Blog # 8

    The smartphone is a good example of an innovation that has seen widespread adoption in recent years. Viewing its adoption through the lens of Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory can help understand its rapid spread and the reasons behind the different rates of adoption.

Due to the ability to operate as a phone, camera, and personal computer all in one, smartphones provided a big advantage over older-style cell phones. Their suitability for more modern lifestyles places a greater focus on connectivity, and information availability, added to their appeal. Smartphones have an easy understanding among users because of their simplicity and user-friendly interfaces. Alongside this, people observe others using cell phones and understand their advantages, making smartphones very observable.

    Early adopters of smartphones were probably attracted to the invention because of its benefit and availability to their wants. They may have been more willing to take risks to gain the benefits of the latest technology. On the other hand, late adopters might have been more cautious, waiting for proof of the smartphone's advantages to justify paying such a high price. They also could have taken longer to like the technology because they didn't see a need for the extra capabilities. Some people have chosen not to use cell phones at all, whether out of concern for their privacy because they spend too much time on screens, or because they worry about developing an addiction.

    Some people choose not to use cell phones at all, either out of concern for their privacy, because they spend too much time on screens, or because they worry about developing an addiction. These people could have conducted a cost-benefit analysis before deciding to use new technology, concluding that for them, the disadvantages could outweigh the benefits.

    The negative effects of smartphone technology, in reality, go further than issues with data security and privacy. Smartphones influence daily life to an extent that they give rise to problems like excessive screen time and social media addiction. This causes anxiety, depression, and Insomnia. On top of this, the non-stop notifications we get on our phones result in high-stress levels, and over time this has a very bad effect on mental health.

Citations:

The iphone effect: The quality of in-person social interactions in the ... (n.d.). Febuary 13, 2023, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0013916514539755

Perrin, A. (2020, May 30). Social Media Usage: 2005-2015. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/

Roberts, J., Yaya, L., & Manolis, C. (2014, August 26). The invisible addiction: Cell-phone activities and addiction among male and female college students. AKJournals. Retrieved Febuary17, 2023, from https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/3/4/article-p254.xml

Smith, A. (2020, August 25). Smartphone ownership 2013. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2013/06/05/smartphone-ownership-2013/

Blog # 7

A technology I found pretty interesting was television and Netflix. The first TV set was created in 1927, Seriously changing how American families consumed entertainment. This is when it all began. Television served as something like a social glue for several years. This brought together family and friends by bonding over their favorite shows. Although with the introduction of streaming services, television changed forever.

Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph launched Netflix n 1997. At its start, it was a DVD rental service. Netflix provided users with a brand new method for renting movies. An interesting fact is that the Co-founder of Netflix Reed Hastings approached Blockbuster in 2000 with a proposal to sell Netflix for $50 million. But Blockbuster turned down the offer, becoming a move they would later regret as Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Later, Netflix’s decision to Launch its streaming service in 2010 turned out to be a wild success. The business changed its focus from shipping DVDs to offering online access to movies and television shows. This completely changed the entertainment industry and set the stage for Netflix's future expansion.

Today, Netflix has over 10,000 titles throughout the globe and provides three plans—basic, standard, and premium, to meet various family needs. Due to the platform's huge success, it’s been able to produce its own television shows and movies like Stranger Things, and The Outer Banks.

The impact Netflix has had on television is very significant. People now have the luxury of binge-watching their favorite shows whenever they want. Much different from the very close past when people were forced to watch shows at set times. On top of this, Netflix's ad-free experience guarantees viewers won't miss a thing.

Finally, Netflix's work in the streaming area has inspired several other companies to create their own streaming services further changing the way we watch entertainment. It is obvious that Netflix has been a main force in changing the future of television and the entertainment industry.

Blog 10

        The complex world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is explored in depth in Frontline's eye-opening documentary "In the Age of AI,". The documentary shows how these technologies have changed our society and the potential repercussions of their further development. 

The Positive effects that AI and machine learning have produced changed many different industries. With better analysis, special medication, and the creation of new medicines, these technologies have enhanced healthcare. While AI has the potential to improve crop yields and decrease waste in agriculture, autonomous cars driven by AI promise to decrease accidents and streamline traffic. Even more, AI can help in the development of new materials for sustainable technology and climate change reduction by practicing effective energy management.

Although, this rapid advancement of AI has raised major privacy concerns. In countries like China, where the government uses facial recognition software to monitor and control its populace, AI-driven surveillance systems are being created and integrated as we saw in the documentary. This violation of privacy creates a nightmare where people are robbed of their security and governments have an unfair amount of power. The huge collection and use of personal data by internet corporations have raised concerns about the balance between convenience and privacy, even in nations with more tough privacy laws.

Another important topic covered in the documentary is national security. The possibility of an AI weapons race between states is becoming more real as AI is introduced into military applications. International relations are made more complex by the development of weapon systems and cyberwarfare capabilities, which have the ability to disturb the balance of power and increase the probability of confrontations. The video shows how China and the US are invested in a furious arms race for AI supremacy, which could have an impact on international politics and security.

There is also big insecurity around AI security breaches and identity theft.  This feature of technology is both scary and unsettling. Alongside this Deep fake technology driven by AI makes it possible to produce super convincing video and audio content that can be used to change public opinion, create confusion, and even be used in blackmail. The documentary shows the scary reality of just how easy Deep Fakes can be produced, making it even more challenging to tell the difference between real content and content that has been digitally altered. The structure of our digital identities and the trust many people have in online information are both impacted in a big way by this.

In conclusion, Frontline's "In the Age of AI" gives a deep examination of the potential of AI and machine learning while at the same time exploring the important issues that rise from their fast development. The film talks about the potential uses of AI in a number of areas but it also shows the seriousness of security, privacy, and the issues that become of a technology like this. It is very important to address these issues and make a more comprehensive strategy for using AI and machine learning as we rely on them more and more. 

Blog 6

I think there are quite a few reasons why antiwar voices are not given a more prominent platform and are needed to be sought out to find. One of the first things that came to mind was the relationship between the media and the government. Many mainstream media outlets rely on government funding and information. Without these, their ability to efficiently report on issues is significantly diminished. Additionally, after some research, It seems that the government presents itself and the military as heroic and necessary, while at the same time demonizing the enemy. Antiwar voices that challenge the opinion of the state, could be portrayed as unpatriotic. 

Another reason could be the media. Media outlets are tied to their advertisers and those advertisers most likely have their own agendas. For these media outlets, it can be seen as bad business to criticize the government or military. So antiwar outlets may be hidden to maintain positive business growth.

Finally, the last factor that contributes to the need to search for of antiwar websites is the wealthy who have a large influence in the mainstream media. These people may include politicians, military leaders, or businesses who have an interest in maintaining the status quo for their own personal benefit. These people could have a lot to lose and may take precautions to quiet those antiwar views. If we look at someone like Elon Musk, he has a huge amount of power to influence the media.

As a result, it is necessary to seek out obscure websites to hear strong antiwar voices and access a more diverse range of perspectives on issues of war and foreign policy. Antiwar voices should not be thrown in the back of the cabinet and forgotten about. The media should cover all views, whether or not they align with the government or their own beliefs.

 _Citations:

A propaganda model. A Propaganda Model, by Noam Chomsky (Excerpted from Manufacturing Consent). (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://chomsky.info/consent01/

Simon, J. (2019). The new censorship: Inside the global battle for media freedom. Amazon. Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/New-Censorship-Freedom-Columbia-Journalism/dp/023116064X

War and media since 9/11 - Piers Robinson, 2019 - sage journals. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0267323119875251

ect.

Blog 5

Paper was invented by Cai Lunn, an official of the Han Dynasty in China, around 105 CE. Back then writing was often bamboo and silk, but these materials were very expensive and difficult to transport. At the time, the Chinese were looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to produce writing materials than the traditional method of writing on silk or bamboo strips. They were also searching for a way to produce writing materials that were lightweight, durable, and easier to store and transport.

To solve this, Cai Lunn experimented with various materials, including tree bark, rags, and hemp to develop a process for producing a finer, more durable writing material than anyone had seen before. His papermaking method used a combination of fibers, water, and other materials to create a pulp that could be pressed and dried into thin, flat sheets. At its start paper was mostly used for writing and paintings, but it eventually led to the development of books, which helped spread information and ideas throughout China.

Paper and its creation can be considered among many, to be one of the most important innovations in human history. It’s had many benefits, such as the ability to create more durable and detailed documents, to store and transport information with ease, and the ability to communicate over larger distances. It’s especially impacted education. As paper made it possible to produce a large number of books. Making knowledge even more widely available to people across different cultures and regions.

The invention has also had a significant impact on commerce. Allowing for more efficient record-keeping, better trade, and increased literacy rates. In addition, the ability to produce paper led to the development of printing technology, which revolutionized the way we share and access information.

One of the biggest ways that the invention of paper changed communication was by making it possible to produce books in large numbers. This meant that knowledge could be shared more widely and more efficiently than ever before. Books also enabled people to learn and educate themselves without having to rely on an expensive instructor. This transformed the way that people communicated with each other. Before the emergence of paper, written communication was limited to primitive materials, which were time-consuming and expensive to produce. Paper made it possible to write letters, notes, and other messages, in turn making long-distance communication much more practical.

Finally, despite its many benefits, the invention of paper has had negative effects. One of the most significant of those effects is the impact on the environment. Making paper requires the use of large amounts of wood pulp, which has contributed to deforestation and habitat destruction. 

In conclusion, the invention of paper has had an enormous impact on society. It’s made communication and education more efficient, improved record-keeping, and helped spread knowledge across cultures and regions. But it still has negative effects on the environment. While the benefits of paper are seemingly endless, it’s important for us to use paper responsibly and work towards reducing its impact on the environment.

Citation:

https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/environmental-impact-of-paper-production

https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2019/12/a-brief-history-of-paper-from-recording-history-to-wrapping-gifts/

https://www.printingnews.com/trade-services/paper-merchants-recyclers/press-release/21160469/two-sides-fivemyths-busted-papers-place-in-a-sustainable-future