#5 Age of AI

Age of AI

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     The idea of AI is something I find terrifying because of how it can negatively affect our society. Corporations that always want to find cheaper ways to do things will rely on the development of AI to save money. Robots don't need benefits, breaks, or pay. Aside from maintenance, that could help companies like Amazon immensely. The issue is that Amazon has around 1,525,000 full-time and part-time employees worldwide as of the end of 2023. They have 800 warehouse facilities with more than 700,000 employees working in them. I know 3 people who work for/ have worked for Amazon in fulfillment positions; These positions are threatened by AI, as they've already implemented it in several of their warehouses around North America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWonAz7Kczs&ab_channel=NBCNews

    I think AI does have important uses, especially in the medical field. Using AI to detect different types of cancers early can save lives. There is only so much humans can see and predict, but by using artificial intelligence, we can assist people in detecting cancer and provide treatment as early as possible. It also speeds up the process for radiologists who review the scans by being able to have problem areas broken down ahead of time. In 2021, a software called Paige Prostate was authorized by the FDA that is: 

“The first artificial intelligence (AI)-based software designed to identify an area of interest on the prostate biopsy image with the highest likelihood of harboring cancer so it can be reviewed further by the pathologist if the area of concern has not been identified on initial review.”

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-software-can-help-identify-prostate-cancer

    My dad works at Duke as the research practice manager for the radiology department. When asking him about this, He agreed that it did an amazing job of dictating problem areas. But can it replace radiologists? The simple answer is no. In his words: “AI can see a ball, but an experienced radiologist can tell what kind of ball, how it probably got there, and how old it is.” As AI gets more info, it has the ability to detect things more efficiently. Once the AI stores the data from the radiologist, it can use that data to help the next scan. It’s a group effort! AI software isn't authorized to access patient history at this point, so the radiologist can cross reference that with the findings. We need the radiologist to have that human connection and get background on the patient to decide on treatment. This means that the AI will have to review notes written by people who might have human errors. The AI will store that human error and use it for future studies because it doesn't realize it is an error. This isn't a large issue because it's fixable, but with cancer research, it's an error that could be life-threatening to future patients.

    AI is something I don't go out of my way to consciously use daily, but I understand the appeal of it. The United States is built on technological advancements, and this is an impressive one. Chat GPT can help people write professional cover letters, answer questions, and even correct their grammar! AI will only develop further from here, but when will it be too much?

#7 EOTO1 Reaction: World Wide Web

EOTO1 Reaction: World Wide Web

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    The World Wide Web started with the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, or ARPAnet. This launched during the Cold War when the US and Soviet Union were racing to beat each other technologically. 

    ARPA’s first project was building a large-scale computer network. They connected two computers on the same network using the concept of “packet switching.” This was later used to send messages between two computers, this was important during the Cold War when reliable info was a necessity. Internet Protocol was intended to be a universal communication between computers. This allowed this military tool to start being used by the public. Years later, businesses are created and transformed using the web. 

    E-commerce platforms, banking, and marketplaces are things we use now in our everyday lives. Most of us use the web every single day; it has truly transformed our society and allowed us to connect in many ways. The web is an amazing tool, but has its pitfalls. People began throwing their money into technology stocks due to the rise in e-commerce, which resulted in a huge market crash in 2000. This shows how rapidly things on the internet are able to change, for both good and bad reasons. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guvsH5OFizE

#6 Early Motion Picture

Development of Motion Picture

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Who invented your technology?

    If we are talking about early motion pictures, there are 3 inventions we need to focus on: The zoopraxiscope, the kinetoscope, and the cinématographe.

The zoopraxiscope was an early motion picture device created by Eadweard Muybridge that displayed images that appeared to be moving. It used a series of multiple pictures taken at different points in motion, combining them on a circular picture disc, and shown in quick succession. The first notable short using a zoopraxiscope (also referred to as the first film ever) is called "The Horse in Motion." We're still waiting for the sequel.

Click me for a video ⤴

    The kinetoscope was invented by Thomas Edison and William Dickson. It was a film that ran between a light bulb and a lens with a little hole on top the viewer would look through to see the movie/ photo.

Click me for a video ⤴

    The cinématographe was invented by Louis and Auguste Lumière, manufacturers of photographic materials in Lyon, France. It became the founding instrument of distant cinemas in Russia, Australia, and Japan. It could not only show films and pictures, but it could process them too! The user could capture the film and showcase it to multiple people using the same device. These developments in cameras launched the Cinema Verite movement, a type of cinema involving fictional real situations and simple stories. One of my favorite movies of all time is the French movie "Breathless."

Click me for a video ⤴

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What were the circumstances?/What problem were they trying to solve?

    The Industrial Revolution made engineers and scientists want to create technological advances that would benefit everyday people. More people were working, so more people wanted fun things to do when they weren't. Theatrical performances, circuses, and various other traveling shows were on the rise, especially in urban areas. The invention of cinema solved the issue of wanting to make pictures come to life. The combination of science and a desire for entertainment helped deliver modern-day motion pictures. This furthermore opened up a completely new medium for storytelling, education, and preserving memories.

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How did the invention change our world?

    It created the film industry! Early examples were the rise in vaudeville with films like Trip to the Moon. Vaudeville's influence on early cinema showed how visual storytelling and live performances (plays/theater were popular) could merge into something new. Early filmmakers took inspiration from vaudeville's format, and short films started being shown between live acts, eventually becoming their own unique form of entertainment. Movements like the French New Wave in productions like Breathless which I previously mentioned took stories out of the theater and into the real world. Directors in this movement experimented with editing techniques, angles, and all-around different stylistic approaches. This paved the way for a more artistic style of filmmaking. Directors began creating more captivating stories that rendered emotions that were easily captured on stage.

    Skipping a few years, we arrive at a more modern-day Hollywood with films like Whiplash, where the craft of filmmaking has evolved into an art form with an international audience. Whiplash is turning 10 on September 20th, but remains one of the most intense films I have ever seen. Films today integrate technology, artistry, and storytelling in ways that wouldn't have been possible without those early innovations sparked by the Industrial Revolution.

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How did it change communication?

    Over time, motion pictures evolved into television and digital media, continuing to shape how we consume information and entertainment. Visual storytelling evokes emotion beyond what spoken word can. A scene with no words, just emotion and possibly some noise can convey far more than written/ spoken word can. Calling back to Whiplash, the last scene of that film is one of the best examples of this I can think of. The looks that Andrew and Fletcher exchanged ties the entire movie together. You don't even need the context from the rest of the movie to notice the intensity. Click the picture below to see the scene i'm referring to!

Click me for a video ⤴

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Did it have any negative effects?

    Digital media in general allows misinformation to be spread, becomes a distraction, and reinforces racial stereotypes in its early years. Early working conditions were awful; actors and individuals working on the films weren't under the same laws they are today. Parents also often worry about their kids thinking violence in films would lead to their kids acting out. We know today that this isn't directly correlated, but it is understandable why that would be a concern.

#4 Privacy, Online & Off

Online & Offline Privacy

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    Everyone is aware of their digital footprint, but not everyone is mindful of what theirs might look like. The info we voluntarily share online can be used against us in the future when it might matter the most. I have always been told by my parents, teachers, and even siblings that what I post will always be online. It was hard to wrap my head around the concept as a kid, but now I realize the true dangers. There's been a rise in celebrities getting canceled for old posts that didn't age very well. People making jokes or comments back in 2011 that people find today can destroy someone's career/reputation all these years later. This isn't exclusive to celebrities; companies almost always run background checks on their employees. This includes what posts they have up and what they might try to keep private. I had friends in high school who had to clean up their social media accounts before applying to colleges. 

    When considering government intervention, we must be sure it doesn't cross the line of censorship. Tighter data privacy laws should be put in place so companies can't access/ store more of our info than they're authorized. Cybersecurity could be strengthened to prevent outsiders from getting our info through companies' user data. Phones such as Apple products encrypt all of our data, making it almost impossible for outsiders to get our information through our phones. This doesn't protect our data from being pulled through other websites or devices, but one less threat is beneficial. 

    As an internet user, my advice to anyone worried about what can be used to track you is to do a regular device cleanup. Clearing any apps or downloads that you don't use anymore allows you to look for any files you might not recognize and delete them off your device. I also recommend using fake names and emails when signing up for websites you know don't need your real info. Don't open a bank account under a fake name! Making sure the services you use are reputable is an easy way to keep your information safe. 

    The government uses our data to its advantage along with corporations, so we can't rely on them alone to protect our data. Stay vigilant and mindful about where you give out your info!

#3 Promoting tolerance in online spaces

Promoting tolerance in online spaces

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    Anyone who has had to partake in online discourse knows it's challenging to have productive conversations online. In online environments, constructive discussions are rough because individuals rarely face ideas that challenge their views, making them more unsusceptible to alternative viewpoints. This is how most algorithms are built to maximize user engagement. They track user behavior to choose what content appears on their feed. 

We can get easily caught up in "hugboxes" (an environment that reinforces a limited set of ideas online) that give us a lack of exposure to other ideologies. In online communities, we are typically surrounded by opinions that align with our own. If someone’s feed is filled with messages of tolerance and inclusivity, they are more likely to develop a similar mindset. However, if exposed to prejudiced and intolerant opinions, their perception of various groups may become different, creating division. This can also discourage people from seeking exposure to opposing perspectives on their own time. That is part of having a lack of self-governing. 

In face-to-face conversations, you can see the other's facial expressions and read their body language. Social cues are essential in compassion and understanding. They remind us that we are talking to an individual with feelings like ours. Online exchanges prevent you from noticing social cues. This dehumanization reduces empathy, making it more likely for someone to act in ways they wouldn’t in a face-to-face, such as being disrespectful, or dismissive. When people do not have to worry about the real-world implications of their actions, it's much easier for them to resort to negativity rather than building an understanding. 

Anyone who has spent time on social media consuming political content knows how toxic the discussions can become. With the upcoming election, the internet has become a hotspot for negativity and intolerance. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube have contributed to the spread of misinformation and fake news. Since these platforms prioritize engagement, misleading content spreads quickly, distorting public opinion and furthering the spread of false information. Promoting tolerance means creating environments where respectful, civil discourse is the norm, and social media platforms can implement features to encourage more thoughtful discussions.

Using Social Learning Theory, platforms could shape how online discourse is handled by adjusting algorithms to emphasize posts that model civil conversations. According to the theory, people tend to mimic the actions of those who they view as influencers; whether that's celebrities, friends, or family members. Behavior is more likely to be repeated when it’s rewarded. Platforms could incentivize influencers by recognizing and rewarding tolerant behavior, such as awarding profile badges for constructive discourse. People love to receive medals and trophies, virtual recognition can provide that same sense of accomplishment.

I’ve experienced both sides of this dynamic. On one hand, social media has enabled me to connect with various opinions and understand their views. I’ve been exposed to ideas and viewpoints I might not have encountered otherwise, helping me expand my thinking. There are many occasions where I have changed my mind about something due to a post or conversation I've had. On the other hand, I’ve also seen how quickly negativity can spread. When a celebrity gets "canceled" suddenly the one mistake they made turns into them being the worst person in the world. The same platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, that encourage connection can also promote intolerance. This makes it harder to have meaningful conversations with people you would never get the chance to hear from face-to-face.

You can't force people to be tolerant or control what they say online. Social media flourishes on engagement, and unfortunately, negativity often gets more clicks than positivity. To put it simply, positivity is boring. Public discourse is heavily promoted on these platforms, but this can be changed. If social media platforms make an effort to prioritize civil discourse and we make it a point to commit to engaging in more constructive conversations, we can help create a healthier online environment. People must be able to voice their opinions on simple matters without being criticized. Fostering an environment of tolerance is the first step. By promoting more respectful dialogue, we can make online communities more welcoming for everyone, where people can speak their minds without fear of backlash. That all starts with tolerance.