seem more convenient, there are also so many risks. Like, using facial recognition features which can take away your privacy and enable surveillance without your knowledge. 

The segment on job displacement was particularly frightening because it showed how AI is costing humans lives. There is an increase in mortality rates, mental health struggles and physical health complications among these displaced workers. The personal stories that were shared were so compelling and heartfelt that made me realize we need to be more cautious and careful when managing AI.

Even though AO can be frightening , there are many positives to AI. For example AI offers so much potential in healthcare and scientific research. These technological advancements could really help and improve human care on a global scale which is really interesting and amazing. 

There are also come privacy concerns with AI. Many people don't realize that their data is being collected and analyzed on a daily basis. While AI can be helpful when it comes to tracking for security purposes it could also be used to stalk regular everyday actions of people. This can be very dangerous and needs to be seen with carful consideration. 

For national security, AI is becoming a critical item. Countries are relying on AI to gain significant advantages in economic and military advancements. However, autonomous weapon systems and AI can introduce new risks to global stability. Online security is also being affected. AI can detect fraud patterns more effectively, but it also allows attacks and fakes that make identify theft more difficult to prevent everyday. 

EOTO #2 - Reaction Post

Group 1's presentation opened my eyes to the evolving nature of propaganda in our society. While they focused broadly on awareness, it was Destini's segment that really interested me. She showed how propaganda isn't just some old-school thing from the past with those WWII posters everyone's seen in history books. I never really thought about how propaganda is actually all around us today too. 

Destini explained how it's changed over time but still does the same thing - trying to make us think or feel a certain way. The way she connected history to today's world made me realize this topic is way more relevant to my life than I thought it would be.

I'd always considered propaganda to be something you'd only find on war posters from the 1900s but I see now that they shape how we receive information today. Destini's own story was very telling as she expressed her own experience in her high school where she showed how propaganda is not just what you say, but what you do not say on purpose. 

The personal examples Destini shared from her educational experiences as a Black woman in predominantly white institutions highlighted how propaganda isn't just about explicit messaging but also about what information is systematically omitted. I had not understood that before, but it makes sense that it could be used as manipulation.When she mentioned real-life housing discrimination polices and how they had been discussed in her classroom, it just really showed that the classroom discussions can sometimes reinforce problematic issues even if it tries to address them. 

What also impressed me was how Destini described how modern propaganda has evolved with technology. The example of fake videos spreading misinformation showed how modern propaganda can happen quickly compared to the past. She also suggested that social media algorithms became streams of propaganda, showing that content can be spread by emotions and behaviors making me wonder about my own digital footprint. 

I also liked that Destini shared the positives of propaganda. Stating that they also have a positive purpose, like health campaigns. This made me realize that propaganda could be an innocent tool that could be used for different purposes rather than always a negative agenda. This presentation had definitely made me rethink how I see things everyday and I will be constantly conscious of what I read and post because you never know what the real narrative is.  

Blog #8 - lens of diffusion theory

Looking at smartphones through the lens of diffusion theory shows the insights of how this technology spread throughout society. Smartphones were originally adopted by those who valued internet access, communication tools, and computing power in a small portable device. These early adopters were tech enthusiasts and professional who could justify buying the device for a high cost because of the amazing benefits it had. 

Smartphones had relative advantages where they offered clear benefits and compatibility. They could test friends devices before committing and the benefits are visible to potential adopters. The majority of people joined later when smartphones were more affordable and improved to make them more valuable. 

Late adopters and laggards typically were older individuals who didn't understand technology, people who couldn't afford it, and individuals who don't like technology. Many others avoided social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram could have privacy concerns, productivity concerns. People that didn't want social media also could prefer deeper in person connections rather than online impersonal conversations.  

Non-adopters of social media could have many other reasons for not joining in the bandwagon too. Social media can take away someone's right of privacy, authenticity and personal connections. They also might be informed about the negative effects and addiction rates, and don't want to be involved.

I believe that the positives outweigh the negatives because of such a high use of smartphones and social media in society today. Also they can be so useful to connect with people all around the world at any time. You could text or even video call where you're face to face, so you can still develop meaningful connections.  

The smartphone cost-benefit analysis varies between individuals depending on many factors. Some potential benefits include constant connections and communication, access to information, productivity, and unlimited entertainment options. These benefits make purchasing a smartphone a great options for consumers. However, some potential costs include distractions, privacy concerns, screen addictions, and reducing face-to-face interactions. People can also experience sleep disruptions which with the cost of these devices and services can turn away people from the product. 

Blog #7: The progressive era

Looking at the websites, Antiwar.com  and The American Conservative  , it's scary to see how these platforms never are seen in mainstream media coverage. These sites share critiques of U.S. military interventions and foreign policy that are different from the stories on major news outlets. This could be for many reasons. 

One of those reasons being media consolidation. Since major news outlets are owned and operated by large corporations that may have financial relationships with defense contractors or other military industries. These entanglements create conflicts of


interest when covering military interventions,  discouraging content that might challenge these relationships or threaten revenue streams.

Mainstream journalists covering national security and government policies depend heavily on access to government officials and military sources. Depending one them, creates a dilemma that challenges the narratives about military operations. Posting anti-war content can damage their career. This dynamic incentivizes reporters to work within parameters of critique rather than questioning policies.

Criticizing military action can also be seen as unpatriotic, creating social pressure against antiwar perspective. This creates both potential backlash and self-censorship among journalist and media outlets. Those who question risk being labeled as unpatriotic and unsupportive of troops.

War coverage can also make news outlets more money and so criticizing this and turning down war will not make them any money. When certain types of wars are on tv and social media, veiwing and advertising goes up, which makes them more profitable. This creates a financial incentive to prioritize coverage that aligns with rather than challenges military actions.

The First Amendment was designed to protect exactly these perspectives - not just the comfortable or convenient ones. When Eugene Debs was imprisoned for an antiwar speech during WWI, the government was openly silencing dissent. Today, no one goes to jail for opposing military action, but powerful forces still work to keep certain viewpoints at the margins of our national conversation.

We see this in how quickly antiwar voices were sidelined after 9/11, labeled as unpatriotic or naive. We see it when media coverage of conflicts focuses overwhelmingly on strategy and technology rather than human costs or underlying policy questions. We see it when thoughtful critics must build their own platforms because mainstream doors remain closed to them.

This matters to all of us because without hearing these perspectives, we can't make truly informed decisions as citizens. We need to hear the veterans, the peace activists, the foreign policy experts with alternative viewpoints - not just those who reinforce existing power structures. That's what makes the First Amendment not just a legal protection, but a living value that shapes what kind of society we want to be.

EOTO #2 - Online Influencers

Online influencers are individuals who have built a large following on social media platforms that have a say in their audiences behavior, public opinion, and cultural trends. Influencers don't only promote products or services, they also shape stories and influence political views.

Some good implications include empowerment, entrepreneurship, and education. Influencers can provide a platform for minorities to be heard and find their voices. They can also turn their platforms into businesses which allow them to promote their own products. Influencers can also educate their followers about various topics from health and wellness to political awareness. 

Some bad implications include mental health effects, misinformation, and commercialization of authenticity. Constant exposure to idealized version's of people's lives can lead to feelings of body image issues and anxiety. Some influencers promote products without actually trying them just to make money from it and lead to giving their followers harmful and false information. Also as influencers grow in popularity, the line between people being genuine and just being in it for the money can get blurred which breaks the trust between influencers and their followers. 

Influencers affect society as a whole by shaping culture and norms and social polarization. Influencers shape culture by setting trends across the board and they often are the driving force behind what is popular. Particularly, they have a major influence on the younger generation. However, the influence can also reinforce existing stereotypes and harmful behaviors. 

Let's talk about the effects influencers have on different segments of society since no two people are influenced the same way. When comparing the rich and the poor, it is important to note that influencers that promote a lifestyle with wealth, may make those who can't afford luxury items feel excluded. Others influencers of lower class, may use there platform to elevate themselves and bridge the gap of wealth. Younger generations are often more influenced by social media trends and influencers, where on the other hand older generations may be more skeptic about it.

Influencers can also have effects on people with different genders and sexualities. The influencer world was female in the beginning. Since it was originally used for fashion, makeup, and lifestyle. Where males are usually influenced in areas of fitness, sports, and food. Many influencers who are apart of the LGBTQ+ community receive both praise and backlash for being open about their sexual orientation as some of their content goes against societal norms.

Minority groups can also become social media influencers as they can create movements and raise awareness and advocate for themselves. Influencers can also face barriers like limited opportunities making it harder for them to succeed in the industry.

Influencers impact me and society on a daily basis, shaping how we perceive ourselves, both positively and negatively. They can be inspiring or cause anxiety. They can also influence how people interact with their families and friends. For example, I see my younger cousins following every Sephora trend and making weekly trips to the store with my aunt. Where, I'm easily influenced by TikTok, constantly picking up new trends and deciding what to buy based on what's trending. If I find something I like, I buy it, and if everyone else has it, I want it even more.

For our generation, social media and influencers are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The pressure to fit in and emulate the influencers we follow is overwhelming at times, but we also have the power to challenge the norms they set and reshape the kind of content they produce.

Online influencers can be a great thing or not so good. They have the potential to inspire, educate, and empower, but they also can promote unhealthy ideals, create unrealistic expectations, and fuel consumerism. Society’s response to influencer culture will shape how we move forward, and it will require careful consideration of both its positive and negative effects. For individuals, especially the younger generation, the key will be maintaining a critical approach to the content they consume, balancing real-world values with digital trends.

 

Blog Post #6 - EOTO Reaction

An invention that I learned about during presentations was Paper presented by Caitlyn Evans. Caitlyn told us all about the history and impact of paper. We learned that humans have been writing down their notes since the beginning of time and many early civilizations used tree bark or clay to jot things down. Early paper was made of these materials. 

I learned that the first paper was made in 200 BCE in China where a paper prayer was created on a brick of someone's home. It was mostly used for religious purposes, the government, or wealthy business owners who used this old fishing nets and bamboo to make paper. Fibers were collected a soaked and lined with stone and then grounded into pulp which was then poured into a rectangular mold. Water is drained and the paper is left to dry in the sun and removed from the mold. 

Caitlyn also talked about Korea, Japan and Italy in the invention of paper. In Korea, they used a process of animal-powered pulping mills to create a paper mold out of bamboo and wooden boards that made drying paper sheets easier. Japan used paper for Korean Buddhist monks and they created mass printing of paper. Italy had very well-established paper mills. They made paper out of cotton and linen as well as perfecting paper molds using wood and metal frames. 

In 1869, paper-making in the United States was made out of wood fibers. Which was created at the first paper mill in Culhuacan, Mexico. Today, most paper is made out of wood due to it being more affordable and very available compared to cloth and other materials. 

Caitlyn also told us about the impacts paper had on society. We use paper everyday, whether it's for writing a to-do list, grabbing a napkin, or even making a purchase with cash. Paper has changed our worlds, and thanks to the innovations from many ancient cultures, we are now able to use it daily.