Final Post: My Relationship with Technology

Technology plays such a big role in our lives now. Pretty much everything is online, and while it’s made a lot of things easier, it’s also brought along new challenges. One of the biggest shifts has been in how it’s affected growing up especially for younger kids. These days children are getting exposed to the internet earlier than ever, and it’s really shaping how they see and interact with the world. You hear the term “iPad Kid” a lot which is kids glued to screens before they can even talk properly. This has encouraged me to not give my future kids an electronic device till they are 43. 

When it comes to my own relationship with technology, I can honestly see both sides. Like a lot of people my age I know I’m pretty glued to my phone. I’m definitely aware of how much time it sucks up though. There are so many times I’ve told myself, “Just five minutes,” and the next thing I know I’ve been on TikTok for an hour. It’s frustrating especially when I know I've got things I actually need to be doing like my schoolwork. And once I’ve been on social media for a while it’s so hard to snap back into focus. My brain just keeps wanting to check notifications and it becomes this cycle that makes it hard to concentrate. I’ve realized how important it is to find some kind of balance.

Still there are things I really appreciate about social media. One of the biggest is how it helps me stay connected to people I care about. I’ve got family in Italy and friends in other states and even though we’re far apart we can talk all the time through apps like Snapchat or Instagram. It helps us stay close even if we’re not physically together. I also love sharing photos and videos with friends because it keeps those connections strong when we can’t hang out in person.

But I’m also aware of the negative side of it. The average teen spends over 9 hours a day on a screen. Thats more than a third of your day! It’s also super easy for messages to get misunderstood when you can’t hear someone’s tone and that can lead to unnecessary arguments. And on a bigger level, there’s the issue of misinformation online. News spreads fast, sometimes too fast, and people can end up believing things that aren’t even true before the facts catch up. Over time, I’ve learned to be more careful about what sources I trust.

Another thing I’ve become more mindful of is the digital footprint we all leave behind. Once something’s out there, it’s hard to fully erase it even if you delete it. That’s something I think about more and more, especially as I get older and with future jobs in mind. Employers really do check people’s online presence. Luckily most of what comes up for me isn't bad stuff but not everyone’s that lucky.

At the end of the day, technology is a huge part of my life. It’s helped me connect with others, explore my interests, and start figuring out what I want to do in the future. But I’ve also learned how easily it can take over if I’m not careful. That’s why I’ve been trying to be more intentional with how I use social media by setting time limits, and making sure I get work done before I start scrolling. It’s not always easy but I’m trying. Technology and social media have changed so much about how we live and grow up, but I think with some self-awareness and effort, we can learn to use them in better and healthier ways.

 Looking back at the semester, I've realized that this course on Media Law and Literacy has deepened my understanding of how media operates in our lives. Media is everywhere. From traditional outlets likes newspapers and television to social media. It's not just about consuming content but about understanding how media shapes our worldviews, our identities, and even our political landscapes. The more I've learned about media literacy, the more I realize the importance of critical thinking. We often consume media passively, but media literacy encourages us to question everything. Why is this story being told? Who is telling it and why? Who benefits from this message? This kind of analysis helps us uncover biases, assumptions, and hidden agendas in the media we consume. 

EOTO Reaction: Online Influencers

    The topic of influencers really sparked my interest because in the modern age we live in right now, we have a ton of these influencers. Not many people know the difference between online influencers and influencers on social media and neither did I before this presentation. In Megans presentation I learned that online influencers are not just the typical social media influencers that week think of. Although, are are many normal civilians who have built a reputation and use their platform to share and persuade their audience. Most of these influencers have been so successful with their platforms because they provide their audience with authentic content and information. Some of these online influencers include real celebrities from movies, or music, or politics. They are considered online influencers because they have huge platform where they create content for their audience. On the other hand, social media influencers are people who create content based on whatever industry they're in. There influencers can persuade their followers and other people to buy a certain product due to their niche, along with their content and popularity.

Alix Earle, a social media influencer

  One of the disadvantages to being an online influencer is authenticity concerns. There are online influencers who create content on things that aren't necessarily related to the platform or that they are only promoting for money. This raises concerns within the influencer's followers because they see it as they're only doing it for the paycheck. This becomes a huge issue as people want to see authentic content from the person they admire or follow. If the influencer is always posting advertisements on their page, then they could potentially lose a lot of followers over time as most people don't want to engage with people who are only posting for money. Also, many young kids are influenced very easily by these influencers. So if an influencer says a product will make their skin clearer or make them skinner, they believe it even if it's not true. 

    With online influencers, everyone in the world is affected, whether you're rich or poor, young or old, majority or minority, these influencers have an affect on everyone. Online influencers can range from teenagers to college students, young adults, and even elders. There is a wide range of online influencers in many ages who create authentic content on their own niche, which is why everyone is greatly affected by influencers everyday. 

    My biggest takeaway from the online influencers presentation is that it is very important to be very authentic with the content that you are putting out to your audience, especially for brands because building trust is one of the most important things when it comes to building a relationship with your audience. I learned that it is very easy for an individual or brand to lose people from not prouding real and authentic content and information. In the modern day world this is called "canceling" an influencer. Which really is just unfollowing them and not watching their content or buying their products. Being truthful with your audience is really important in this digital era because misinformation is so prevalent and influencers want to build relationships with companies and media. 

EOTO: Citizen Journalism

Citizen journalism is when ordinary people, such as you and me, use their iPhones, cameras, and social media to share stories. We can create, report, and share news and information through digital platforms. In today’s world, anyone with a smartphone or internet access can contribute to the news cycle. This offers a firsthand accounts of events, share personal perspectives, and breaking stories in real-time. This has reshaped the role of traditional journalism in altering ways.

There are many pros to citizen journalism. First, it increases access to information. Anyone with a phone can report on events in real-time, from protests to natural disasters. This means information is more immediate and diverse. It doesn’t have to come from a newsroom or a professional journalist. Everyday people now play an active role in the stories we hear.

Second, citizen journalism democratizes the news. In the past, traditional media outlets have had control over what stories got told. Now, anyone can share their perspective, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities and underreported issues are brought to light. Even if you're a young activist or someone from a small town, you now have the means and tools to put your story into the world.

Third, it allows for faster reporting. When breaking news happens, we don’t have to wait for hours for reporters to show up. Ordinary citizens on the scene can capture videos or share updates instantly. Whether it's a protest, a traffic accident, or a political event, we can get live updates directly from those witnessing it.

Lastly, citizen journalism holds news outlets, public figures, and institutions accountable. We’ve seen numerous examples of people documenting instances of police brutality, corruption, and other injustices. Without these citizen reporters, many stories may have stayed hidden or been ignored.

There can be some cons as well. With the power and freedom to share basically anything comes the risk of misinformation. Since anyone can post, there’s little regulation, and it’s sometimes difficult to separate fact from fiction. False stories or misleading information can spread just as quickly as the truth which may cause confusion and harm. There’s also the challenge of privacy. Citizen journalists often capture footage of people without their consent, raising ethical concerns about the right to privacy versus the need to inform the public. 

This can affect different groups in society all very differently. For the rich and those with access to technology, citizen journalism is a tool for empowerment. It can help them stay informed, share their opinions, and even influence public policy. But for the poor, access to the technology is sometimes limited which can cause them to be in the dark and voiceless in digital platforms. 

When it comes to age, younger generations are often better navigating the digital world. Therefore, they’re more likely to engage in citizen journalism. Older generations may struggle to adapt to this new form of information-sharing. 

Gender and sexual orientation also play a role. For women and LGBTQ+ individuals, citizen journalism provides a platform to highlight issues that mainstream media often neglect. But there is the risk of harassment or abuse online, where these marginalized groups might face greater criticism or attack. Also for minorities, citizen journalism can be an essential tool for raising awareness of social justice issues. It gives them a platform to share stories of discrimination or inequality that might not otherwise make it into mainstream media. But minorities also risk being misrepresented or exploited by the wider media.

For us as students, citizen journalism is a powerful tool. But with this power comes responsibility. We have to be cautious of the information we consume and share. We must make sure that what we share is truthful and respectful. For our generation, it’s clear that we live in a time where we are both the consumers and producers of news. This means we are shaping the future of media, and it’s up to us to use these tools responsibly. It can make information more accessible, diverse, and immediate, but it also comes with significant challenges, like misinformation and privacy concerns. As we move forward, we must learn to balance the benefits with the risks.

Diffusion Theory

The Diffusion of Innovations Theory helps us understand how new ideas, technologies, or products spread across societies. It looks at factors like social systems, and how individuals make decisions regarding adopting new innovations. We can analyze Facebook as an example to analyze through the Diffusion of Innovations Theory.

Facebook offered significant benefits over other communication tools available at the time. It provided a platform for staying connected with friends, sharing life updates, photos, and events. It became an easy, all-in-one communication tool. Facebook aligned with the growing trend of socializing online. Before Facebook, there were platforms like MySpace, but Facebook had better privacy controls, and more tools for sharing and interacting with others. It fit well into people's wants to be more connected in the new online world. Facebook's success spread quickly because early users posted updates and encouraged others to join. As more and more people joined, the platform’s value increased because people wanted to be where others were like many things in life.

The first adopters were college students. Facebook became a cool and new way to stay connected. These early adopters helped spread it fast by introducing it to a wider audience. Early adopters of Facebook saw it as a way to expand their social network, share moments, and keep up with friends. It was also seen as a way to maintain social capital by staying “in the loop". The platform was advertised as a more convenient way to interact with people compared to older methods, like email or text messages. 

One reason some people didn't jump at using Facebook or still don't use it is due to concerns about privacy. As Facebook became more popular, there were growing concerns about how personal data was being used, shared, and monetized. These issues led many people to avoid Facebook or join later when they felt the platform was more secure. Some people didn’t want to take part in what they saw because they felt it diminished real-life interactions. As Facebook grew, other platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or even TikTok attracted different demographics. People who might have been interested in Facebook's social interaction often chose those alternatives that seemed newer, cooler, or better aligned with their interests.

People may avoid Facebook because of concerns over how your personal data is handled. There have been lots of privacy scandals that have made people question whether it's safe to use Facebook, especially when it comes to sharing personal information. Social media can feel overwhelming, with constant notifications, updates, and pressures to engage. It can take a toll on your mental health because of keeping up with posts, comments, and likes. Some people also avoid Facebook because they see it as a platform where people focus too much on self-presentation rather than authentic, meaningful interactions. 

Ultimately, the decision to use Facebook or not comes down to your personal priorities. If the positive benefits of social connection and access to information outweigh the potential negatives for you, it might make sense to adopt Facebook. But if privacy concerns, time, or mental well-being outweighs the benefit, staying off might be the better option.

Why Don't We Hear More Antiwar Voices in the Mainstream Media?

Why do we need to go out of our way to find antiwar voices online like on Antiwar.com or The American Conservative when there are so many mainstream news outlets? Why do these sites feel weird when their message seems so important?

Antiwar Protests

A lot of the biggest mainstream media outlets are owned by massive corporations that are connected to the defense industry. These companies don’t just sell weapons. They sell the idea that military intervention is necessary for peace. When mainstream media outlets run news about war, they’re not just covering the facts. They are reinforcing the idea that military action is a key part of maintaining global order. Although, antiwar voices tend to expose the uncomfortable reality of these interventions. For example, how they often lead to unnecessary deaths, economic instability, and long-term destruction. These voices don’t always get the spotlight when they challenge the financial interests tied to war as awful as it is. 

The U.S. military is typically portrayed as a force for good. We see images of heroes fighting to protect freedom and democracy. When the media covers a conflict they often say, "this is why we fight" and "this is why it’s justified." There’s an entire United States cultural narrative that we have a moral duty to intervene and get involved. Antiwar voices challenge that narrative. They argue that many of these wars don’t end in the way we’re told they will. Instead of spreading freedom and helping the situation, we end up making a bigger mess and becoming more in debt. For example, like we talking about in class with Israel. We are sending troops and billions of dollars to wars that don't involve us. That’s a huge chunk of money that could be better spent addressing issues in the United States like healthcare, education, and climate change. Or natural disasters like Hurricane Helene in North Carolina or the fires in Pasadena, California.

War also makes for great TV. Explosions, dramatic rescue missions, and even death grab people’s attention. The adrenaline rush of war stories draws in viewers, clicks, and likes. Antiwar perspectives do not. Talking about the long-term costs of war, the human impact, and the consequences of intervention isn’t as interesting as the breaking news of the latest military operation. Unfortunately the media often chooses stories that generate the most excitement in all situations. Antiwar voices aren’t as engaging when the goal is to keep people watching or reading. They ask questions like "Was this war necessary?" or "Who actually benefits from this?" These ideas tend to get less airtime because they don’t fit into the narrative of immediate action and victory.

The internet has changed everything. Where once there were just a few big news networks that everyone watched, now there are thousands of independent platforms, blogs, and podcasts giving people alternative perspectives. Antiwar.com and The American Conservative are places where people who are fed up with the mainstream narrative can go for more in-depth analysis and critique. Since these outlets aren’t part of the mainstream media ecosystem, they don’t have the same visibility. Mainstream news outlets are easy to access and typically provide stories that support the status quo. If you don’t actively look for other viewpoints, you’re more likely to get the same type of coverage that doesn’t challenge the idea that military force is the best way to handle global problems.

Privacy

The definition of privacy from Google is "the state of being free from being observed or disrupted by other people". Privacy has been a growing concern in our society as more and more technologies arise and more concerns are becoming present. I have never really thought about privacy as an issue until concerns about privacy relating to my phone and social media arose. Like many other college students, I love taking photos, videos, and posting them online for friends and family to see. But who is really seeing these posts? Even though we think we are taking precautions like being safe online and making our accounts private, the internet is smarter than us.

The first video is an introduction to online privacy. Juan Enriquez compares our active lives on social media to that of a tattoo. He goes in depth to say that social media and our online posts are our a "electronic tattoo". Social media sites such as Facebook, X, TikTok and Instagram all use facial recognition. Much like tattoos, what you post on social media is permanent and while it can be removed, it isn't forgotten as it can be shared to other sites you might be unaware of. For example, the most startling part of the video was when Enriquez introduces the website "Face.Com". This is a website your face is probably on! This website was sold to Facebook in 2018 with more than 18 billon photo images of just peoples faces worldwide. I thought the extent of my privacy being invaded or taking my data was that social media companies track your data due to ads and what group of people they are targeted to but I didn't know how intense it was. 

The second video is hosted by Christopher Soghoian. He explains the concern of wiretapping and surveillance through communication such as phone calls, texts and emails. I researched and talked about this previously when I was focusing on the telephone and it's impacts. Soghoian mentions the use of wiretapping for surveillance within products through telephone companies specifically for government use. These can be tapped by other governments and intelligence agencies as well as anyone who has the capabilities. This is so scary and alarming to me because it makes me think someone can know everything about me. This also can create issues like stalkers listening in on a phone call whether it be the government or a regular person which creates physical safety issues. This also makes me question if data like my medical history or credit card information in websites is safe. Luckily, their has been an increase in protection in surveillance issues through the iPhone. Companies like Apple are getting better at programming their systems to make it more difficult to tap in. 

We all think to limit and censor what information we voluntarily put onto the internet. We know not to post things like our phone number, address, and family information. But it is vital to consider what personal information is on the internet without us sharing it or knowing about it. For example, what other people are posting about you, your employers, or your school. The rise of technology is incredibly useful but it may be getting too alarming and worrisome. 

EOTO Reaction: Carrier Pigeons

The most interesting technology I learned about during the EOTO presentations was the carrier pigeons. Josiah presented on this topic and the history was so interesting, I wanted to learn more. At first I didn't believe carrier pigeons were real. I thought they were a made-up TV animation. I was proven wrong and real carrier pigeons date back to 2000 BC. Originally know as Homing Pigeons, they were the main form of long distance communication. As I learned in the presentation, the ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians first discovered this way of long distance communication. They even grew this technology system to Greece and Rome. The Greeks heavily relied on these birds and their internal compass to fly and deliver important news. Carrier pigeons carried such important information even such as the winners of the Olympic games. Then Rome began utilizing this form of communication shortly after. They relied on the birds to deliver messages to soldiers and share outcomes of battles. 

Carrier pigeons were used for the most important information and were extremely trusted. In this day and age no one would trust a pigeon...The birds' accuracy and consistency made them so trusted as carrier pigeons became the main form of long distance and high speed communication for decades. Their internal compass, which I think is the most impressive skill they have, earned the name “homing pigeon". This was due to their ability to always find their way back home to where they began their journey. These pigeons were trained to by having a home cage after they delivered their message, hence their name.

Like how Carrier pigeons were used in Rome, they made their big impact within warfare. For years, these birds were used to send and deliver messages relating to enemy movements, tactical plans, and general wins or losses. The sent notes back and forth in World War I and World War II. In order to deliver a message, the note was placed into a very small almost "suitcase" that was tied to the bird's foot. These amazing animals were more reliable than a human messenger, due to the fact that they could navigate through any terrain, dangerous battlegrounds, unfamiliar territory, or cross over enemy fire. 

Carrier pigeons were also extremely valuable to scientists. They helped scientists understand more about migration and navigation. They discovered through research and tests that these birds have an impressively sharp memory. This explained why they easily could find their way back home. As well as, scientists discovered that these animals could fly over 60 mph. This made them so valuable because they could cover hundreds of miles in a single trip. These birds have one of the most impressive navigation and location awareness I've ever heard of. 

While in 2000 BC the carrier pigeon was a turning point in communication, this form of communication is completely overthrown by modern technology. Imagine using a carrier pigeon today instead of just sending a quick, instant text (and receiving a quick, instant response). The telegram was the technological development that threatened the use of the carrier pigeon when it was created in the early 19th century. Looking back at these inventions today, they are fascinating but not practical for 2025. Although I imagine the helpfulness of these tools back in the day were viewed the same way that we view our iPhone.