Blog Post #2 - Supreme Court Review

 Recently, I watch a video on the Supreme Court of the United States for my media law and literacy class and absorbed lots of interesting information. Did you know that Supreme Court Justices serve an average of 16 years and throughout history, there have only been around 100 justices. This is crazy to me because that seems like such a low number for a country that has been around for almost 250 years. 

I also discovered that, historically, not everyone has respected or agreed with the Court’s rulings and opinions, which adds an interesting layer to its influence. This is interesting because usually when the public doesn't agree something in the government, they usually get rid of it, but the Supreme Court gained popularity quickly and has been very beneficial to the United States public.

The most significant takeaway about the Supreme Court is the lasting impact its decisions have on American society, regardless of how large or small the case may appear. Each case has the power to change legal precedents and affect the lives of millions. The Court plays a crucial role in shaping everything from individual rights to the balance of government powers. Additionally, the Court has the unique responsibility of interpreting the Constitution, which deeply influences the legal landscape of the nation.

I was surprised to learn that the Supreme Court receives over 7,000 new cases annually but only reviews about 100 of them. I had assumed that the Court examined every case it received, but that’s not the case. Instead, they select only a few that are of the utmost importance, leaving the rest to be handled by state and lower courts.

I was also intrigued to discover that, before each session, the justices shake hands with one another as a sign of respect, even if they have differing opinions. I really appreciate this tradition because it demonstrates that, despite disagreements, respect and civility should always come first.

This video changed the way I perceive the Supreme Court. While I previously thought that interpreting laws might be a simpler task, I now understand the complexity involved in the Court’s decision-making process. Despite their disagreements, the justices are able to come to decisions that ultimately shape the direction of the country, highlighting the importance of their role in society.

Key Post: EOTO Com Tech Timeline

Mark my words: technology will take over the world one day - if it hasn't already. In just this past decade, we've witnessed extreme advancements: from smartphones to drones, streaming platforms, self-driving cars, AI, and so much more. Technology is advancing at an exponential rate, and there's nothing to stop it. In this post, I'll dive into a specific technological breakthrough: the smartphone. 

Smartphones are not only a device used to make calls, they are now a powerful tool that can take photos, play music and movies, and even help you navigate with GPS. Over the years, smartphones have evolved drastically. This article from simpletexting.com explores the history of the smartphone, let's look at a small timeline:

1992: IBM creates the first smartphone, attempting to solve the problem of combining phone functionality with computing capabilities. This concept seemed out of this world and the features of the first smartphone were very advanced for its time.

2001: The first phone with internet access debuts, allowing users to communicate wirelessly. This was a game-changer in the technology world. 

2007: Apple introduces the first iPhone, the device that completely changed the phone world. It offered a full version of the internet, enabling users to browse the web and combined phone capabilities with browsing, entertainment and productivity tools.

The smartphone was created by multiple innovators and companies overtime. The smartphone we know today was largely shaped by Apple's iPhone in 2007. They were trying to create a device that had functions of a phone, a computer and a media player all in one device. The iPhone touchscreen, apps, and internet access revolutionized how people use technology, solving the problem of having multiple devices for different needs. 

The history of the smartphone is so remarkable, and today approximately 4.69 billion people own a smartphone. That's alot of people and with many of these people having access to these devices, the benefits are clear - but there are also significant drawbacks. 

Smartphones changed how we connect with each other. Text messaging, instant messaging and social media platforms have made communication so much faster and more direct. FaceTime and Zoom have allowed people to bridge long distances and interact in real-time. Also, smartphones have fostered global connections, allowing people to stay in touch with friends and family across the world. However, with all the advantages, smartphones also present challenges like addiction, mental health struggles, and environmental impacts. Smartphones can lead to social isolation as people can have virtual interactions rather then see each other face-to-face. The constant need to always been looking your best on social media also leads to stress and anxiety, especially among younger users. Excessive use is also a m=negative factor as it can lead to physical health issues and sleep deprivation. 

As technology continues to grow, it’s crucial to navigate both its benefits and its risks. There are countless benefits but its important to find a balance between their advantages and mitigate the drawbacks to ensure that smartphones continue to improve our lives without the negative consequences.  The smartphone revolution has only just begun, and its impact on society will continue to evolve.

Key Post: Eight Values of Key Expression

The first amendment is very important to Americans all around the country for many reasons. It protects peoples rights and freedoms which is essential for a "functional democracy and individual liberties". (Freedom Forum) In class, we have discussed the creation of the first amendment and changes to the first amendment over the years. Then, we explored how these ideas began to take form in theories specifically the eight values of key expression.

The first value being the marketplace of ideas where John Milton believed that when people are allowed to express their truth and lies, the truth will always come out. This idea supports the right to share information without the approval of the government. The second value is participation in self-government which allows citizens to make a decision about an election by hearing different points-of-view. It lets the public know all the information, in order to make an informed decision. Benedict Spinoza discovered the third value of stable change allowing people to express their anger and criticism without penalty. By letting people vent, it gives the government the ability to monitor and address problems. 

The fourth value is individual fulfillment or creative and artistic expression. This helps people to share their own identity, without living in fear of discrimination. Vince Blasi's value is checking on governmental powers which plays a role in finding corruption in the government. It allows the people to respond and keep the government in check. The sixth and seventh values are promoting tolerance and innovation. We can create a more tolerant community by learning what is harmful and rejecting it. On the other hand, by having free speech, we can have more creativity and ideas which allows people to explore different ways of thinking and living. The last value is to protect dissent which protects your right to disagree, even if you are not in the minority. Dissent helps hold those in power accountable and allows everyone to have an opinion. 

Individual Self-Fulfillment resonates the most with me because it allows me to express my identity without shame or fear. It's very empowering to know that I and people around me can be themselves and share who they are. I also believe that participation in self-government and promoting innovation are the most important values. In order to make an informed decision, its crucial to hear all sides of the story, even its a small debate with friends. Promoting innovation is important too because it fosters a dynamic culture where new ideas can thrive and make our society better. 

The value that is most personal to me is protect dissent. There are many times where I don't always agree with the majority and knowing that my voice can still be heard is really important to me. The values I see in action today are checks on governmental power and stable change. We see these values practiced when citizens speak out against the government and express frustrations that help maintain stability. 

To relate this to todays world, social media is something that  that our generation relies on heavily, and this is why we need many of these values of free expression. Specifically, Individual self-fulfillment as it allows people on social media to express themselves, share their identities, and connect with others without being silenced. Whether it's posting an opinion, sharing a personal experience, or even showing creativity, social media gives individuals the freedom to be who they are and find like-minded people.

Additionally, protecting dissent is crucial in the social media world. Social media provides a platform for people to disagree with mainstream views or challenge authority. The ability to speak out against what you believes is unjust is a key part of a democracy and a necessary part of free speech, especially in today’s digital age.Without these values, social media could easily become a place of censorship, rather than a space for free expression and growth.

Resources

https://www.freedomforum.org/the-first-amendment/why-you-should-care-about-the-first-amendment/#:~:text=The%20First%20Amendment%20is%20our,is%20the%20essence%20of%20freedom.

https://medlawlit.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_9.html

My Top 5 Sources of News

 Top 5 Sources of News and Information

1. Instagram 

Instagram is my go-to platform for staying updated with news. It's quick, accessible, and provides a wealth of information. While not always 100% reliable, I’ve gotten skilled at distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation. What I really appreciate about Instagram is how it offers a variety of perspectives, presenting news from different accounts and platforms, keeping me well-informed. 

2. Apple News https://www.apple.com/apple-news/ 

Anyone with an iPhone automatically receives Apple News Briefs, so I'm constantly updated with the latest stories. Although, I don't always look at it, sometimes the headline are very interesting and grab my attention. This news app is on iOS and macOS that has articles from a variety of sources tailored to your interests. By personalizing your news, you can follow certain topics that appeal to you, which makes it more engaging and make you want to read more. Although, Apple News is free for all users. Apple News+ is a paid subscription that provides access to all premium content. 

3. Google news https://news.google.com/home?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Google News is a news aggregation service that gathers and organizes stories from a wide array of global sources. Google News is the most popular news source across various demographics due to its extensive coverage and ability to provide access to a wide range of stories  It presents headlines from different publishers, offering a broad spectrum of viewpoints on current events. I trust Google News as a reliable source because it provides diverse perspectives, ensuring that whether you're on the left, right, or center, all voices are represented for a well-rounded view of the news.

4. The Gist https://www.thegistsports.com/

The Gist is a women-led sports news outlet created by women, for women, offering a fresh, engaging take on sports coverage. As someone who’s not always up-to-date on every game or team, I appreciate how The Gist makes it easy to stay informed with concise, relevant updates. It's my go-to source for getting the scoop on sports without feeling overwhelmed by the details. I also really like how easy it is to access all of their articles and how accessible their website is compared to lots of other sports media platforms.

5. The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/

Since my parents are regular readers of the New York Times, I often check it out myself. Although most of the times it's just to play Wordle or other interesting mind games they have on their platform. It's a trusted source known for its reliable journalism and in-depth reporting. With its loyal readers, the New York Times provides comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics, making it a go-to for staying well-informed.