Final Blog Post

 In this generation you can find almost anyone in the world online with just one simple search. I personally am an avid user of social media apps such as Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Facebook. I use these apps to post pictures and videos of my friends and I and to stay in touch with people I don't see often. I have learned and noticed that every post I publish, every search I make, and everything I like or click on is information being used by these apps and anyone with access to the internet. 

When thinking about my experiences with my online accounts persona a specific event came to mind. One morning after having a sleepover in my basement I woke up to my Mom yelling for me to come upstairs... and she did not seem happy. It turns out someone used my name and photos from my Instagram to create a new account... but that's not the worst part. The person had put in the bio under my name that I had an explicit content platform which was obviously not true or legal given the fact I was only sixteen years old. I rushed to my phone and had concerned messages from over 25 people asking if the account was me. I was extremely embarrassed and uncomfortable especially because this account had been requesting to follow many of my family members. I ended up having to post on all of my real platforms the fake account and begging people to help me by reporting it. Eventually the account got removed but I will never forget how terrified I was that morning.

Here is an article I recommend that will help you protect your privacy online:

Privacy on Social Media Guards Against Identity Theft

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of protecting my online persona and personal information. Being alert and cautious is crucial for preventing identity theft and unauthorized access to any online accounts. This event also brought attention to the possible risks that come from social media and the simplicity with which one could pose as someone else online. It is critical that we all keep a close eye on our internet presence and act quickly to stop any fraudulent behavior. It is also very important to be careful what you post because, as my Mom always says, "Nothing is erasable, even when you think you have erased it". This is a lesson I still live by and even more so today with technology continuously progressing. 

Age of AI Blog Post

 Watching the documentary "In The Age of AI", was extremely interesting and educational because of how prominent AI has become and continues to be. There are many positive ways that AI has on our society but in my opinion the negatives out way the positives. In today's world, artificial intelligence brings some serious problems that we need to worry about. One big issue is privacy. AI can sometimes access our personal information without permission, which can lead to privacy violations. Another concern is whether AI is being used in a fair and ethical way. Sometimes, AI systems can be biased and treat people unfairly. Then there's the risk of cyber attacks. Bad actors might try to hack into AI systems to steal information or cause harm. Also, different countries are competing to develop AI, which could lead to more conflicts and even weapons that use AI. Lastly, there's the danger of online scams and identity theft. AI can make it easier for criminals to steal personal information and use it for illegal purposes. These problems show why it's so important to have rules and safeguards in place to protect people from the negative impacts of AI.

Here is a list that showcases the pros and cons stated above:

Positives:

-Efficiency and Productivity 

-Innovation 

-Personalized Experiences 

Negatives: 

-Data Privacy Concerns

-Ethical Use 

-Cybersecurity Risks

-Geopolitical Competitions

-Online Security/ Identity Theft

-Protecting Personal Information

Overall it is important to be careful nowadays with your technology and to be aware of the negative implications of AI.

Progressive Era Blog Post

In the Progressive Era, voices opposing World War I were met with persecution and censorship. Hundreds of individuals were imprisoned simply for expressing their antiwar sentiments. Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing similar dynamics unfold on a global scale. For writers who are adamantly opposed to war, these sites (Antiwar.com and Theamericanconservative.com ) offer a safe haven of opinions and analyses that are rarely seen in mainstream discourse. These voices are still barely mentioned in the media, despite their importance. 

So, why is it that these antiwar voices are relegated to the sidelines? One possible explanation lies in the influence of corporate interests and government agendas on mainstream media. Major media companies can push stories that support their political or commercial goals while excluding opposing viewpoints.

Furthermore, serious conversations about foreign policy and conflict are frequently ignored by mainstream media due to its sensationalism-driven style. The prioritization of entertainment over significant discussions might potentially lead to the silencing of viewpoints opposing war.

Independent media sources that present opposing views find it difficult to compete in a world where media consolidation is the dominant force. This limits the exposure of viewers to a range of viewpoints, including those that are skeptical of military actions.

The absence of antiwar voices in the mainstream media emphasizes how crucial it is to look for information from other sources. It serves as a reminder of the need for a more diverse media environment that welcomes opposing opinions and encourages thoughtful discussion on important subjects like peace and conflict.

Blog Post #6

Communication Tech Response: Netflix

In class my classmates and I presented on different types of technology. I did my presentation on Motion Pictures and learned so much from my research and preparation. I found many presentations interesting as well as educational, but the one that stood out the most was the history of Netflix. As an avid Netflix streamer, I found the presentation on the evolution of Netflix to be incredibly captivating, important, and educational. It offered a deep dive into the transformation of a simple DVD rental service into a global streaming powerhouse, highlighting key moments that shaped the way we consume television and film content. 

As everyone knows, Netflix has come to embody modern entertainment consumption. But the story of its rise from a small-scale DVD rental service to the massive worldwide streaming empire it is today is one of invention and cultural influence. The founding of Netflix in 1997, led by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, was a turning point in the history of media distribution. 

Combining the words "internet" and "flicks" to create the name "Netflix" highlighted the company's innovative strategy for renting movies online and set the foundation for its future endeavors. Netflix made a risky decision by switching from physical DVD rentals to digital streaming, which completely changed how we interact with TV and movies. Netflix redefined accessibility as well as simplicity of access for watching content by embracing new technology and user preferences.

Furthermore, Netflix's impact goes well beyond convenience; it has completely changed the cultural context of television consumption. Netflix's significance as a cultural landmark during the COVID-19 outbreak cannot be overstated. With social isolation and lockdowns occurring all across the world, Netflix became a common experience for people to share.

Essentially, Netflix's narrative is proof of the transformational power of creativity and adaptation. It emphasizes how crucial it is to anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and how technology has a significant influence on our cultural environment. 

If you are still interested in learning more about this I would recommend checking out these sources:

History of Netflix- Founding, Model, Timeline, Milestones

Netflix- American company

History of Netflix: From your mailbox to the stock market and beyond

Blog Post #8

ONLINE INFLUENCERS

The phrase "online influencer" has become increasingly common to describe people in the current digital era who have a significant impact on the preferences, actions, and beliefs of their followers. However, the effects of internet influencers go much beyond a straightforward description; they have both a beneficial and detrimental impact on consumer culture, interpersonal interactions, and societal norms. 

Ashley Graham

Positively, internet influencers act as motivation and innovation boosters. They bring fresh viewpoints, ideas, and trends, stimulating innovation and advancing cultural change. Fashion influencers, for instance, defy traditional ideas of beauty by promoting body positivity, celebrating diversity, and showcasing the newest fashion trends. In the same manner, environmental influencers spread knowledge about sustainability-related concerns, motivating people and companies to embrace eco-friendly practices and promote progress. 

Body positivity influencers: 

Ashley Graham 

Greta Thunberg

Tess Holliday 

Iskra Lawrence 

Environmental Influencers:

Greta Thunberg

Robin Greenfield

Leonardo DiCaprio

On the other hand, there are certain disadvantages to the power of internet celebrities. The possibility of manipulation and false information is one of the main worries. Some influencers may put sensationalism ahead of truth in a desire/ need for likes and engagement, spreading misleading information or promoting harmful products. Furthermore, the pressure to uphold a well-curated online image can cause followers to feel inferior and hard on themselves, which may fuel unrealistic expectations and promote a culture of insecurity and comparison.

Tyler Oakley 

Online influencers have an impact on society as a whole that goes beyond personal connections. They can intensify social movements, inspire communities, and promote significant transformations. For example, LGBTQ+ influencers are essential in promoting inclusiveness, clarifying rumors, and fighting for equality and acceptance. Similar to this, political influencers use their platforms to involve the public, bring attention to important topics, and sway public opinion, all of which help to shape the course of politics and public policy.

AOC 

LGBTQ+ Influencers:

Tyler Oakley 

Roxane Gay 

Jacob Tobia

Political Influencers:

AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

Ben Shapiro 

Sean Hannity 

However, the impact of online influencers varies among several societal groups. People's perceptions and interactions with online content are influenced by several factors, including cultural origins, gender identities, age demographics, and economic inequities. For example, although fashion influencers may encourage wealthy customers to buy premium goods, they may also offer inexpensive style advice to individuals with tight budgets. Similarly, older audiences could be more open to lifestyle influencers that align with their interests and stage of life as they are to trendy fashion bloggers.

In terms of personal influence, online influencers have a broad spectrum of effects on people, families, and whole generations. For example, fitness influencers may provide you with encouragement and inspiration to embrace a healthy lifestyle, while food bloggers may inspire your family and friends to try new foods and dishes through their food preparation videos. Furthermore, our generation can engage in discussions and action driven by online debate and advocacy, navigating social and political concerns through the eyes of online influencers.

To sum everything up, online influencers have a significant impact on today's digital environment that goes well beyond likes and following. While they have the potential to inspire positive change and foster community connections, they also pose challenges in terms of authenticity, accountability, and societal impact. Navigating the influence of online influencers requires critical thinking, media literacy, and a nuanced understanding of their role in shaping the fabric of our digital society.

Blog Post 4

History of Motion Pictures

Over a century of technological advancement, creative expression, and cultural influence have all been a part of the history of motion pictures. It all started in the 19th century with the development of tools like the Phenakistoscope and zoetrope, which used sequential pictures to provide the appearance of motion. These initial trials established the foundation for the advancement of motion image technology. 

Motion picture technology advanced greatly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to innovators like Thomas Edison, Louis Le Prince, and the Lumière brothers. 

Le Prince

First Single Lens Camera

Le Prince is credited with taking the first motion picture with a single-lens camera in 1888, while Edison and his assistant William Kennedy Laurie Dickson invented the             Kinetoscope, a device for viewing moving pictures, in 1891. The cinema industry as we know it today began in 1895 when the Lumière brothers presented the first projected motion picture presentation for the general public.

Kinetoscope

Filmmakers such as Georges Méliès and Edwin S. Porter experimented with special effects and storytelling methods throughout the silent cinema period, setting the groundwork for storytelling in filmmaking. Motion picture synchronized sound was first introduced with the "talkies" movement of the late 1920s, which changed the business. One example of this evolution is the 1927 release of "The Jazz Singer".

Digital Camera

During Hollywood's Golden Age, famous filmmakers like D.W. Griffith rose to fame and legendary movies like "Gone with the Wind" (1939) were released. Technological developments like as widescreen formats and Technicolor emerged in the postwar era, while independent cinema and New Hollywood thrived in the 1960s and 1970s.

The widespread use of digital cameras, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and revolutionary editing tools have transformed filmmaking in the digital age. Movies still attract viewers across the globe today, changing to keep up with the times while maintaining the rich tradition and history of the film industry.

If you are still interested here is a great video I found on the history of cinema:

The Evolution Of Cinema: From Silent Films To Blockbusters

Impact of Motion Pictures

The way we interact, entertain, and comprehend the world around us has all been greatly influenced by filmmaking. Motion pictures have transformed many areas of society and culture since their invention in the late 19th century and continue to do so in the current digital era.

The power movies have to amuse and educate us is among the most important ways they change our world. Movies offer an outlet for escape, enabling viewers to lose themselves in stories and experiences that go beyond their own existence. They are an effective storytelling tool that lets filmmakers communicate complex stories, feelings, and concepts to a large audience.

Additionally, movies have been essential in capturing accounts of history and preserving cultural events. (ex. Schindler's List 1993). Audiences can see important events, ranging from social movements and scientific breakthroughs to wars and revolutions, through documentaries and news footage. By preserving our collective memory, we are better able to comprehend and take lessons from the past.

Motion films have completely changed the way we convey and share information in terms of communication. Through film, audiences around the world can learn about cultures that are different from their own. They communicate feelings and concepts that connect with individuals from all walks of life, acting as a kind of universal language.

Along with all of its advantages, movies have led to worries about any possible disadvantages. Films, according to critics, have the power to reinforce stereotypes, encourage violence, and have an impact on social behavior—especially for young audiences. Furthermore, concerns concerning the effects of excessive screen time on mental health and social relationships have been highlighted by the growth of digital media and streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. 

Despite these challenges, movies still have a significant impact on our society, expressing the complexity of humanity and inspiring important debates. It is critical to acknowledge the ability of movies to inspire, inform, and bring people together on a global scale as we navigate the constantly changing media and digital world.

Blog Post 3

In the United States of America, there are eight values of free expression, each serving an important purpose. These eight values include: Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in Self Government, Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, Check on Governmental Power, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent. The Eight Values of Free Expression are collectively important because they form the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive, and democratic society. 

The two values that resonate most with me are the Marketplace of Ideas and Individual Self-Fulfillment.

Here is an overview of why these two are important:

Marketplace of Ideas

• Fosters Diversity of Thought
• Encourages Debate and Dialog
• Promotes Accountability
• Strengthens Democracy 
• Protects Individual Liberties 
• Encourages Social Progression
• Preserves Pluralism 

Individual Self-Fulfillment 

• Personal Liberty 
• Democratic Values
• Innovation and Progress
• Diversity and Pluralism
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Human Flourishing 

The significance of people being free to openly express their ideas, opinions, and goals without worrying about retaliation or censorship is acknowledged by both of these values. The idea of the marketplace of ideas highlights the need for a diversity of perspectives and opinions to promote informed decision-making and social advancement. In contrast, the concept of individual self-fulfillment highlights the innate human need to pursue personal growth, creativity, and pleasure through self-expression. 

As I stated in my first blog post, I enjoy using TikTok as a primary news source because anyone regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality, situation, etc. can share their opinions and report on any events from their perspective. This allows me and all users to get as many angles of the specific incident as possible before coming to their own personal conclusions. Without this value of freedom of expression, our country wouldn't be able to hear from every demographic which would hurt our democracy significantly. 

Individual self-fulfillment has strengthened the fabric of our society and improved democracy by allowing individuals to participate more actively in the political process. People get more involved in the political life of their nation and the well-being of their communities when they are encouraged to follow their passions, voice their opinions, and use their special abilities in public. 

Examples of when Americans implemented their freedom 

of expression rights:

• Civil Rights Movement 
• Women's Suffrage Movement 
• Anti-War Protests
• LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
• Environmental Activism 
• Black Lives Matter

These examples showed how citizens could voice their complaints, push for change, and hold institutions responsible, which made them essential for our nation's freedom of speech. Through the use of their rights to petition, expression, and assembly, Americans have pushed back against injustice, increased civil freedoms, and achieved social development.
These movements have promoted civic engagement and political involvement, reinforcing the fundamental ideas of freedom and democracy on which our country was founded.