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.