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. 

EOTO: The Telephone

One of the most transformative inventions in history is the telephone. It revolutionized the way we communicate, and its impact is still felt today. While Alexander Graham Bell is most famously credited with its invention in 1876, he was not the only one working on towards this goal. Inventors like Elisha Gray and Antonio Meucci also made significant contributions, though it was Bell’s work that led to the first successful demonstration.

Alexander Graham Bell

Bell was a teacher of the deaf and was motivated to improve communication for people with hearing impairments. His goal was to find a way to transmit the human voice through wires. This had never been done before. After years of research and experimentation, Bell succeeded in making the first phone call on March 10, 1876, famously saying, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” Before this, long-distance communication was limited to telegraphs, which could only send written messages in Morse code. If you wanted to communicate with someone far away, you had to rely on slow and often unreliable systems like mail or telegrams.

Bell’s invention solved a massive problem. He solved how to connect people across distances instantly, making communication more personal, faster, and more efficient. It also set up future innovators for even further advancements that would continue to reshape our world in the coming years.

The telephone completely transformed society in many ways. It changed communication, allowing people to communicate in real-time. No matter how far apart you are with someone, you can still communicate with them. This had a really big effect on both personal and professional lives. Businesses could now operate more efficiently with negotiations, customer service, and coordination. Work became faster and more effective. News also traveled quicker, and relationships could be maintained over far distances. This revolutionized the world making it feel smaller and more interconnected. 

Old Version of the Telephone

The telephone didn’t stop at its original large, clunky, wired form. It evolved over the 20th century into mobile phones and eventually smartphones. Today, we even carry mini-computers in our pockets. These devices now are capable of not just voice calls, but also text messaging, video calls, and instant sharing of pictures and information. This also set the groundwork for databases and inventions like social media. The invention of the telephone laid the foundation for the modern internet and the way we interact in today’s digital world. Smartphones have helped find a home for other technologies like cameras and GPS, and have further enhanced how we communicate in ways Bell couldn’t have imagined.

While the telephone has had an overwhelmingly positive impact, it also introduced some negatives. Social impact is one of the most significant. As phones became more widely used, people began to spend less face-to-face time with each other. This led to more distant, less personal interactions which disconnected everyone. Families and communities became more spread out and many began to rely more on digital communication rather than personal connections. As well as a new concern that has come up in the last decade or so is addiction. Teenagers and children have become heavily addicted to their devices and don't know a world without them. It even has its own name "nomophobia", which is the fear of being without a mobile device. 

Additionally, the telephone gave rise to privacy concerns. New concerns like wiretapping, surveillance, and unauthorized recordings. These concerns became more pronounced as phones became more sophisticated and widespread. Another concern and definitely one I worry about is how much we store our amounts of personal information, and the issue around data privacy and security have only intensified in recent years.

Despite these negative aspects, the telephone’s positive influence has far outweighed its drawbacks. It solved the problem of long-distance communication and created a more connected world. Today, we continue to benefit from Bell’s initial breakthrough. This invention changed not just how we communicate, but how we live, work, and interact. The modern world would not be the same without it. From personal conversations to professional collaborations and global connectivity. None of this would have been possible without Alexander Graham Bell’s work.

Eight Values of Free Expression

Out of the Eight Values of Free Expression, the one I found most interesting was Individual Self-Fulfillment and how it connects to today's world. Individual Self-Fulfillment means that “free speech allows people to express themselves, form their own identity, and maybe even find others like them.” I think this idea really fits how teenagers and young adults, like me, use social media especially TikTok. Over the past five years, TikTok has become one of the most popular apps. What started as a place for lip-syncing and dancing has turned into a space where people openly share their achievements, struggles, and personal thoughts. 

TikTok Thumbnail

TikTok lets people express themselves in ways beyond just talking. Some influencers get attention just because of their unique style or look. They get thousands of likes, not only for their appearance but because people admire their confidence in being themselves. When others see someone with the same style or interests, they feel seen and understood. Which in this generation is what everyone wants, to feel seen and understood. This makes it easier for people who might struggle to express themselves in real life to do so online. That’s why I think Individual Self-Fulfillment is especially important for this generation, and one of the most relevant of the Eight Values of Free Expression. Social media in general gives young people so many ways to express themselves, and while TikTok is the most popular, apps like Instagram and Snapchat are also important.

However, I think TikTok can become too personal or “overly expressive.” While I agree that free speech is important, I’ve noticed that some influencers take things too far by sharing very personal content. It doesn’t bother me, but I think younger users might be exposed to stuff they shouldn’t see. Talking about things like sexual situations or relationship problems should stay private. Not everything needs to be shared with the whole internet which relates to the idea of privacy. 

I think Individual Self-Fulfillment really connects with TikTok and social media in general. It’s a space where free speech allows people to share different opinions and personal stories. Even though some content can be too personal, TikTok still helps people learn new things and see life from different perspectives. 

Along with Individual Self-Fulfillment, other values I see in todays world are promoting tolerance, and protecting dissent. These values are all connected by the idea of freedom of speech. These values tie together because they all support people’s right to speak their minds. Individual self-fulfillment is about people expressing themselves and being true to their beliefs, which can lead to actions like protests or posts on social media. Promoting tolerance is about respecting and understanding different viewpoints, even if they disagree with your own. Finally, protecting dissent ensures that those differing opinions are heard without fear or punishment.

A clear example of this was after the Roe v. Wade ruling. Many people shared their anger and frustration on Instagram and TikTok. This kind of expression encouraged others to speak up as well, creating a ripple effect. It lead to protests which is a good thing because it shows people standing up for their rights. For instance, CNN reported large protests outside the White House in response to the ruling.

Roe v. Wade Protesters

A similar scenario happened with the recent TikTok ban. Many people protested and created lots of expression. Banning the app would remove one of the major platforms where people express their opinions, organize protests, and spread information about social issues. During movements like the Roe v. Wade, platforms like TikTok are essential for building momentum and creating visibility, especially when traditional media might not cover these issues in the same way. Banning TikTok could limit a tool that plays a big role in promoting both individual self-fulfillment and protecting dissent. So the TikTok ban might be seen as not just a way to control personal data or political influence, but also a way to limit how people use the platform to protest or challenge the status quo. This shows how social media can help spread ideas, get people involved, and bring attention to important issues. Finally, showing how these values work together to support free expression and social change.

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. Its primary function is to interpret the law and ensure that laws and actions are following the country's constitution. It consists of nine Justices who are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. The Supreme Court hears cases that usually involve significant legal issues with emphasis on those related to constitutional interpretation. The Supreme Court often sets precedent with its rulings that lower courts must follow called stare decisis.

Current Supreme Court Justices

One thing I learned about the Supreme Court that I did not know before is that after the President nominates someone for the Court, there’s a long process before they actually pick a new Justice. First, the nominee has to fill out a detailed questionnaire, then it goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee for hearings. I didn’t realize the process took so long. The committee does not vote on the nominee directly, but on whether to send the nomination to the full Senate. After that, the full Senate holds hearings, and a majority vote is needed to decide if the nominee is approved. Also, I didn’t know how few cases the Supreme Court actually hears. Even though the Court gets around 7,000 cases a year, they only hear about 100-150. 

One of the key takeaways about the Supreme Court is that when there’s an open seat due to death or retirement, the President can nominate a replacement. However, just because the President nominates someone doesn’t mean they will actually get the position. The process of deciding who joins the Supreme Court is much more detailed than most people realize. I think it’s important to remember this, especially since many people believe the President holds all the power in this decision.

Supreme Court Building

The most surprising thing I learned about the Supreme Court is that Justices serve for life, unless they retire or pass away. While I knew they had long terms, I didn’t realize it was for their entire lifetime. It’s kind of crazy to me because I can’t imagine doing something for the rest of my life, even if I enjoyed it. The average age to retire is 65 and there are Justices way past that! Personally, I’d want to retire at some point, but some justices stay on the Court until they die, which is a crazy idea to think about.

Sandra Day O'Connor

The video didn’t really change my overall view of the Supreme Court, since I already knew it held a lot of power, especially with Judicial Review. However, one thing I learned that made me think differently is that we didn’t have a female Supreme Court Justice until the public pushed for it. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O’Connor as a new Justice, partly due to the rise of abortion-related cases. Reagan thought that by appointing a conservative woman, he could maintain his stance on abortion while also addressing the public’s demand for a female voice on the Court. However, this move backfired when O’Connor joined four other Justices in the 1992 case Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey to uphold the Roe v. Wade decision.

Top 5 Sources of News and Information

Growing up my mom was always news obsessed as she has worked in media and journalism her whole life. I always looked forward to watching my mom on TV and hearing her stories. As any young child in my formative years, my news and information came from my parents. Whatever they said or told me, I believed. But now as a young adult with my own opinions and views, I have struggled to find unbiased, accurate news sources online. With the rise of social media, propaganda and sharing inaccurate information is ramped. I try to find a balance between using social media as a news outlet and credible sources or channels to stay up to date with current events important to me. Although, I do have to remind myself as convenient as apps like TikTok or Instagram might be, it's not the best reliable news source. 

1. Instagram

Instagram is a social media app that allows people as well as companies to share photos and videos. Most news companies have an Instagram account where they post about major headlines or news topics they might discuss on TV. News sources like Fox News, NBC News, CNN, and many others all have Instagram pages. This allows them to share important information quickly and concisely with graphics, short paragraphs, and videos. This appeals to people such as the younger generation who don't particularly watch the news on TV to still be up to date with the worlds happenings on a familiar platform. It is convenient because as most teenagers, we use Instagram frequently throughout our day. This makes it easier for us to access news without particularly searching it out. 

2. TikTok

Similarly to Instagram, TikTok is a useful platform consisting of short videos. Especially with the younger generation, our attention spans have shrunk and TikTok is a platform that is appealing in that sense. I find myself gaining most of my information from TikTok. It covers a large span of topics from sports to politics. It also allows users to publicly share any opinions or thoughts they have to reach a broad audience. TikTok is a platform where it is much easier to go "viral" on than Instagram. Therefore, more users post on it and share their opinions. This can be perceived as negative because it allows more room for biased news and propaganda. 

3. Fox News

Fox News is multinational news source as well as political commentary website based in New York City. Growing up it was commonly playing in the living room on the TV so there is a sense of trust and familiarity to it. It also aligns with the political views I have been grown up with. What I enjoy most about Fox News is the how they talk about controversial topics or have different viewpoints about political ongoings than other news outlets. While I don't always 100% agree with their views, it is interesting and sometimes entertaining, to watch and learn about differing opinions. 

4. News App

The News App on my iPhone is an easy, accessible way to gain knowledge about news. It compiles all the main news sources, sports, weather, and even podcasts into one app. This is convenient as having a "one-stop-shop" for anything important. It is an application on my iPhone so it can send me notifications about important news updates in real time which is an added bonus. Since it compiles so many different news sources, it shows all sides and opinions of potiental media bias which is helpful. Apple News is also something that my parents use occasionally to find information on, so I like to be informed on what they are reading so we can talk about it together. 

5. Family & Friends 

One of the most frequent ways I gain knowledge about current news is from family and friends. Everyone has an opinion and everyone loves talking! It is interesting to hear other peoples opinions and how they may view news differently than myself. When talking to someone in my life about news, I have to remember bias and how it may not always be accurate. After learning or talking to someone about a news article they may have read, I always go look it up to form my own opinion. It also allows for dialogue about a certain news headline or opinion that can be interesting to talk about with others.