Blog Post 12: The Final

Introducing 

Social media can serve many different purposes. For some, it's an outlet, a way to make friends or escape reality. For others, it can be toxic, where comparison leads to jealousy and self-doubt. I’ve been between these extremes at different times, significantly as technology has evolved. It’s a paradox: on one hand, technology is essential to my daily life, but on the other, it can create frustration and loneliness.

My Relationship with Technology

Technology has been a significant part of my life, as it has for most people in my generation. We grew up with it, and as technology advanced, so did my dependence on it. I remember teaching my mom how to use an essential phone, and now I help her navigate newer devices. Over time, my relationship with technology has shifted from relying on it for entertainment during isolated stretches (like during the pandemic) to finding a healthier, more balanced approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point. With everything locked down, my phone became my window to the world—whether for socializing, work, or just passing the time. 

According to Pew Research, "The vast majority of adults (90%) say the internet has been at least important to them personally during the pandemic, and 58% say it has been essential."

I can relate to that. However, the pandemic also led to an unhealthy dependence on screens, where I often found myself mindlessly scrolling for hours. As I’ve become busier, my screen time has dropped from eight hours to a more manageable four hours daily. It's a small victory, but it has made a positive impact on my mental health.

My Digital Footprint

I've accumulated a significant digital footprint because I’ve used technology for so long. Over the years, I’ve had multiple accounts on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Some remain active, while others are remnants of past hobbies or phases. During the pandemic, I even made a few TikTok videos. Looking back, they were impulsive and silly—not something I would share now. Knowing those posts exist, even if they’re set to private, is strange. Our digital footprints are like shadows—easy to forget but never entirely gone. Over time, I’ve become more mindful of what I share online. Even though we can delete things, the truth is: "Whatever happens on the internet stays on the internet."

The Role of Technology in My Life

There’s no question that technology dominates our world. We use it to call, find directions, and watch TV shows. It’s become indispensable. The convenience and accessibility it offers can be life-changing. For example, technology allowed people to work, learn, and stay connected during the pandemic. As noted in the article "Technology makes life easier," even rural areas have gained access to the global community thanks to advances in internet connectivity. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, it’s hard to imagine life without it.

But technology isn’t perfect. While it’s incredibly helpful, it also has downsides. The same constant connectivity that makes it convenient can lead to stress, isolation, and feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out). Reflecting on this, I’ve realized that the balance lies between the optimistic view of technology as a connector and the darker side, like loneliness or constant comparison.

The Dark Side of Technology

Looking back at the short videos we discussed in class, the one about loneliness and FOMO resonates with me more. While technology can connect us in once-impossible ways, it can also increase feelings of isolation. Social media often presents idealized versions of reality, which can leave us feeling disconnected or inadequate in comparison. The optimistic view—that technology enables greater connection—has some truth but misses the opposing side. There’s a need to balance the benefits of technology with an awareness of how it can fuel unhealthy emotions and comparisons.

The Future of Technology

Looking forward, I think issues like artificial intelligence, online privacy, and censorship will continue to shape our world. AI can potentially improve industries and lives but raises concerns about job displacement and ethics. Online privacy is another major issue. Data security will become increasingly important as we share more of our lives online. Online censorship, particularly regarding free speech, is also a pressing issue that will require careful attention from governments and tech companies. Ultimately, it’s up to us as users to stay informed and advocate for ethical use of technology while also learning to set boundaries in our online engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology is a crucial part of our lives, but finding balance is key. We need to embrace its benefits while managing its potential for harm. Whether it’s reducing screen time or being more mindful of what we share online, we can take steps to make technology work for us, not the other way around.

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Cites

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/09/01/the-internet-and-the-pandemic/

https://www.smsfoundation.org/technology-makes-life-easier/

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2016/09/wellisz.htm

https://www.uagrantham.edu/blog/technology-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/

Blog Post 11: Presentations Review

Introduction

I love it when we have presentations, as I know I will learn something new. Everyone did so well, and each group introduced a new topic to me. The few things that I noticed and took away were media consolidation, echo chambers, confirmation bias, propaganda, mismal and disinformation, and propaganda.

My Question 

These presenters were good, but I noticed something while the presentation continued. I gathered that Echo chambers are an environment where people only encounter information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own. Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values. These sounded very similar, and I am confused about the difference. I was going to ask about these in class, but I was sick that day, and my voice was practically gone, so I looked it up. I found an article on the National Library of Medicine that I’ll cite below that says the difference: “confirmation bias (reinforcing one’s attitudes and beliefs) and echo chambers (i.e., hear their voice).” So this, to me, says confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms your existing beliefs actively. At the same time, an echo chamber is an environment where you are only exposed to information that reinforces your beliefs. This background makes the difference more clear.

My Comments

Again, my class always has engaging presentations, and I always have little comments hyping them up.  For the Propaganda person, I have to say I Like the image usage; I feel like it reflects the topic itself as most tatics use images and posters to have a response. The classmate talking about mal and disinformation, the part where he says Brad Pitt is dead, was funny. As you said, if he passed and his movie came out, that wouldn’t make sense. This was a great way to show false information. 

Conclusion

The presentations helped me clarify the difference between confirmation bias and echo chambers: confirmation bias involves actively seeking information that supports our beliefs, while echo chambers are environments that reinforce them. Alternative media plays a key role in breaking these cycles by offering diverse perspectives and challenging biases. Supporting independent media ensures a more informed and critical public discourse in an era of widespread misinformation. Alternative media fosters a more open exchange of ideas, promoting better media literacy and accountability.

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Cites

Modgil, S., Singh, R. K., Gupta, S., & Dennehy, D. (2021, November 20). A confirmation bias view on social media induced polarisation during covid-19. Information systems frontiers : a journal of research and innovation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8604707/#:~:text=While%20the%20effects%20of%20SMIP,%2C%20hear%20their%20own%20voice). 

Blog Post 9: Alternative Media

Introduction 

Simply put, alternative media refers to outlets and platforms that are independent of mainstream corporate control. These channels often challenge the status quo and offer diverse perspectives sometimes overlooked or ignored in traditional media. In a world where large corporate entities dominate the media landscape, alternative media has become vital for providing a more comprehensive and multifaceted view of current events and social issues. Mainstream media giants are often driven by profit motives, which can sometimes lead to biases or a narrowing of the information provided. Commercial interests, political affiliations, or corporate sponsorships often shape news coverage, creating a distorted or limited narrative. This is where alternative media steps in. Whether independent news blogs, mobile apps, social media networks, streaming services, podcasts, or websites, alternative media outlets prioritize truth, transparency, and social justice over commercial concerns.

Strengths

The strength of alternative media is its ability to offer counter-narratives asking questions that mainstream outlets may avoid or fail to address. This can range from exposing environmental injustices to shedding light on social movements that aren’t receiving adequate coverage or providing platforms for marginalized communities whose voices are often silenced in traditional media outlets. Alternative media also allows for a deeper exploration of topics that may not fit neatly into the mainstream news cycle, such as niche political ideologies or cultural movements that challenge the mainstream consensus.

Weaknesses 

Many of these outlets operate with limited resources and are often subject to skepticism from those who rely on mainstream outlets for information. The credibility of alternative media can sometimes be questioned due to its independent nature, as there may be concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information. These platforms also face censorship, misinformation, or algorithmic suppression, especially on social media platforms that may prioritize mainstream content over independent voices. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, the demand for independent, grassroots journalism continues to grow. As more people become aware of the biases present in mainstream outlets, they are increasingly turning to alternative media for a more well-rounded view of the world.

The Rise of Alternative Media

The rise of alternative media also highlights the democratizing power of the internet. In the digital age, anyone with a smartphone or a laptop can be a creator and a broadcaster. Social media platforms, YouTube, and independent blogs have made it possible for voices from all corners of society to share their perspectives, often reaching audiences in ways traditional media could never achieve. This is especially important when social and political movements, such as climate activism or the fight for racial justice, rely heavily on independent platforms to organize and mobilize supporters. However, it is essential for all media consumers, whether mainstream or alternative, to approach information critically. Misinformation, bias, and manipulation can exist in any form of media, so we must verify facts, question prevailing narratives, and seek out various sources to better understand complex issues. Regardless of its nature, relying on a single source of information limits our ability to form a nuanced and accurate understanding of the world.

Conclusion 

Alternative media is crucial in maintaining a diverse and accountable public discourse. It challenges power structures, amplifies marginalized voices, and encourages citizens to think more critically about the information they consume. As news consumers, we must support and engage with independent media to ensure that these voices continue thriving and that alternative narratives remain vital to our collective conversation. The future of media lies in diversity, and alternative outlets are key to achieving that goal.

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Cites:

Mayer, N. (n.d.). Library guides: Alternative media sources : Introduction. Introduction - Alternative Media Sources - Library Guides at John Carroll University. https://researchguides.jcu.edu/c.php?g=1422777 

Information about the Alternative Media Center. Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center 

Souza, C. (n.d.). Home. CCC Technology Center. https://cccaccessibility.org/alternate-media 

Blog Post 8: The Innovative of Emojis

Introduction 

Emojis are small icons that convey emotions or concepts. These images have become a key part of communication. How did these tiny symbols go from a niche innovation to a global phenomenon? We can look at the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to understand their rapid spread, which explains how new ideas and technologies spread across society.

How Emojis Spread: The Adoption Process

 The rise of emojis follows the stages of Rogers' adoption. curve: Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards.

1. Innovators: Shigetaka Kurita first created emojis for mobile devices in Japan in 1999. These initial users were tech enthusiasts who saw emojis as a way to add emotional depth to digital messages, something that text alone couldn’t capture.

2. Early Adopters: Once emojis became available on smartphones and social media, they quickly spread to a global audience. Early adopters, often young and tech-savvy, loved the creative potential of emojis and began using them in everyday communication. These early users played a key role in making emojis mainstream.

3. Early Majority: As emojis became more accessible, their use multiplied. For the early majority, emojis became a natural way to express emotions in quick messages, texts, and social media posts. They saw emojis as fun, efficient, and a way to stay connected.

4. Late Majority: The late majority were more skeptical. They may have thought emojis were unnecessary or frivolous, but as emojis became a regular part of communication, they joined in, mainly to stay relevant in conversations.

5. Formality: Those who avoid or resist using emojis. These people may feel emojis are too casual or prefer more formal, text-heavy communication. They might also see no need to change how they communicate.

Why Some People Don’t Adopt Emojis

While emojis have become widespread, some people, like myself, avoid them. The main reason is the fear of miscommunication. Emojis can be interpreted differently depending on context or culture. Additionally, I prefer more nuanced communication and feel emojis oversimplify emotional expression.For others, avoiding emojis might come from a preference for clear, traditional communication, especially in professional settings where emojis might seem unprofessional. There's also the potential concern that relying on emojis may lead to less thoughtful communication, reducing the depth of conversation.

The Benefits and Downsides of Emojis

Emojis have clear benefits. They make conversations feel more personal and expressive, adding tone and humor to texts. They also make communication faster and more visually engaging. For social media users, emojis are key to interacting with trends and staying engaged with a digital community. However, emojis also have downsides. They can lead to misinterpretation and may oversimplify complex emotions. Relying on emojis too much can sometimes undermine more meaningful, thoughtful exchanges, especially in professional or sensitive contexts.

Why use Them

Emojis can make conversations more engaging and fun but diminish their depth and lead to misunderstandings. Similarly, deciding whether or not to join social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram involves weighing the benefits of staying connected with friends and networking against the risks of privacy issues or digital overload. Adopting new communication tools, whether emojis, social media, or anything else, depends on how we balance the technology's positive and negative aspects.

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Cites

Kendall, E. (2024, November 21). Emoji. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/emoji 

CEFARATTI-BERTIN, S. (n.d.). More than just a smiley face: How emojis can affect communication. Media and Public Relations | Baylor University. https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2024/more-just-smiley-face-how-emojis-can-affect-communication