My generation and their relationship with technology

Given the age of technology I was born into, I use it way more than I realistically should. I was given a phone at the age of ten to have mobile contact with my parents. It was okay for me to have a phone then, but I was given access to social media too early. All my family and friends had social media accounts, and I wanted one myself, so I created one once I got permission. There was no logical reason I posted on Instagram as a twelve-year-old. I spend a lot of time on social media in my downtime when there are better things I could and should be spending time on. Technology is full of misinformation, and I take everything I see online with a grain of salt until I can fact-check it. I have accepted that false information will be everywhere and that you should never trust what you see online because it is fake. This false information could range from a post that a famous person died even when they didn't to a facetuned picture of a female that gives unrealistic body standards to those who see it. This was one of the reasons I wish I didn't have social media at an early age. You don't fully realize it creates a beauty standard within you. As all my family members grow up and move away from each other, technology is working for the better. We have 24/7 access to a conversation and get the luxury of sharing photos and face-to-face interactions over our phones. I know my mom loves looking at Facebook and seeing what others are up to. Another thing that has been good for my family's older and busy people is online shopping. It allows them to look an item up online and purchase it, so they don't have to spend time going anywhere to acquire whatever they need. After looking up my name, the only person to come up is a famous singer with the same name as me. There is no trace of me that I have ever found on Google. Other than my current Instagram and facebook accounts, no other accounts are available to the public. I am grateful for the lack of online presence; granted, there is nothing I would want or need to edit out of the internet. Out of curiosity, I have also looked up both of my parents, and another famous person came up for my dad. My mom's LinkedIn account showed up, but that is all. Technology has grown rapidly with my generation and doesn't seem to be slowing down. Studies have shown that 66% of Gen Z use more than one tech gadget at once. My generation is the reason tech companies come out with new and pretty technology every year. For example, Apple will create every color phone on the planet and you would be naive to think that is for the 50+ crew. One thing my generation has adapted to is the speed of everything. We lose patience if a site takes longer than 3 minutes to load in. According to a study by Markerly, 60% of Gen Zers reported that they would exit out of a website or app if it took too long to load or was difficult to navigate. When it comes to old tech, a survey by Whistle shows that 79% of Gen Zers reported being unfamiliar with VCRs. As I was talking about earlier, social media has played a huge role because you can do whatever you please on it. You can sell things, buy things, update people on your life, text and video message, watch videos and movies, etc… 81% of Gen Z are engaged in social media. Overall technology is my generation and it will be interesting to see how that will shape us in the future compared to those who didn't grow up with tech.

EOTO #2 Disinformation, Mal-information, Misinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread with the intent to deceive someone else. In regards to how it affects society as a whole, I think people are becoming, on the one hand, more gullible to current news or more ignorant in the sense that they can't believe anything they see. Through multiple surveys, such as the NPR survey and the Quinnipiac University survey, respondents recognize that we are a more significant threat to our democracy than any other potential external threat. One of the essential components of the need for more confidence in our political system is the purposely spread of misinformation. For example, in the 2020 election, Russia's cyber efforts and online actors were allowed to influence public perceptions and attempted to put mistrust in the electoral process with the idea of mail-in voting and the alleged irregularities in the results, leading people to think the democratic party was committing voter fraud. With the media as popping as it is in our generation, it is hard to believe anything you see on any social media platform. When I see some sort of news, I always double-check it with other resources before accepting it because people will post misinformation to get likes or viewers. Disinformation is false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. The spread of misinformation and disinformation has affected our ability to improve public health, address climate change, maintain a stable democracy, and more. Disinformation is similar to misinformation, but the difference is that people share their beliefs or what they think are facts and unknowingly spread false information. Disinformation has affected me because others I follow repost false details or tell me false information they haven't personally fact-checked. I will tend to believe them without double-checking their facts to see if it is believable enough. It could be as simple as “This famous person died,” depending on the person who told me this or the person sharing this on social media, I will unconsciously believe them. Misinformation is based on a fact, but it's removed from its original context to mislead, harm, or manipulate. To an extreme, revenge porn is a form of mal information in the sense that you take something that was intended to be private and it was made public with the intent of harming one or more people. This is a big issue today, with many websites full of this but no one to fight to take it down. Malinformation massively affects those on social media or the internet, especially with the use of AI. Imagine being internet famous and posting about getting a routine surgery and waking up the next day to an Instagram post that you have died. I would be baffled, but this has happened to people more than you think. People grab a fact and run with it to make their page famous. It has not affected me personally, but I see it everywhere when I open my phone. It gets way worse closer to significant national events, such as the presidential election. Most of the posts are backhandedly hilarious; granted, they are so out of line that I like to get a little laugh out of them.

blog #9 In the Age of AI

After watching this video, I thought this information should be way more widespread, especially among the new generations, with the rise of social media. There are a lot of cases of moms on social media posting their minor children, and those children's faces are found on inappropriate websites, meaning these moms, who would hopefully do anything to protect their children, are unknowingly exploiting them and ruining their child's chance at a successful future and safety. I have always noticed the agreements and the “allow” or “block” buttons on my devices, but I have never read one of the agreements I've accepted. Knowing the information I have learned from this class, I will be reading these agreements because I am trying to avoid having my information but still have the devices I need to stay current in the world. I was shocked to learn about the living conditions in countries such as China, where government cameras are scanning your every movement and admitting to it. I could never imagine living in a world without some sort of privacy. A pro to this system is the government has more accessible access to crime happenings, and they are somewhat open to sharing the information they have on you and what they are collecting daily. A massive con to this system is that the government is also catching and gathering information on regular people, leaving them with no privacy and forced to live in constant fear. I do understand that the United States has more freedoms, and I will forever be grateful for that, but this system is somewhat inhumane. Google and Apple are working to keep people's information confidential, but only because they have been caught selling and sharing too many times, and quite honestly, that is scary. Sharing personal information could lead to identity theft, and though I have never had my identity stolen, it is a hassle to deal with, just to prove that you were you when you did not do anything to prompt this. It is a sad truth that millions of people have to live in conditions of surveillance and do not have the right to fight against it, no matter how hard they try. From my knowledge, the cons outweigh the pros, and many foreign countries are not even attempting to fix this; instead, they are enabling this behavior.

Exploring the Eight Values of Free Expression: Connecting Theory to Real-World Issues

In a world where information flows through the veins of technology and communication, free expression is a cornerstone of democracy and progress. It's not merely about the freedom to speak but more about connecting, challenging, and creating. The Eight Values of Free Expression provide a framework to understand and appreciate the multifaceted nature of this fundamental right. As I reflect on these values, the one that resonates most with me is inclusivity. As a proponent of diversity and social justice, creating inclusive spaces where all voices are heard and respected fosters meaningful dialogue and drives positive change. Inclusivity is not just about tolerance; it's about actively embracing and celebrating the richness of human experiences. Connecting these values to real-world issues, I see the theory of inclusivity in the ongoing debates surrounding online harassment and hate speech. Social media platforms are grappling with the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect marginalized communities from targeted attacks and harassment. By implementing strong moderation policies and fostering a culture of empathy and respect, these platforms can create safer and more inclusive spaces for all users. In conclusion, the Eight Values of Free Expression serve as a guiding framework for understanding and navigating the complex landscape of digital communication. We can create a more equitable, inclusive, and participatory online environment for future generations by embracing these values and advocating for their realization.

Diffusion of Innovation theory (Snapchat)

Snapchat was created in September 2011 by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. This app's primary purpose was to make it possible to snap moments and quickly direct message them to your friends. Snapchat has evolved through the generations it has been alive through. Snapchat gave people who couldn't communicate through regular messaging systems, whether in a different country or whatever the issue, a mainstream app to share funny filters, videos, and much more. Once the early adapters had been on this app for a little Snapchat had created an easier way to add friends, such as the QR code scanner, where it would automatically add that person as a friend, or the quick add feature, where it synched your contacts or found mutual friends and compiled it into a list where you could click a button and add them. Late adapters are more so for those who weren't old enough to get Snapchat when it was at its peak, but they had wanted it for so long because it was so trendy. I know people who have gotten Snapchat and still use it as their only form of communication with people. This concept is unethical because there are so many ways random people can add you, see your location, and send unsolicited pictures without you even moving a finger. Out of all the apps I have ever owned Snapchat has scared me the most regarding my information being out there for people to see. Though there are ways you can turn off your location there are new developments that allow people to pay for the app and they can see who you are chatting with and beyond. It is just another way for people to acquire your information. It is terrifying for young people on the app because a lot of predators can catfish their identity, and kids just don't know better but to play right into their antics. I don't know if the positives of this app outweigh the negatives because it is all perspective, but depending on how the app is handled and used, I would say it has had a positive effect on most people. Snapchat has just begun charging people for their premium version, but the app is totally free for the basic version.

EOTO reacts (History of Netflix)

After researching the postal service's history, I listened to my classmates' presentations. One that resonated with me was the creation of Netflix and its effect on streaming entertainment today. In 1997, Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings had the idea of renting DVDs through the mail, and after many test runs, they had achieved what they were going for, without knowing they would begin an era of easy access to shows and films for America and beyond. Before this presentation, I was unaware that Netflix had started as a DVD service, leading to Redbox and Blockbuster's creation. Once it evolved into a streaming service, it eventually kicked Blockbuster and Redbox off the face of the earth and can only be found in certain areas today. The idea and creation of streaming was an extreme technological advancement for the world and increased what is now called “binge-watching.” binge-watching is a term that was made up because these streaming sites began to release whole seasons at once, causing people to sit in front of their tv and watch whole seasons at once. My classmate talked about how Netflix planted the seed for many other streaming sources to become what they are today, giving us options for what we watch. For example, we have Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu. overall, this presentation was very informative and I was so unaware of how a service I use daily came to be. I really enjoyed this presentation and it allowed me to learn something new.

blog #4 (Postal Service)

History of the Postal Service

Couriers

Postal systems can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Persia, and Rome. Early methods of mail service required messengers, couriers, and relay stations to transport messages and goods. Couriers are the people who deliver the mail, and relay stations are such as radio stations or some sort of announcement system. These messengers traveled by a system of couriers by horse. Mail could be delivered from one end of the giant Persian Empire to another in at least a few days.

In Medieval Europe, organizational postal systems developed under rulers like Charlemagne and later monarchs. Courier networks were established to deliver letters and official communications. State-run postal systems emerged in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Postage fees and standardized rates for mail delivery were introduced. Postal networks grew to connect major cities and trading centers.

In colonial America, Colonists in North America relied on informal postal arrangements, including private messengers. In 1691, the British Crown established the first official postal service in the colo
nies, appointing Andrew Hamilton as the first Postmaster General of the American colonies.

USPS

In 1775, the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General of the United States. The Postal Act of 1792 established the United States Post Office Department as a federal agency responsible for mail delivery. Inventions like stagecoaches and steamboats have facilitated the expansion of postal routes and delivery services to cover growing territories.

In the 19th century, adhesive postage stamps were introduced in the UK in 1840 and the US in 1847 to prepay postage. Railway mail service was developed, significantly speeding up mail delivery nationwide. Rural Free Delivery, or RFD, was established in the late 19th century to deliver mail to rural areas.

Electronic communication technologies changed postal services in the 20th century. Airmail services were introduced to eliminate long-distance mail delivery, which benefitted everyone. In 1971, the United States Postal Service, or USPS, was created as an independent agency and replaced the Post Office Department. Postal services evolved into package delivery, electronic tracking, and online services.

Online Shopping

Postal services faced difficulties with the rise of email and electronic communication. To improve efficiency and reduce costs, they created automatic and digital technologies. They also expanded into new areas, such as package delivery, to remain competitive in the modern market. Examples could include a company like Amazon, which relies on a postage service to help customers receive their orders, or any website that offers online shopping through the United States Postal Service. 

The postal service's history reflects the evolution of communication and transportation technologies over the centuries. Despite challenges, postal services remain vital in global communication, commerce, and connectivity, especially after the rise in online shopping. 

Report • By Monique Morrissey • December 16. “The War against the Postal Service: Postal Services Should Be Expanded for the Public Good, Not Diminished by Special Interests.” Economic Policy Institute, www.epi.org/publication/the-war-against-the-postal-service/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024. 

United States Postal Service - March 14. Postal Facts - U.S. Postal Service, 14 Mar. 2024, facts.usps.com/#:~:text=The%20Post%20Office%20Department%20was,PMG%20was%20a%20Cabinet%20member.&text=With%20Informed%20Delivery%20service%2C%20you,computer%2C%20tablet%20or%20mobile%20device. 

“United States Postal Service.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 25 Mar. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/United-States-Postal-Service.