Thursday, February 13, 2025

Living in the Age of AI

Artificial Intelligence is on the rise and automating lives. In fact, women's careers are at the highest risk as typical jobs such as cashiers and assistants can be easily automated. While the advancement of technology excites some, it terrifies others. In the second hour of this informative Frontline video, I learned a lot about data privacy and the surrounding dangers in the United States and Internationally. 

To my previous knowledge, companies and their AI technologies have a good amount of data on their users, and the Frontline video informed me how. It's explained that AI is trying to adapt to the user, so the users have personalized experiences. It was thought-provoking when the speaker said, "We aren't using social media, social media is using us". This factor alone could be a threat to important data. Paired with the concept of "digital exhaust", the data we leave behind when we browse and search, could lead to national security threats. Not only is digital exhaust a security threat, but it's also a revenue increase for companies like Google. Digital exhaust is valuable data because it predicts what a user might click on. Over a couple of years, this led to a dramatic increase in Google's revenue. This leads to the topic of "surveillance capitalism", which claims to be a private human experience but can be turned into fabricated human behavior, which is utilized by businesses because they want to know our future behaviors. Again, this is another topic that puts an individual's online security and identity at risk.

The power AI has overseas really concerns me. The Frontline video touched on the surveillance systems in China, they’re on a mission to deploy over 6 million cameras, including on every street. China's government is authoritative so this doesn't shock me, but their data mining capabilities are concerning. The video even had a section about U.S. surveillance and monitoring systems. This of course is in-home computers, cameras, speakers, and voice-activated systems. These are all optional systems which I stray away from because I think they're very intrusive and gather too much personal information, making room for security and identity risk. Circling back to China, one aspect of their surveillance system really surprised me. In the northwest region of China, a group of people called the Uighurs reside there. Through surveillance, the Chinese government and authorities determine if individuals are prone to terrorism and send them to re-education camps. In a way, our government surveils who browses dangerous ideas and concepts as well. But it is frightening seeing the surveillance power China wields and what they do with it. 

I felt informed about the rise of AI by watching the Frontline video, but it left me with privacy concerns. So much information about myself is left behind simply by performing a Google search. The surveillance tools have the potential to do great things in the right hands, but I don't foresee great outcomes with this technology in the wrong hands.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

EOTO #1 Reaction

My classmates shared in-depth presentations teaching me the timeline of communication technologies. This experience was informative, as I learned of problems the new technology solved or even problems it created. The inventions that stood out to me most were the Carrying Pigeons, YouTube, Television, and Bluetooth. These are the inventions that I will touch on in this blog post. 

I was surprised to see carrying pigeons as a form of communication because it's such an ancient communication style. At the time, the pigeons were the fastest way to get messages from point A to B, this solved the issue of message sending. The carrying pigeons were named the "King's Angels" because the wealthy originally used this method. The King's Angels were used by Ancient Egypt, The Roman Empire, The Middle East, and the British Royal Family. When this was presented to me in class it left me wondering how the pigeons knew where to deliver the message, and how the right person received a message. The carrying pigeon presentation was a flash from the past that I enjoyed learning about.

Learning about YouTube was cool because it became popular while I was growing up. At the time I didn't realize how much YouTube changed the video world. YouTube allowed people to find any video, at any time. This made sharing and watching videos a lot easier. This presentation reminded me a lot of my late childhood which was a fun experience.

The impact of the television invention was revolutionary. I appreciated learning about the history of the invention, and what it took to create the television. The television revolutionized communication because it brought real-time events into homes. It was interesting to hear the speaker touch on the negative effects of the television. They talked about how television sparked debates on content regulation and parental supervision. This topic then faced many laws and regulations pertaining to what was appropriate to stream. This is interesting because this is an issue society still faces today.

Lastly, the invention of Bluetooth sparked my attention. How Bluetooth actually works, has always fascinated me, so I appreciated learning the history behind it. I was supprised to learn that the concept of Bluetooth actually started with short range radio connections. I connected with the negatives of this device, the significant battery drainage and range limitations. These are factors that are getting better through development but could always be better. 

Learning about the history and impact of communication technologies was an inviting experience. I was able to connect with the inventions of Carrying Pigeons, YouTube, Television, and Bluetooth because they connected to my current knowledge, curiousity or experiences.

Monday, February 3, 2025

EOTO: Invention of the Radio

Society uses cell phones to receive news, entertainment, and connect. Before the cell phone was the radio. In this post, I will write about the history and impact of the radio. The intent behind creating the radio was to improve communication, especially for ships overseas. This invention grew into something much greater and connected the American people through media. Although the radio improved the American lifestyle, some negative effects came with it. Before the radio was the wireless telegraph invented by Guglielmo Marconi, who kickstarted the invention of the radio. 

In 1916 the first radio with tuners was created by Ernst Alexanderson. Before the radio, we had telegraphs and the telephone. Although Alexanderson invented the radio tuner, the father of the wireless telegraph, Guglielmo Marconi, is known for creating the first radio. Many world events were happening around the time of the invention of the radio. In 1912 the Titanic sank and in 1914 World War I began. The radio was heavily relied upon by ships to send distress signals. When the Titanic sank, the issue of the radio only capable of receiving a single, limited frequency became apparent. In an attempt to take action, legislation passed the Radio Act of 1912. This sent the job of regulating the radio to the Department of Commerce. The department's job was to regulate frequencies, by assigning people times to use the radio. Then During World War I, radio control was passed to the Navy. So, many issues came from only having one frequency on the radio. It became very limiting.

Ernst Alexanderson solved the problem of limited radio frequency with the invention of tuners. With the addition of
tuning, radio users could now broadcast on multiple frequencies. This invention led to the emergence of broadcast stations and jumpstarted the media world. Frank Conrad founded the first broadcasting station, KDKA. This broadcast connected people worldwide and significantly impacted American life, by providing media consisting of politics, entertainment, music, sports, and news. For many the radio was the fastest and most reliable news source. KDKA had its own important moments in history. Overall, i
n the 1920s America was booming with many milestones such as Industrialization, Civil Rights, Immigration, and Early Radio Programs. Ernst's invention of the radio brought the nation together at the time of these milestones.

Media and Communication among Americans soon significantly improved from radio networks. The Radio Networks we know and see today, ABC, NBC Red and Blue, AT&T, and CBS were created. The FCC provides an informative timeline of radio networks. In 1938, a significant event occurred, The War of the Worlds stream. Essentially, The War of the Worlds stream was a fake alien sighting. It holds importance because it made society panic and showed how much of an impact the media can have. Media impact is something that we still see today in society. At the time of the creation of the radio, propaganda was another negative effect of the invention. Many political leaders used the radio to spread misinformation and propaganda during World War II. A positive political leader, President Franklin Roosevelt, conducted Fireside Chats. The purpose of these chats was to combat all the negative spreading propaganda and connect with the American people as sort of a family approach. Roosevelt gained a healthy relationship with the American people through his Fireside Chats.

   
The invention of the radio comes with great history and impact. Ernst Alexanderson's invention of radio tuners solved the problem of limited frequency and allowed for quality communication. Broadcasting stations emerged and KDKA was born to connect the American people during the milestone that was the 1920's. Shortly after, radio networks emerged, and the negative effects of media appeared as leaders took advantage of the system and spread propaganda and fake news. Overall, the radio holds significance of the birth of media in America.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Privacy, Online & Off

The privacy and protection of online users are being abused by high powers and dangerous people. In this post, I will be sharing my thoughts about four TED talks that each discuss a technology privacy invasion. These videos specifically touch on digital footprint, surveillance, wiretapping, and digital domestic violence. All of these issues are affecting Americans, and in some cases, regulations, laws, and general education should be placed to protect online users.

 

 In video one, speaker Juan Enriquez talks to the audience about big data, tattoos, immortality, and the Greeks. He connects all these pieces to the dangers of the long-lasting effects of technology. Enriquez voices that tattoos shout without any words, the same goes for an electronic tattoo. Enriquez defines an electronic tattoo as the imprint a user leaves behind for followers to see. He notes how these tattoos last longer than our bodies do. In my family and circle of people, we call this a digital footprint. Growing up as an athlete I've always been carefully advised what's appropriate and not appropriate to post with the understanding that what I post will stay online forever. An electronic tattoo/digital footprint doesn't just affect myself, but the programs I'm a part of and my family as well. It's important to me that I am representing myself in an appropriate light online for the sake of those in my life. I am lucky to have grown up understanding a deeper interpretation of electronic tattoos, but this is something that should be taught to society. As a nation, more education about digital footprint should be produced. 

Lastly, Enriquez made analogies to the Greeks and connected technology lessons. I thought these were very applicable to positive posting standards.

  • Sisyphus: a king punished to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity.
  • The Technology Connection: “Once you get that electronic tattoo you’re going to be rolling up and down for a long time.” -Enriquez
  • Orpheus: Journeys to the Underworld to bring back his wife, he's not allowed to look at her, but he does and loses her. 
  • The Technology Connection: With all the data out there it might be best not to look too far into those you love.
  • Atalanta: A great runner who challenged that the man who beat her in a race could marry her. A man defeated her by throwing golden apples as a distraction.
  • The Technology Connection: Don’t get distracted and post something you might regret later.
  • Narcissus: He was very handsome but inconsiderate to the feelings of others.
  • The Technology Connection: Don’t fall in love with your own reflection, and overshare. 
The second video is hosted by speaker Catherine Crump, she had points to make regarding the extensive and high-quality surveillance the government has over citizens. High-level surveillance has been passed down to local police operations making it very easy to locate, track, create a profile, and store data on anyone. Crump touches on the different tools that track us: license plate readers, everyday cameras, and cell towers. She seemed unhappy about how much information the government has on us. I believe it's great the government is taking advantage of technological advancements because I think it serves as a measure of protection.
I've spoken to the security team on campus here at High Point, and the team has a license plate reader that tracks every car that comes in and out of the gates on campus. This is a factor that makes me feel safe. I also appreciate the location services that are available to me, my friends, and my family. If I am ever worried about the people I care about I can easily track their phone to find their locations. Visa versa, if anyone is concerned about my whereabouts, I can be easily found. This makes me feel safe. 

In the third Ted Talk, speaker Christopher Soghoian discusses the dangers of wiretapping telephones. Soghoian brings up some points of concern regarding security in his speech. He uses an example of how easily telephones can be tapped in a situation in Greece. The Greek minister and a cabinet member were tapped by an unknown entity and data was stolen. If country leaders can be victimized by this, I am definitely at risk which is scary. The government should move toward utilizing encrypted, safe technology and express the importance of this to Americans. It's important individuals, companies, organizations, and the government are protected.


Lastly in the fourth video, speaker Darieth Chisolm shared a heartbreaking experience. She's a victim of digital domestic violence, meaning someone in her life couldn't physically harm her, so they posted exploiting photos of her online. Chisolm went through an expensive, complicated, and confusing road to receive justice. I was shocked to learn that there are no more laws regulating this and the punishment only consisted of hundreds of dollars for this crime. Her story also made me realize digital domestic violence can happen to anyone, even me or my friends and family. After hearing Chisolm's story, there should definitely be more laws in place to aid victims and make it an easier process to maneuver through. The DMCA is an organization that regulates online content, this is an organization that can help those affected. I didn't know much about digital domestic violence, but it is a serious conversation that requires more help from the government. 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

The Eight Values of Free Expression

The founders of America worked hard to give citizens the First Amendment and the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, petition, and religion that come along with it. The founder's ideas shaped the "Marketplace of Ideas", giving Americans a space to express their opinions without government restriction. In this post, I will reflect upon which values of free expression resonate with me most, and how they connect to everyday life. 
    I feel that the eighth value of free expression is the most important; to protect dissent. This value of expression safeguards the American people from disagreeing with the majority and the government. Allowing people to disagree with the government builds a healthy democracy, making checks and balances obtainable. In Steve Shriffin's Dissent, Injustice, and the Meanings of America, he points out that dissent is essential in fighting injustice. In his writing, Shriffin also argues the definition of America and its founding principles of liberty, justice, and democracy are examined through the context of dissent.
    With Inauguration Day being yesterday, it makes me reflect upon how lucky our nation is to voice our opinions of our leaders and government without consequence. Generally, our country tends to lean either left or right, but it's become common for people to like certain aspects of both ideologies. I believe there's value in dissent, and being enabled to publically express what and who you stand for. Hearing other people's opinions is important because it educates us as a society, and encourages deeper thought. We the people are blessed with the ability to choose our leaders, and we are influenced by the power of speech every day through rallies, debates, speeches, and more. 


As a class, we've spoken about the TikTok ban. The fourth value of free expression, "Individual Self Fulfillment", fits with this situation. In class, we discussed how the government banning TikTok is a violation of the First Amendment. TikTok is a platform where creators go to express themselves, create their own identities, and interact with others. This is the Individual Self Fulfillment value. This value is built based on Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. When compared to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the value of individual self-fulfillment matches the value of self-actualization. Personally, I enjoy spending time on TikTok and have met new people and ideas from the app. This value feels personal to my generation because we're definitely a more progressive group, always looking to express ourselves. The University of Minnesota's book review of Human Liberty and Freedom of Speech, by C. Edwin Baker, summarizes Baker's opinions on the marketplace theories and liberty theory. "He concludes that marketplace theories reinforce status quo, while the liberty theory protects rights and promotes progressive social change". As I wrote above, my generation values being able to express themselves and create their own identities, overall manifesting progressive social change. 

When evaluating the importance of "The Eight Values of Expression", I found importance in the values of protecting dissent and individual self-fulfillment. Protecting dissent, the American people's ability to disagree with the government without consequence, helps shape a healthy democracy, promotes critical thinking, and holds positions of power accountable. Individual Self Fulfillment gifts society with the ability of one to express oneself, which enables progressive social advancements. There's more than meets the eye when exploring all the freedoms the First Amendment gives us. 

Monday, January 20, 2025

The History and Workings of the Supreme Court

In this post, I'll be sharing my thoughts, new information, surprising facts, and my key takeaways from the History and Workings of the Supreme Court class videos. 

The Part I video gave me great insight into the history and workings of the Supreme Court. The narrator touched on the length of service a justice serves in the court. The average judge spends 16 years on this bench, which I didn't know. One of the justices spoke about what it's like being a part of the group, "it is the quiet of a storm setting", referring to the chaos the court can hold. It's very rare to be appointed to the Supreme Court the video states, “Being appointed to the court is the same luck as being struck by lightning”. The narrator spoke about how the public did not appreciate the Supreme Court initially. This really surprised me because I respect the court and a vast majority of the public does too. John Marshall was actually the person who earned the respect of the citizens with the Madison case. 

 I was the most interested in Certiorari and how the justices chose their cases. The video states the court receives about 7,000 cases a year, and they only select 100 of those a year. The judges pointed out each case gets the same consideration. Giving me an imaginary look inside the conference room, the justices spoke about their first time on the court during a conference. They said it was "electric" and "powerful" to be a part of a conversation with the justices that held so much knowledge and wisdom. Before each meeting, each justice shakes everyone's hands. This builds a connection within the group and makes it harder to argue and hold grudges. To make the conversation fair, the Chief Justice created a rule where each person has to speak once before someone can speak twice. Overall I enjoyed hearing how the justices chose the cases and what it's like being in the conference room. 

 Part II of the video gave me more detail on how the court works. The video touched on the public oral court and the truths behind that aspect. Sometimes when a judge doesn't want to directly speak about a certain opinion they'll bring attention to it through the oral court. So, during the oral public court, the justices sometimes use the people to voice their own opinions to the other justices. I found this as a genius way to utilize the oral court. The last part of the video touched on writing opinions. The opinion of the court informs the Americans why and how the court came to their decision. I was shocked to learn that opinion drafts take up to 4 weeks to create, and even more time to perfect afterward.

 I wouldn't say I had a strong opinion of the Supreme Court before watching these videos, but after watching I feel more informed and understanding of the court. I appreciated being able to hear about the experience from the justices themselves. The biggest takeaway is the realization that these people dedicate many years of hard work serving our country. 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Top 5 News Sources That I Use

The top 5 news sources I utilize aren't the common news channels that the public uses. I'd argue my generation receives news in a different way, through social media channels. I'm a college student and a busy one at that, so naturally, most of my free time is spent on my phone, online, or talking with the people closest to me, and that is how I get my news. 



#1 Tik Tok
 It's hard to admit that my main news source is TikTok because it's not seen as a reliable platform. Most of my screen time is spent on TikTok and I've come to realize I actually learn a lot from the app. The app has an algorithm that fits my location and other videos I interact with, and a good amount of my viewed content is news and information. Something I enjoy about this app is how I get to see these news stories from real people's perspectives. For a current example, the California Wildfires. the fire has spread to the news, but on TikTok, my feed shows me videos from Californian users who are dealing with this tragedy. Seeing the news from real people like this helps me put situations into perspective. 

https://www.tiktok.com/en/ 



#2 My Dad
My dad doesn't work and he spends a lot of time researching and staying informed with current news. It's nice to have him as an informed person who I can talk about the news with. I generally know of current topics, but my dad can thoroughly explain what is happening. This is very helpful especially when I don't know the whole story, or have difficulty understanding the news. My dad is a trusted source who I turn to for the news. 


#3 Instagram
 I spend a good amount of time online, and I appreciate how Instagram posts are short, sweet, and straight to the point. When I view news headlines on Instagram, I tend to find that the posts give me just enough insight into the situation without overwhelming me. This aspect of Instagram is great for me because I usually don't have the free time to sit and read a full news story. The last thing I appreciate about Instagram is the large variety of accounts that I follow. I follow Fox News, the New York Times, ABC, ESPN, and other news outlets. It's nice accessing all these news sources all in one place. Instagram's graphics, short stories, and variety of accounts are all valuable to me. 

https://www.instagram.com/ 


#4 Google 
When a news story emerges I generally hop onto Google. This site gives me all information, from all news sources. Google is especially great for niche questions about current news. When I ask google a question, it gives me a clear answer. This is then nice for me because I tend to have a lot of questions, and I can keep finding more and more information on Google, whereas traditional news channels usually give a broad overview. Overall I love Google and the services it provides. 

https://www.google.co.uk/ 


#5 Fox News
When I think of a traditional news channel I trust, it's Fox News. Fox presents factual stories that are worth tuning into. Fox News is what I'll turn to if I want to read a full news article to learn more about a certain event. This news source has great coverage and facts. 

https://www.foxnews.com/