Blog Post #7

 The Age of AI

    AI is something that has more recently become extremely abundant in our world.  While AI may have just started having an effect on us, the research of AI can be tracked back all the way to the 1950's.  AI stands for artificial intelligence and basically its job is to mimic human intelligence. While AI can be extremely helpful at times, it can also be quite scary due to the fact that it makes decisions without humans overseeing, and it invades privacy.  

    When talking about AI the topic of national security may come up, AI can pose both threats, and advantages to national security.  It can enhance national security because it allows for a more technologically advanced system, so that could mean like automatic threat detection, and other benefits when it comes to military power.  At the same time however it can threaten national security because it puts the system at risk for things like cyber attacks, or getting hacked.  Now if AI has more control in our country, then that means more information in the cyber world that could possibly be stolen, and depending on the information could put our country at high risk of danger. 

    Similar to the threats AI poses for national security, it also poses threats to overall privacy.  We may not always realize it but AI is always watching and it can collect and analyze your personal data on the internet.  Once AI has control over that data  they also have the ability to use it and release your information to whoever.  The amount of power AI truly has is frightening.

    Personally I don't really love AI, i've never been a big user of chatgpt and websites like that because of the sketchy things I have heard about AI.  I really only used them when I had teachers who wanted us to it for research reasons.  I feel there are definitely some benefits to AI, and that it is changing our world and making it more advanced.  Major advancements not even just in the technology industry but in the health care field have been thanks to AI.  AI also plays a huge part in things like self driving cars or finding cures, things that are extremely beneficial to our nation. However at the same time, while the world may be more advanced I think it also sets us up for more risk.  We put so much trust in the technology, I think that could lead to many dangers in the future.  There are  many different kinds of AI and they all deal with different things, I just think everyone should be aware of the benefits and risks, and be cautious of what data they give AI. 

Blog Post #6

 EOTO Technology Reaction 

One presentation I found very interesting was the invention and timeline of Netflix.  Netflix is something that I use almost everyday, and I know many people are the same way.  It is by far one of the most used streaming services.  Something new I learned from the presentation was called "The Netflix Effect", which is a phenomenon that Netflix series can have an effect our real life. Something new I learned from this presentation was that when Netflix first started it was very similar to redbox. It started off as a DVD rental company, but eventually evolved to streaming. Netflix has expanded so much over the years that now they even produce their own TV shows and movies.

Another piece of technology that I found very interesting was cassette tapes, and how they evolved over the years. They were first invented in 1962 and really didn't start to have a downfall until the 2000's, which shows how successful this piece of technology was.  While when I was growing up they weren't really making these tapes anymore, I did own a sony walkman and cassette tapes passed down from when my cousins were growing up. While we don't really have a need for them nowadays due to the convenience of our smart phones, at the time cassette tapes were life changing.  It was the first time you could make music portable. 

Blog Post #5

 Ted Talk Reflection

As many of us know todays society is a bit internet obsessed.  I know some people who simply could not function if they didn't have their phone or computer or apple watch.  Unfortunately what a lot of people don't realize is that all your actions have consequences.  Any cookies you except will be there forever and anything you post anywhere can be saved forever.  According to the ted talk this is referred to as an electronic tattoo, which I though was a very clever name. 

While I knew we were constantly being watched in our society, I didn't realize to what extent.  I did not know that the police were collecting information on innocent people. I do agree with the solution the speaker had to have the police run by city council so that information can not be used for anything it shouldn't.  However I feel that this information should not be collected in the first place.  Unless you are doing something illegal the police should have no reason to scan your license plate and gather information on you, that they don't need. 

For the most part a lot of people know that they are being watched on the internet, they just don't care because they need to internet for different things. I just never thought about how dangerous the internet could be.  Depending on what you click on the internet, strangers could have access to any information they wanted on you, which is very scary. 

After watching these ted talks I am going to try and be much more aware when I am on the internet.  I wont be as eager to accept cookies, and will be more careful with what websites I put my information into.  I have personally seen people experience identity theft or spam phone calls that lead to threats.  I hate that this is something we have to worry about in our society, however I don't think enough people worry enough and people need to be better educated on the dangers the internet creates. 

Blog Post #4

 The Uprise of Amazon

Amazon is a national technology company that provides digital shopping for consumers all around the world.  What many people may not know is that amazon was originally founded under the name “Cadabra” by Jeff Bezos in 1994, but shortly a few months later he changed it to amazon. At the time Jeff was a Princeton graduate who was working out of the garage of his rental home in Washington. 11 years later in 2005 amazon prime was launched which played an extremely crucial role in amazons success and also the expansion of the company.

When doing my research I wondered why did Jeff Bezos create amazon? There was many advantages to startig amazon however he said "you can literally build a store online that couldn’t exist any other way.” He wanted an online store that was unique and could not be replicated in person.  This played a big role in his success because he created amazon just at the start of the e-commerce era, so many people were still not shopping online. Not only was he one of the original online companies but he also later expand his company to be the quickest.  Amazon prime changed the e-commerce game completely with prime 2 day delivery. That was back in 2005 now you can order from amazon and it could be at your doorstep that night. 

Above you can see just how successful amazon has become over years.  Not only has amazon become one of the most successful online shopping websites they have also expanded.  Amazon also offers media streaming services, and they make their own technology like kindle or the fire stick.  Amazon also offers a food delivery system known as amazon fresh, that delivers your groceries to your doorstep. Many factors went into the success of amazon however covid played a big role in their more recent success.  You can see the increase in amazons revenue since covid in 2020.  Since there was a pandemic people were scared to go out to the stores, and some people couldn't because they had compromised immune systems.  Amazon was an easily accessible and fast way to get the materials you needed to survive.

(Breakdown of the revenue from amazons different branches)

While I feel overall amazons success has made a positive impact in our society, there are some negatives that come with it.  One of these negative outcomes is the overspending of consumers.  I know personally that I am a victim of this because its so easy to get anything I could want or need online.  Due to the convenience of amazon consumers tend to spend money on things they normally wouldn't if they were shopping in person.  This is also leading to things like ghost malls, and small business loosing customers.  Not only are in person companies loosing business but it is also making people more lazy because they can get anything they need from the comfort of their own home.  In a way it is also leading to more social anxiety in the younger generations because they are growing up with this advanced kind of technology. 

Blog Post #3

8 Values of Free Expression

Over the past few weeks of Media Law and Literacy we have been learning about 1st amendments rights, and the importance they bring to our society.  Before hearing about these values in class, I had no idea that they existed, which is upsetting because they play such a crucial role in our society.  These values play a crucial rule in our privilege to have freedoms in this country.  Here is a list of the eight values below. 

1. Marketplace of Ideas: also known as the discovery of truth, it was also an argument against requiring a license to print/publish
2. Participation in Self-Government: It allows citizens to make more informed decisions abut candidates 
3. Stable Change : it is the process of addressing and resolving social conflicts or issues through peaceful dialogue rather than violence or anger. It allows citizens to share their problems causing more stability. 
4. Individual Self-Fulfillment: Free speech allows individuals to express themselves and create  their own self fulfilling identity
5. Check on Governmental Power: freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about abuses of power and because of the check-and-balance system we can restrain government power
6. Promote Tolerance:  means to encourage acceptance, understanding, and respect for differences among people or groups and a more tolerant society is a better society

7. Promote Innovation:  Where free speech is protected and promoted, and it allows citizens to be more involved, creative, and energized in society.  
8. Protect Dissent: This is your right to disagree with the government, and anyone else you may disagree with. The First Amendment protects minority views, no matter how unpopular.

When looking at these 8 values of expressions, it was hard to choose which one resonated with me the most because I feel they all play a crucial part in our society.  If I had to choose one I would say that individual self-fulfillment stuck out to me the most because it is the process of having free speech and how that allows citizens to create an identity and express themselves.  this value allows people to gain a sense of personal satisfaction and that can lead to so much growth personally, with achieving goals, or even someones overall well being.  Self-fulfillment is a key aspect of personal development and can contribute to ones overall satisfaction in life. This value also plays a huge role in our everyday life because of social media.  Social media is an outlet to so many people in this day and age, and for many of them it how they choose to voice their opinion of try to make a difference.  While this isn't always a good thing, many people feel validated by their opinions because of social media, and what they post online.  

I also like the value of checking on governmental power, and I think that value plays a crucial part of keeping our government in check.  Without this value government would have way too much power, and it's possible they wont use this power responsibly. Exercising this right allows for transparency, and accountability in government.  It also allows citizens to get more involved with our government and share unique perspectives.  

Lastly I think tolerance is another extremely important value because it encourages people to have patience and go with grace. In our society it is important to accept everyone for who they are and build people up rather than knock them down.  This value stresses this idea because it encourages acceptance and wants people to respect each other because of their differences.  This is especially important because of social media and people using those platforms to express themselves.  Not only can anyone post anything on social media but anyone can also respond to them.  So there needs to be a mutual respect  between people, which is what this value stresses in a way. 

Overall I think more people need to be educated on the importance on these values because I know personally I had not heard of them until this class but, I feel they play a crucial role in our society and the rights we have. 

Blog Post #2

 Supreme Court Reflection

What is the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court is the judicial court branch in the United States, it consists of 9 justices and takes judicial precedence over all additional courts in the nation.  The Supreme Court has the ultimate appellate jurisdiction.  In a way the Supreme Court functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution, since they are the final arbiter of the law.  It plays an essential role in ensuring that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its own power.

What is something new learned about the Supreme Court?

I learned a lot of new information about the Supreme Court from this video.  I am not someone who is the best with history, and I'm awful at keeping up with what happens in our law.  So while some things talked about were prior knowledge to me, a lot of it was new information.  One thing I learned was how much power the Supreme Court really has. I never knew that they had power over not just congress or states but even the president.  They tell all of those powerful people what to do about situations. I also did not know how much work each justice dedicates to the job.  While they have some help from assistants, each justice hand picks their cases, and they all meet together afterwards to vote on which cases they take to trial.  

What was surprising?

One of the most surprising things that I learned about the Supreme Court is what happens after trial.  After they finish a case they have to make an opinion writing, and this paper can take up to 4 weeks to write.  It is said to be the most time consuming part of their job, and that is just the draft.  After the draft is written is goes on to get reviewed and revised.  It is most likely not finished for months after the case.  One other thing I thought was surprising was that the justices like everyone to speak at least once before someone else speaks twice.  This is how they try to keep everything fair, and make sure everyone grasps their understanding of the case on trial.  Lastly I never knew how long it took justices to feel comfortable with there jobs and the amount of power they hold.  Most justices say it takes 3 years to feel comfortable, others say 5 years but, one said you feel comfortable "when you forget you're here." I thought this was really interesting, and never took a second to remember while they have a high up job they are still humans too.  Even though they are Supreme Court justices they still have nerves, and it would take any person time to adjust and feel comfortable in a new job. 

How did this change my view?

Since watching this video I definitely have a new found higher respect for the Supreme Court and all they do.  I kew they were a crucial part of our government system, I did not realize how much hard work and dedication each justice devotes to our country.  I really appreciate and respect the fact that before anything is done justices all shake hands.  After watching this video I now take into account historical context, and I also have a better understanding for the judicial process.  Overall I really enjoyed these videos and I now have a better grasp about the dynamics of the U.S Supreme Court.