Final Blog Post (#12)

 - I do belive that my relationship with technology is healthy because of the way that I use it. For me most forms of technology are for either school purposes or to keep in contact with family and friends. I do feel like I spend a little bit more time on it than I should, according to Exploding Topics the average screen time for teens is 7 hrs and 22 mins while I spend closer to 8 hours a day. So I do belive that I could take some of that time and put it towards school or learning new skills. While technology is something that I learn certain things from I feel like it is also misleading in certain situations. For example the social media aspect of it can be very misleading because of how people try to sway others to have the same opinion as someone else but on the otherhand it can be very informative because you can find so many news articles from reliable sources that will give you valuable information. I belive that people have become so used to it that it has just become normalized in todays society to not trust things without looking into the broader details of them. 

-  It depends on who we are talking about because I beleive that it varies between my parents, friends and siblings. While I highly agree with technology being a positive piece in our day to day lives I think that my friends and siblings tend to overuse it while my parents are more reasoanable with it, I say that my friends and siblings overuse it because there have been many times they have been locked away in their rooms or a quite area all day with no social interaction outside of school and I have been at hangouts where a couple of friends haven't even talked to anyone else because they were so focused on checking their phones, laptops, or whatever devices they had acces too what seemed like every 5 minutes. 

- My digital footprint is minimal and generally very positive. If someone were to search my name on Google, they would find a few articles highlighting the community service projects I was involved in during high school, as well as results from various track and field meets I competed in. These are all accomplishments I’m proud of and reflect well on my character and commitment. There’s nothing in my online presence that would raise any concerns for potential employers, and no controversial or inappropriate content associated with my name. When I went and looked myself up on google, I noticed there weren’t many photos of me available online. Most of the images found where of other athletes who just so happen to share my name. Overall, I don’t have a strong or widespread online presence, which makes it more difficult to find personal information about me compared to others who are more active on social media or digital platforms. I view this limited exposure as a positive aspect of my online identity, as it minimizes the risk of misrepresentation or privacy issues.

Blog Post 10

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers notable benefits in the areas of privacy, national security, and online security, despite raising various challenges. In terms of privacy, AI's ability to improve user interactions by providing customized services like individualized suggestions and targeted ads streamline user experience. This personalized approach not only enhances convenience but also demonstrates AI's potential to positively impact the digital landscape, ushering in a new era of tailored services that cater to individual preferences and needs. This technological innovation further proves advantageous in the healthcare sector, where it aids in elevating diagnostic processes and designing individualized treatment strategies based on sensitive personal information. Nevertheless, the utilization of AI raises concerns regarding privacy intricacies, particularly in enabling widespread surveillance through sophisticated facial recognition and tracking mechanisms, while also inviting the risk of data exploitation upon mishandling users' private data. AI may accidentally leak an individuals' privacy.

Turning to the national security landscape, AI stands as a pivotal tool in bolstering defense capabilities through the implementation of autonomous systems, predictive analytics, and cyber defense protocols. Its proficiency in identifying and preempting imminent threats, such as terrorism and cyber assaults, contributes significantly to safeguarding national interests. However, apprehensions surface regarding the potential weaponization of AI, wherein autonomous weaponry might act devoid of human oversight, thus prompting ethical dilemmas and accountability quandaries. Furthermore, the misuse of AI by adversaries to perpetrate cyber assaults on critical infrastructures underscores the prevalent issues surrounding civil liberties and privacy infringements through extensive surveillance measures.

In the arena of online security and the battle against identity theft, AI unveils a spectrum of measures aimed at fraud detection mechanisms and securing authentication processes, like biometric verifications, thereby diminishing the specter of identity theft. Its pivotal role extends to bolstering cybersecurity frameworks by instantaneously identifying looming threats, such as malware and phishing attacks. Notwithstanding these advances, malevolent elements can exploit AI's capabilities to circumvent established security protocols, as evidenced by instances of password breaches and deepfake technology deployment for surreptitious identity theft. Additionally, the extensive reservoirs of personal data housed within AI systems serve as prime targets for cyber breaches.

Blog post 11

 Things I learned about propaganda 

• Propaganda is a powerful tool that permeates our daily routines, often subtly influencing our perceptions and decisions without us even realizing it. This pervasive form of communication is strategically utilized in various aspects of our lives, such as social media platforms, billboards scattered across city streets, signs on public transportation, and through many other mediums. Whether we are scrolling through news feeds or commuting to work, propaganda has become an intrinsic part of our environment, shaping our opinions and behaviors in ways that are not always evident at first glance. It serves as a constant presence, silently molding our thoughts and beliefs through cleverly crafted messages and images that aim to persuade and sway our perspectives. In a world where information is abundant and relentless, recognizing and understanding the impact of propaganda is crucial in fostering critical thinking and awareness.
• During election seasons, political rhetoric becomes increasingly prominent as candidates vie for attention and support. This heightened visibility often involves the widespread use of various communication strategies, such as calling out opponents to highlight differences in policies and ideologies. Additionally, candidates frequently utilize these opportunities to strategically uphold and enhance their public image, portraying themselves in a favorable light for voters. The intense competition and scrutiny of election periods underscore the significance of effective communication in shaping public perception and influencing electoral outcomes. Overall, the dynamic nature of political discourse during elections demonstrates the critical role that messaging plays in candidates' campaigns and their overall success in connecting with constituents and securing votes.

• When propaganda first started, its primary purpose was to influence and mobilize individuals towards participation in armed conflicts. By utilizing persuasive messaging and techniques, such as stirring emotions and highlighting the enemy's perceived threats, propaganda aimed to sway public opinion and garner support for war efforts. This powerful tool was wielded by governments and other entities to manipulate beliefs and behavior on a mass scale, often distorting truths and fostering division among populations. Over time, propaganda evolved to become a pervasive force in shaping perceptions and attitudes, impacting not only wartime scenarios but also peacetime contexts. Through various mediums like posters, films, and speeches, propagandists sought to cultivate nationalism, justify military actions, and rally citizens behind their respective causes. The enduring legacy of propaganda underscores its enduring influence on society and conflict dynamics
• The Greeks employed various forms of expression, such as intricate artworks, competitive games, captivating theater performances, and elaborate religious festivals, as effective tools to disseminate their innovative ideas and beliefs throughout their society and beyond their borders. Through the intricate details of their art, the competitive spirit of their games, the emotional impact of their theater productions, and the spiritual connections of their religious festivities, the Greeks were able to engage individuals on multiple levels, ensuring the widespread dissemination and acceptance of their cultural and philosophical concepts. By intertwining these diverse avenues of communication, the Greeks not only shared their ideas but also fostered a sense of community and identity among their people, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence art, entertainment, and spirituality to this day. 

Links

https://www.historians.org/resource/the-story-of-propaganda/

https://online.norwich.edu/online/about/resource-library/history-american-propaganda-posters-american-social-issues-through-propaganda

Blog Post 5

Issues Raised in the videos

We’re all using AI more than we realize, from the apps on our phones to the smart devices in our homes. AI has been stealing our personal information whether it be where we work, where we live and many other important things. As this technology becomes more common, it’s also having an impact on jobs. Many jobs are becoming less and less dependent on human beings and relying more and more on technology. This can be very scary for people because of how small the workplace is now becoming and how people have to adapt to change around them. 

Given the rapid advancements in technology, especially in the realm of AI, it has become increasingly concerning how our personal information is being treated and stored. With the continuous accumulation of data by AI systems, there is an urgent need for well-defined regulations that safeguard our privacy. Lacking these safeguards, there is a significant risk of companies exploiting our data for their benefit, thereby endangering our privacy. Therefore, it is crucial to have robust laws in place that ensure the responsible handling of our information. Additionally, these laws should establish accountability for companies that fail to uphold data privacy standards. Having such protective measures offers a sense of security in a digital landscape where personal data is significantly exposed.

It is crucial for companies utilizing AI technologies to provide clear and comprehensive explanations about the functionality of their systems. Users deserve to have full knowledge regarding the data collection process, its utilization, and the destination of such data. This transparency fosters trust among users, enabling them to make educated decisions about the services they opt to use. Failure to offer this transparency can lead to feelings of apprehension among users, as it may give the impression that the company is concealing vital information. Ensuring transparency is not merely a courtesy but an essential factor for fostering a sense of security and confidence within our technologically advanced society.

On a more personal level, it's crucial to appreciate the significance of the information we share online and the omnipresence of AI surveillance. Overlooking the extent of data disclosure can be effortless in daily online activities like social media postings, online purchases, and simple browsing, all of which contribute to our digital footprint. Thus, periodic privacy setting reviews for our utilized applications and devices are strongly recommended, as minor adjustments can effectively limit unwanted data collection instances.

Another straightforward yet highly efficient method to safeguard our privacy is by identifying and eliminating accounts that are no longer in active use. It is common for individuals to have dormant accounts that have slipped from memory over time. However, the issue lies in the fact that these accounts may still possess our sensitive personal information, even if their usage has ceased. Therefore, by actively deleting unnecessary accounts and formally requesting platforms to erase our data from their systems, we are proactively working to minimize our digital footprint and enhance the security of our information.

In this digital age where AI plays an ever-growing role in our lives, it becomes crucial for us to proactively safeguard our privacy. By exercising caution in our online interactions, closely monitoring the utilization of our information, and advocating for enhanced privacy safeguards, we can harness the advantages of cutting-edge technology while preserving the security of our personal data. Implementing even the smallest measures can significantly enhance our safety in a society increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Links:

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-the-world/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-023-01787-8

Blog Post 9

Online media has become a huge part of our lives over the past century. With the rise of social media, blogs, and video-sharing websites, it has changed the way people communicate, share ideas, and interact with the world. Anyone with a device can now create and share content, which has made it easier for people to promote brands, political candidates, and personal ideas. Although online media has many benefits, it also brings some challenges that affect its users and society in general.

One of the biggest benefits of online media is that it lets people express themselves. In the past, sharing your thoughts, creativity, or opinions with a wide audience was difficult. You usually needed access to things like TV, radio, or newspapers. Today, anyone can post content on social media platforms, personal blogs, or video websites. This has given people the chance to share their creativity, raise awareness about important topics, and connect with others. Whether it’s promoting a personal brand or just sharing everyday moments, online media lets people have a voice and share what matters to them.

Online media also helps people connect with others. Social media makes it easy to stay in touch with family and friends, meet new people who have similar interests, and join groups based on shared experiences. This has made it easier than ever to build relationships, no matter where someone lives. For businesses, online media gives them a way to reach a larger audience and directly engage with customers. The ability to connect instantly has changed the way people communicate and how businesses grow.

Additionally, online media offers plenty of entertainment, from videos and music to online games and live streams. Streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify allow people to watch or listen to what they want whenever they want. For creators, this has opened up new ways to make money and reach people all over the world. Social media has also led to the rise of influencers, people who have built careers by sharing content and working with brands to connect with large audiences.

But online media isn't all good. One of the main issues is the potential for addiction. With constant updates and notifications, it can be hard to put down the phone or step away from the screen. This can lead to people spending too much time online, which can negatively affect their mental health and cause stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Cyberbullying is another big problem linked to online media. The internet allows people to hide behind screens, making it easier for some to bully or hurt others. This can cause emotional pain and harm to those being targeted. The ability for harmful comments to spread quickly on social platforms makes it harder for people to escape bullying.

Lastly, the spread of false information is a growing concern. Social media can spread rumors and lies just as quickly as the truth, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. This can cause people to believe inaccurate things, which can create problems for society and make it harder to separate fact from fiction.

In the end, online media has had a big impact on how we get information, connect with others, and have fun. While it gives us a chance to express ourselves, stay connected, and be entertained, it also comes with risks. It’s important for us to be aware of these challenges and use online media in a healthy and responsible way.

Blog Post 8

Mobile phones, particularly smartphones, spread quickly because of how convienent they are to people and the fact they allow us to keep in contact with friends all over the world, These devices transformed how we communicate. According to Diffusion Theory, new ideas and technologies spread in multiple stages. There are innovators, early adopters, the majority, and then the laggards – people who are slow to embrace change. With mobile phones, their rapid adoption follows this pattern down to a tee.

Initially, mobile phones were a luxury, but as technology advanced and prices decreased, they become more of a norm in society. The first to jump on the bandwagon were those who love new gadgets – the innovators. These individuals enjoy being the first to experience new technologies, often for the social status it brings. Early adopters were next. These people are often seen as trendsetters; they like being ahead of the curve, whether for personal enjoyment or the prestige of owning the latest devices. After the early adapters many others started to see the benefits of these devices, and they hoped on the bandwagon.

As mobile phones became more widespread, the majority of people slowly started adopting them as well. While some might have been hesitant at first, unsure of the true value or cost of owning a phone, but over time, the advantages became evident. Mobile phones allowed for faster, more efficient communication, which was especially useful in business, education, and personal connections. Eventually, the laggards, the gave in, either because they could no longer ignore the shift or because mobile phones became so embedded in daily life that it became difficult to function keep in contact without one.

However, not everyone embraces new technology, especially when it comes to things like social media. Some people decide not to use platforms like Facebook or Instagram, even if they’re popular, because they don’t see the value in them. Others may be concerned about privacy issues, data security, or the potential negative impacts on their mental health. This is not uncommon among those who are more cautious about the pace of technological change. These individuals often prefer to avoid the potential drawbacks that come with new tech, focusing instead on maintaining their privacy or reducing stress that might arise from constant online engagement.

Many people often weigh the pros and cons in a cost-benefit analysis. Social media, for example, has its boatload of perks, such as helping people stay connected with friends and family, sharing moments, and keeping up with trends. But even their many perks can not overshadow some of the flaws that they have, such as: concerns about privacy, addiction, or feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of social media. For some, the negatives can easily outweigh the positives, leading them to make the conscious decision not to engage with these platforms.

In the end, the decision is truly up to personal preference as it may not be within ones interest to engage with social media or phones in general. With that being said make sure to do your own research and make your own decision, do not allow others to force you into using anything you don't find safe. 

Blog Post 7

Given the popular landscape of the media industry, many individuals have discovered themselves gravitating towards underground online platforms and websites that offer strong antiwar sentiments. The transition that the media has undergone over the years has nudged people towards smaller websites that have views that go against militaristic pursuits, reflecting a shift in how information is accessed and consumed in the world today. The contemporary era offers a bunch of avenues for information dissemination, thanks to the widespread prevalence of digital media and social networking platforms that have revolutionized how news and opinions are shared. Despite this abundance of informational resources, a significant fraction of mainstream media institutions in the United States find themselves under the ownership of large conglomerates, which can significantly shape the narratives and perspectives presented to the public. What makes situations like this worse is the network of financial connections that help these media giants to defense contractors and other sectors profiting from military actions, creating a conflict of interest that  influences the news and the rest of the publics opinions. The prevailing emphasis within mainstream media circles frequently revolves around endorsing narratives that align with the interests of powerful factions, such as military figures and corporate leaders, thus directing the discourse towards justifying military endeavors rather than critically examining their ethical, financial, and long-term consequences. This tendency leads to the marginalization of antiwar viewpoints, regardless of their origins on the political spectrum. On the other hand, smaller apps and websites offer a sanctuary for dissenting voices that shed light on the negative repercussions, offering a unique space for different perspectives that challenge the mainstream narrative on war. These digital platforms act as alternative arenas where unconventional views on war garner attention and provoke thoughtful discussions. Unlike mainstream media outlets, these alternative platforms often function with minimal corporate or political affiliations, evading the constraints of subservience to influential entities that dictate the narratives in traditional media establishments. Consequently, individuals seeking diverse insights into matters related to war, foreign policies, and military interventions increasingly feel compelled to step beyond the boundaries of conventional media sources to tap into unconventional perspectives and fresh analytical viewpoints. This shift in how people go into learning and clarifying news underscores the importance of seeking out impartial sources that present critical stances towards war and its implications.