Blog Post #6: Privacy Ted Talk

The video I watched, "How to avoid surveillance... with the phone in your pocket", raises serious concerns about surveillance and the balance between security and privacy. One key issue is how telephone networks were designed with surveillance in mind, making it easy for governments, hackers, or other bad actors to eavesdrop on our conversations. This is alarming because it means that our private conversations with loved ones, doctors, and colleagues could potentially be intercepted by malicious parties. These issues directly affect me, my friends, and my family, as we rely on technology to communicate every day. The idea that our personal information could be exposed or misused is unsettling, and it highlights the importance of taking steps to protect our privacy.

Encryption, like what is used in iPhones and apps like WhatsApp, is a powerful tool that protects our conversations from being easily wiretapped. The government should balance the need for national security with the protection of individual privacy. While surveillance can help catch criminals, it also creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Instead of weakening encryption, the government should work on methods to target real threats without compromising the privacy of ordinary citizens. To protect ourselves, we should use encrypted communication tools whenever possible and educate others on their importance. Taking control of our privacy is essential in this digital age, and we must be proactive in securing our personal information.

Phone Surveillance

Blog Post #5: Age of AI

In the PBS Frontline documentary "In the Age of AI," we are presented with a nuanced view of artificial intelligence that highlights both its remarkable potential and the challenges it poses. AI promises to revolutionize various sectors by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and improving capabilities. From automating mundane tasks to advancing personalized medicine and optimizing logistics, AI holds the promise of transforming our world for the better. For instance, AI can predict disease outbreaks and streamline supply chains, offering unprecedented insights and solutions. However, this transformative power comes with significant concerns, particularly regarding privacy. The extensive data collection required for AI systems raises questions about consent and the potential for surveillance. The ability of AI to track and analyze personal information could lead to abuses, compromising our privacy and autonomy. Moreover, the documentary underscores the national security implications and risks associated with AI. While AI can bolster cybersecurity defenses, it also introduces new threats, including sophisticated cyber-attacks and misinformation. The development of autonomous weapons and the global competition for AI advancements further complicate the landscape, potentially escalating geopolitical tensions. Online security concerns, such as identity theft and the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes, highlight the need for robust safeguards. 

AI Pros and Cons

As AI continues to evolve, finding a balance between harnessing its transformative benefits and implementing stringent protections is crucial. We must remain vigilant, ensuring that AI technology is developed and used ethically, protecting our privacy and security while maximizing its potential to improve lives.

Blog Post #8: Diffusion: The Adoption of the Phonograph: From Pioneers to Laggards

The phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, revolutionized how people experienced sound and music. Its journey from a novel invention to a household staple illustrates the different stages of
technology adoption.

Pioneers were the first to embrace the phonograph. This group included Edison himself, along with other inventors, scientists, and enthusiasts who were eager to experiment with new technology. For them, the phonograph was a groundbreaking tool with limitless potential.

Early Adopters quickly saw the phonograph's value and helped popularize it. This group comprised wealthy individuals, musicians, and cultural influencers who used and endorsed the device. Their support helped create initial buzz and set the stage for broader acceptance.

As the phonograph became more accessible, the Early Majority came into play. Middle-class families and small businesses began adopting it, recognizing its value for home entertainment and commerce. Public institutions and entertainment venues also incorporated phonographs into their operations, further solidifying its place in daily life.

The Late Majority were more skeptical and adopted the phonograph only when it became widely accepted and affordable. This group included working-class individuals and older generations who initially resisted the change but eventually embraced it as it became a fixture in society.

Finally, the Laggards were the last to adopt the phonograph, often holding onto traditional methods until the device was ubiquitous and hard to ignore. This group included those who preferred live music and rural communities where new technology took longer to reach.

The phonograph’s adoption journey highlights how technological innovations gradually integrate into society, shaped by varying degrees of enthusiasm and resistance.

Blog Post #7: History of The QWERTY Keyboard

During our recent EOTO presentations, the technology that stood out to me the most and that I had learned about was the first keyboard, and the one thing that really caught my attention was the history of the QWERTY layout. Like most people, I’ve used a keyboard almost every day, but I never really thought about why the keys are arranged the way they are. It turns out, the story is more interesting than I expected! The QWERTY layout was developed in the 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, the inventor of the typewriter. At the time, typewriters used mechanical arms to press ink onto paper, but these arms

would often jam when people typed too quickly or used certain combinations of letters. To solve this, Sholes intentionally spaced out the most frequently used letters, which slowed down typing just enough to prevent jams. 

What I found most surprising is that even though modern keyboards no longer have those mechanical parts, the QWERTY layout is still the standard. There have been attempts to introduce more efficient layouts, like the Dvorak keyboard, which is designed for faster typing, but none have gained as much popularity. It seems that once people became accustomed to QWERTY, changing the system wasn’t worth the hassle. 

QWERTY's History

This whole story made me realize that technology can evolve in unexpected ways—sometimes, solutions to old problems become so ingrained that they remain part of our daily lives, even when the original issues no longer exist. Without this presentation, I wouldn’t have known why the keyboard I use all the time is arranged the way it is.

Blog Post #4: The Phonograph: Revolutionizing Sound and Communication

The phonograph, an invention that marked a turning point in the history of sound recording and playback, was created by Thomas Edison in 1877. Edison’s primary goal was to develop a device that could record and reproduce sound. The invention of the phonograph emerged from Edison's broader work on telegraphy and telephony, where he sought to improve the communication of voice over long distances. The initial phonograph was quite rudimentary by today’s standards. It utilized a tin foil cylinder and a needle to record sound vibrations. When sound waves hit the needle, they created grooves on the cylinder’s surface, which could then be played back by running the cylinder under a playback needle. The idea of recording and reproducing sound was groundbreaking and stemmed from Edison's earlier work with the telegraph and the invention of the electric light bulb.

Evolution of The Phonograph

The phonograph revolutionized the world of communication and entertainment. Prior to its invention, sound could only be experienced live; there was no way to capture and replay audio. The phonograph provided a means to record music, speeches, and other sounds, making them accessible to people long after the original performance had ended. This technology solved several problems: 

1. Preservation of Sound: For the first time, sound could be preserved and revisited. This had a profound impact on music and culture, allowing people to enjoy performances from the past and providing a means for historical documentation. 

2. Wider Distribution: The phonograph made it possible to distribute sound recordings on a large scale. Recordings of speeches, music, and other sounds could be mass-produced and shared with a broader audience, thereby democratizing access to entertainment and information. The phonograph's invention led to the creation of the recording industry, fundamentally transforming how people experienced music and media. It paved the way for the development of records, radio, and eventually digital music formats. Moreover, it influenced communication by enabling the preservation of spoken word and allowing for the playback of important speeches and historical moments. However, the phonograph was not without its drawbacks. Early recordings were of limited quality, and the need for physical media (such as cylinders and later vinyl records) meant that the technology was bulky and required significant storage space. 

Additionally, as with many technological advancements, the phonograph contributed to the decline of live performances and the rise of commercialized music distribution. The impact of the phonograph extended beyond just the recording industry. It also influenced other fields such as education and broadcasting, enabling the creation of educational recordings and radio programs. The phonograph set the stage for future innovations in sound technology, including the development of the compact disc and digital audio formats.

Thomas Edison's phonograph was more than just a device; it was a revolutionary advancement that changed the way we interact with sound. By solving the problem of recording and reproducing audio, it transformed communication, entertainment, and information dissemination. Despite its limitations, the phonograph's legacy endures in the countless ways we continue to engage with recorded sound today.

Blog Post #3: 8 Values of Free Expression

Imagine a world where everything you say, post, or think is watched, censored, or even punished. In such a world, freedom disappears, and we end up with a society lacking innovation, diversity of thought, and honesty. A current example in America is the ongoing debate over the role of social media platforms in moderating content. Recently, there has been significant discussion about how platforms like Twitter and Facebook handle misinformation, especially around elections and public health issues. For instance, during the 2024 presidential election, these platforms are being faced with criticism from various sides about their decisions to remove or flag certain posts. Some argue that this moderation is necessary to prevent the spread of false information, while others see it as a threat to free speech. This debate highlights how balancing the need for accurate information with the protection of free expression is a complex and crucial issue in today’s society. 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/10/social-media-ai-misinformation-election-2024

This situation showed how stopping free speech can weaken democracy by keeping people from getting accurate information and holding their leaders accountable. The Eight Values of Free Expression are essential for a healthy democracy. They protect our right to speak freely and ensure that different ideas can thrive, keep government power in check, and help people find their own voice. For example, the 'Marketplace of Ideas' helps truth come out through open debate, while the 'Check on Governmental Power' lets citizens hold leaders accountable. As misinformation and censorship become more common, it’s more important than ever to understand and defend these values..

A value we see in action today is the "Marketplace of Ideas." This concept is especially relevant with social media, where people constantly share and debate different opinions on important topics like politics, climate change, and social issues. For instance, during discussions on climate change, you’ll find all kinds of views being shared online. Some are based on facts, while others might be misleading. But through open debate, the truth often comes out stronger because it’s been tested against different ideas. This shows how the "Marketplace of Ideas" helps us figure out what’s true by letting different perspectives compete and challenge each other.

In addition to the "Marketplace of Ideas," another value that is crucial today is "Promote Tolerance." As we navigate through a rapidly evolving digital landscape, we encounter a wide range of opinions, including those that are controversial or offensive. The ability to engage with and understand differing viewpoints, even those we disagree

with, fosters a more inclusive and tolerant society. For example, online platforms provide a space for marginalized voices to be heard and for communities to come together around shared causes. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting dialogue, we learn to coexist and collaborate despite our differences. This process not only enriches our individual experiences but also strengthens the social fabric of our communities.

As we continue to grapple with the challenges of misinformation, censorship, and the evolving role of digital platforms, it’s essential to remember the foundational values of free expression. The Eight Values of Free Expression are not just abstract principles; they are vital to preserving the democratic spirit and ensuring that our society remains vibrant and innovative. By defending these values, we protect our right to freely exchange ideas, hold our leaders accountable, and build a more inclusive and informed community. In a world where these values are constantly tested, our commitment to them is what will safeguard our freedoms and help us navigate the complexities of the modern age.

Blog Post #2: The Supreme Court

I remember covering the American government and the United States Supreme Court in middle school. However, even though we briefly covered it in school, I was not aware of the complexities and inner workings that laid out the groundwork of the Supreme Court. 

Beginning with multitudes of petitions, which are sent to the court by a variety of American individuals, nine justices analyze the cases to decide which ones are worthy of their attention. These petitions can range from an unjust ruling from a lower court, which the petitioner wants overturned; to a wrongly convicted American citizen writing the petition in his own hand. Even though one petition may seem more legit than the other, the justices hold no biases when it comes to deciding what cases they are going to take. They analyze each case equally and fairly and draw from the United States Constitution to uphold the rule of law, which has shaped the American Justice system for years. The power of the Supreme Court comes from the ability to reshape government boundaries as they are the bridge between the States, Congress, and the President. 

What I found interesting was the fact that throughout all of American history, there have been just over
one hundred Supreme Court Justices. Even though the President appoints them, Supreme Court justices tend to serve on the court for decades after that president has been in office. I believe these life terms are beneficial to upholding the structure and integrity of the court as it allows for American legislation to stand strong in its beliefs. 

However, even though American citizens respect and trust the Supreme Court, it was not always that way. Another thing I found interesting was the court's decision on the Dred Scott case, which stated that black people would not be seen as citizens of the United States. This decision caused the public to question the court's authority and led to the Civil War. While I had heard of the Dred Scott case, I was not aware of how large of an upheaval it caused and that after the war ended, the Constitution was amended to grant voting rights and citizenship to black people. Not only does this showcase the power that the Supreme Court holds, but it also is an example of the significant influence the Supreme Court has when it comes to American Legislation. 

For me, the most important takeaway point is the fact that the Supreme Court is the bridge between the Executive branch, the Legislative branch, and the American people. The justices have the power to give a voice to the voiceless and allow the legal system to run as smoothly as possible. Another takeaway that I found interesting was the fact that the Justices are not trying to sell everyone their opinions on the briefs. They are simply asking questions that allow the court to have a conversation with itself through the channels of the attorneys.

These two videos changed the way I view the Supreme Court as it lays out the complex process that goes on within the American legislative system. What I learned in middle school, does not even begin to cover the intricacies that the justices deal with on a day-to-day basis. I am fascinated by the power the Supreme Court holds on not only American politics but also on the legal system as a whole.