12. Societies Relationship with Technology

The Futurama ride predicts technology aiming to help the worldwide needs of men in the future, but there is a stark contrast between this utopia and the current world. Nowadays, technology seems to focus on what can make the most money. The video shows a preview of a city in the future, mentioning public transportation being more convenient than ever. Still, now, more than ever, public transportation is focused more on money. As someone who takes the MBTA into Boston daily in the summer, there are constant delays, malfunctions, and injuries caused by these trains. It has taken years for the MBTA to implement new train cars or even address problems like the Green Line trains constantly crashing and harming pedestrians. Just three years ago, an Orange Line train caught on fire while crossing the Mystic River about 3 miles away from me. Passengers were seen jumping from the train into the grimy waters of the mystic. Instead of addressing these issues, the MBTA has raised fare prices and has added new technology like Apple Pay at the Gates. Why prioritize money and fare evasion when there are much more serious issues within the MBTA? They want to make more money off commuters but do not put the money towards commuters' experience. The Futurama ride also shows technology being used for underwater explorations and ways to travel through luscious coral reefs. In the current day, we have barely made a dent in underwater exploration and have destroyed our coral reefs through technology: climate change, pollution, and overfishing all stem from increased technology and damage to earth's reefs more and more every day. Climate change stems from many things, but a major cause is burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, power transportation, and heat our homes. Electricity prices are rising, giving more and more money to the people feeding into the climate crisis and loss of coral reefs. Overfishing has also become easier through technology, bigger ships, larger nets, and the technology to easily pull said nets up. Not to mention large-scale freezers and production centers inside these massive fishing boats. These practices prioritize profit instead of the well-being of people and the planet, a huge contrast to the future that the Futurama ride had envisioned. 

The video, including the remix of Moby by Tears For Fears, shows a disconnected world where everyone is glued to their phones and missing what is going on around them, an accurate depiction of the current state of the world. I see videos of concerts and see a pool of cell phones, people not living in the moment. on a more extreme note, I recently saw a video of a man who had fallen off of a train platform and was about to be hit by a train; two bystanders eventually helped him, but the woman filming was right there in front of him and chose to pull out her phone and record instead of save the mans life. People have begun to see other people's pain and despair as a way to become “viral” instead of an opportunity to help. This disconnection is only going to worsen. Our society focuses on spectacle rather than substance, prioritizing whatever will attract views. We have transitioned from a society that valued connections and community to one where everyone is a brand and a means for fame and money. Social media has become a tool to satisfy our need for attention; the more views and interactions you gain online, the more valuable you become.

Money has become the center of everything, especially social media. California recently passed a law that included child influencers within the definition of “child performers.” This law enforces that family vloggers who include their children in their vlogs must establish a fund and place 15% of their earnings from all content into the child's trust fund. This law is vital for protecting children from being exploited, but many influencers have moved to states like Tennessee in recent weeks to avoid this and continue to exploit their children for views. Other social media influencers stage “authentic” content, advertise products they don’t like or use, and much more just for the sake of money. Social media has made it easy for people to get money with little to no effort; one viral video or post can make you thousands, and that’s why we see people recording such insane situations as the man in the train tracks. I don’t believe my relationship with technology is healthy; I spend hours at night scrolling through posts to no end, which affects my sleep habits and attendance in early classes.  Apps like TikTok and Instagram that allow you to scroll for hours on end are harmful to us because we spend hours on these apps that could have been spent outside and in the real world. These social media apps are constantly updating, adding shops to their apps that were originally meant for connecting with friends. Snapchat and Instagram, in my eyes, should be meant for people you know, but still, people my age are adding people from suggestions and interacting with strangers with nothing in common other than having the same app downloaded. People now want strangers following and adding them simply for the status symbol and monetary value of followers and likes.  Social media has also lead people to conform to extreme levels, if you want to be popular on an app like tiktok, you have to appeal to as many people as possible, leading people to buy the same things as influencers and look identical. I often say I would much rather have a flip phone and a camera simply to text and take photos. In reality, our generation is so tied to technology and apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Snapchat, in particular, has replaced text messages for many of my friends, and if I were to get rid of it, I would miss out on plans and other conversations. My dad, on the other hand, has a very healthy relationship with technology; he only uses his phone for text messages, camera, LinkedIn, and the occasional Facebook post to update his family and friends on his whereabouts. To me, messaging cameras, news, and weather apps are where we should have stopped innovating phones and the apps that are available. Money has become the main goal for these apps at the expense of true connections.  My digital footprint isn’t too bad compared to some people I know, I have private accounts on everything except LinkedIn and even on Instagram I only post when I travel or want to share an update with my friends as it is authentic to me. I know plenty of people who make plans out of social media photoshoots; why not actually do something fun, go outside, and live life instead of posing for a camera and pretending to have a good time? Social media and technology in general have become a huge money makers, leading to greed and insensitivity, when it had the potential to create a connected, positive world. Greed in tech can be seen in everything; medicine, transportation, social media, and even basic needs like water and food. 

11. EOTO 2 Reaction

I find disinformation to be particularly interesting because of its similarity to misinformation. Before this presentation, I understood that misinformation refers to the spread of false information. Disinformation, however, is like its cruel sister; it involves the intentional spread of false information with the goal of misleading people. Individuals may be drawn to disinformation because it can create a sense of unity, alleviate shame, and provide a feeling of power. This pull towards disinformation often stems from how disinformation confirms preexisting beliefs. For instance, if I were a flat earther and encountered information claiming that NASA supports the flat earth theory, it would reinforce my preexisting ideas. Furthermore, disinformation is enticing because it can explain unexplainable events and offer answers that people desperately seek. Although it may help individuals cope with various challenges, it poses significant dangers. Disinformation undermines trust in the media, requiring individuals to double and triple-check sources and any news they encounter due to the risk of being misled. In the example of flat earthers, while the flat earth community may be united through disinformation, the divide between them and those who believe in the round earth continues to widen. The inability to discern what is real and what is disinformation can create dangerous uncertainty, leaving people unsure of what to believe. So, how can we combat disinformation? The key is to conduct thorough research. By seeking out supporting news, checking publishers and publication dates, and consulting knowledgeable individuals, you can protect yourself from falling for disinformation. It is also important to examine your own personal biases while doing research to ensure you aren’t believing disinformation simply because it aligns with your prior narratives.

8.Diffusion of innovation

The mobile phone spread quickly because it enabled people to communicate from anywhere at any time. Originally, phones were tethered to a wall, making them impossible to use outside the home or office. Many people became early adopters of this technology because it made communication convenient. Late adopters might not have been able to afford a mobile phone or may have believed that their home phone was perfectly fine, seeing no need to spend money on a new device. However, I see many negative consequences of mobile phones. As they have evolved from simple models like the Blackberry to smartphones, dangers such as social media, phone scams, and a lack of privacy have become more prominent. Social media is particularly dangerous for children; it often provides unearned serotonin, leading to addictions. These addictions can result in body image issues, depression, insomnia, and more. Phone scams have also become increasingly common due to the widespread use of mobile phones. Almost everyone owns one, and if you enter your number on any website, you're likely to receive spam calls, including scams asking for money. Furthermore, mobile phones, especially smartphones, have contributed to a significant loss of privacy. Our movements and conversations are no longer private, and anything posted online is permanent, even if deleted. While mobile phones have opened up communication channels for everyone, this can be dangerous, particularly for children. I have seen many cases where predators use mobile phones to exploit young individuals.

6. EOTO Reaction

Bluetooth was invented in 1994 by Dr. Jaap Haartsen, who worked for Ericsson's Mobile Terminal Division. He was tasked with finding short-range radio connections and began considering whether he could create a service that would enable devices from different manufacturers to connect seamlessly. This innovation would make mobile phones even more versatile. Haartsen's idea led to the establishment of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group in 1998, comprising companies like Nokia, Toshiba, and Intel. In 1999, the first hands-free mobile headset utilizing Bluetooth technology was launched to the public. 

Bluetooth has brought about many positive changes in our daily lives, one of which is solving connectivity issues. Before Bluetooth, wires took over all forms of technology, making it a hassle to operate and alleviate problems. Bluetooth allows us to connect laptops, headphones, smartphones, and speakers without the hassle of wires, enhancing the mobility of these devices. With mobile technology, we can now wear items like smartwatches, enjoy music anywhere, and communicate with others anytime, anywhere. Cross-platform compatibility is another significant advantage of Bluetooth. Over the years, Bluetooth has become a standard for all devices, meaning I can connect a JBL speaker to my Apple iPhone easily. This development greatly enhances the flexibility and convenience of the devices we use. Bluetooth continues to evolve to meet consumers' needs. In 2010, Bluetooth Low Energy was introduced, allowing devices to operate even with low power. In my personal experience, this feature has helped me locate my phone when it was dead on multiple occasions. 

Overall, Bluetooth technology has enabled us to connect on a much broader scale. Portable speakers, headphones, and cell phones rely on this technology. Bluetooth has simplified the experience of using technology by eliminating the need for wifres and allowing consumers to connect to devices with just one click. 

9. The Sherman Anti-trust Act

 The Sherman Anti-trust Act passed in 1890, is a significant piece of legislation in U.S history. It was enacted in response to the rise of monopolies and trusts during the Industrial Revolution. Before the Sherman Anti-trust Act, the U.S. government adopted a laissez-faire approach to regulation, believing it would foster rapid economic growth. While it did spark an increase in productivity and overall economic activity, it also allowed large corporations to cultivate monopolistic power, dominating entire industries. Monopolies like these often lead to to inflated prices and reduced innovation, posing consumer risks. 

The U.S. government created the Sherman Anti-trust act to address the issue of monopolies and support a free market. The act consists of two key sections: section 1 prohibits contracts and conspiracies that restrain trade and commerce between states or foreign nations, and section 2 makes it a felony to monopolize or attempt to monopolize any aspect of interstate trade or commerce. The act was passed with overwhelming support, marking one of the first instances in which the federal government took action to regulate business for the public good. 

Over the years, the significance of the Sherman Anti-trust Act has become increasingly apparent through its application in legal battles against powerful corporations. Major companies such as standard oil, which was broken up in the early 20th century, AT&T in the late 1980s, and Microsoft in the late 1990s, have all face scrutiny and legal challenges under the Sherman Anti-trust Act. These high profile cases have demonstrated the acts effectiveness in maintaining a competitive marketplace and its modern relevance in addressing anticompetitive practices. 

In conclusion the Sherman Anti-trust Act is vital in preventing monopolistic behaviors and establishing a critical legal framework for federal businnes regulation. By promoting lower prices and higher quality products, enhancing choices for consumers, and encouraging increased innovation, the act continues to be a key element of U.S. economic policy. 

7. Why are anti-war websites not in the mainstream news?

Anti-war websites and other media do not fit the United States' political agenda. Therefore, they bury websites like antiwar.com. Our government uses war to gain and maintain global power, constantly putting war over the well-being and money of citizens. The United States government has shown on multiple occasions its motives and ability to withhold and hide information regarding our military involvement, making it highly likely that the government is purposefully burying these sites.

One reason anti-war websites are buried online is that the U.S. government does not want to stop military involvement; war is essential to American safety. The United States is deeply involved in world politics; we have military bases in 80 foreign countries and territories. It is nearly impossible for us to pull out of many of these bases without conflict. Since the Revolutionary War, the U.S. has been involved in 11 wars (declared by Congress) and has made many enemies along the way. We are still in an "arms race" with some of the most powerful militaries, including China, Russia, and North Korea. Our past military endeavors have made it impossible for us to stop funding war, even though most people can agree that the consequences are severe. Our government does not want hoards of citizens fighting back because we could seem weak to other governments. Patriotic and motivated soldiers win wars; these anti-war sites criticize the government's reasoning and can diminish that support. The government wants war to stay powerful, and they need their citizens to support it, so they hide opposing views.

Although our country's safety is a good reason to hide anti-war websites, our government also has more selfish reasons. By banning anti-war websites, the United States can cover up their abuses. Even while researching on Google, the first links to appear are all U.S. government sites explaining our policies on war crimes, none referencing the crimes we have committed. The U.S. military has a history of committing war crimes and hindering public knowledge; Abu Ghraib is the perfect example. In November 2003, the Associated Press published a press report on the abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The violations only became public knowledge when the TV show 60 Minutes released images of the abuse, torture, and murder in early 2004. The army had conducted an internal investigation, which was leaked to the public shortly after. Was the government even planning on releasing the results to the public? Likely not. A report by Human Rights Watch in June 2004 stated, "The only exceptional aspect of the abuse at Abu Ghraib may have been that it was photographed." The government has every motivation to hide such events, and sadly, the military will most likely not stop. The Stanford prison experiment, although flawed, showed just how authority and power are easy to abuse in prison environments. Soldiers will keep abusing their power over political prisoners. On a larger scale, the United States government will continue to abuse its monetary and military power by involving itself in conflict. As the U.S. involves itself in more wars, more abuse will ensue, and the government will have even more reason to hide anti-war websites.

The U.S. government has access to all the information in the world. They could be watching you through your device's camera right now. There is no doubt that they have the ability to bury information on the Internet if they feel the need. Although anti-war websites may be hard to find for national safety, our government is willing to abuse people and resources to gain more global power.

 

 

5. Privacy Online and Offline

In today's digital age, online privacy has become an increasingly significant concern that impacts me, my friends, and my family. Every online action, from sending a message to posting a picture, leaves a permanent trace. This is scary since even a single photo is enough for people to gain personal information. Even offline, our movements are being tracked. Cell towers and license plate readers are constantly monitoring our day-to-day activities. As someone who owns a car, I find this constant surveillance scary. The data from my license plate is stored and accessible to local police and even at a federal level. An even more concerning issue to me is wiretapping. The possibility that my conversations could be recorded without my knowledge is scary. My friends and I are constantly attached to our phones, bringing them everywhere. With this level of connectivity, it is frightening to think about how much of my daily life is under surveillance. Additionally, spam calls, scam emails, and phishing attempts have exposed how available our information is. Recently, I received fake texts pretending to be from the Massachusetts DOT, claiming that I owed fees that didn't exist. Although I didn't open the fraudulent links, I have had friends fall for similar scams, resulting in their social media, messaging, and email accounts being taken over. Using location information and other data to form targeted frauds impacts people who aren't as tech-savvy, the first person coming to mind being my grandmother.

The government has a vital role to play in protecting our privacy. First and foremost, the government should work on strengthening encryption standards. Many websites like Apple messages and WhatsApp already use encryption to prevent wiretapping, but previous hacks have exposed issues within. As everything becomes increasingly digital, the risks of hacks only grow, and the government should push for stronger encryption to protect citizens from unauthorized surveillance. But it's not just foreigners surveilling us. The United States government needs to reevaluate its data collection practices. Instead of holding information on average citizens, they should prioritize data necessary for their operations. Limiting the amount of data collected will also prevent citizens' data from being accessed and misused by foreign governments; the less information we have on our citizens, the less other countries can get. Another issue the government needs to address is the lack of legislation addressing privacy violations such as revenge porn. While bills have been proposed to make revenge porn illegal, they have not passed yet. The government needs to hold people who violate online privacy accountable, and it is appalling how low of a sentence perpetrators get.

While it is clear that the government has a significant role to play, individuals also need to take steps to protect their own privacy. However, there is very little we can do to protect our privacy. If you own any form of technology, chances are your personal information is already out there. The most we can do is remain aware of the risks and be cautious about the data we share online.