Our Relationship with Technology - Final Blog Post

The Complex Dance with Technology 

In an era defined by the constant dependency on the tiny computers we hold in our hands 18 hours of the day, we find ourselves in a critical position to evaluate the relationship we have with technology, personally, and as a nation as a whole. 

Our Nation has always been a passionate protagonist in the global technological narrative. From the industrial revolution's thundering machinery to todays production of iPhones with sleek algorithms, we've romanced technology with an intensity that defines our national spirit. But like any complicated relationship, ours with technology is challenging, and ripe for examination. 

My Personal Connection 

I have not known a life without technology in it. When we would visit the library in my childhood, I was more likely to rent out a CD with a movie rather than a book. I have had a smartphone since I was 13 years old. Now I feel the need to have the newest, and most trending technology that large companies have to offer (specifically Apple). While I do believe that technology does provide an enormous amount of possibility and opportunity for our world today, my personal relationship with technology is something that I wish was different. Technology in my eyes is a double-edged sword. 

With the unlimited access that I have to technology, I have a multitude of opportunities for global connectivity, access to unprecedented information, creative expression, entrepreneurial opportunities, and  social activism. However, I also have access to false information, negative content, and societal pressures to live up to. My digital engagement consumes approximately 5-6 hours daily, primarily through professional communication platforms, social media, and content consumption. While some of this time supports professional development, a significant portion could be classified as passive consumption. I'm simultaneously over-informed and potentially under-educated. Algorithmic content delivery creates an illusion of comprehensive understanding while potentially narrowing my actual comprehension. 

My Online Footprint

While I typically see my personal social media platforms as a way of expression and a source for low-pressure fun, as I have entered a more professional setting of university, my online footprint is something that I find myself thinking about more frequently. 

Social media like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn are all platforms that future employers might check when looking to hire me or a peer of mine. While there is nothing alarming present in my online footprint, I have found myself being more conscious of what I am posting to the World Wide Web and who has access to my content.  

Reflecting on our Relationship with Technology 

Technology has become so deeply embedded in our cultural identity that we often define ourselves through our digital personas and technological consumption. Our devices are no longer just tools—they're extensions of our personal narrative. With intense personal evaluation, I have discovered my personal relationship with technology, especially my phone, is one that needs to be shifted in order to create a more balanced life. But for society as a whole, specifically my generation, the key to positive growth lies in maintaining a critically reflective, intentional approach to digital engagement.

The goal is not total digital abstinence, but thoughtful, purposeful interaction. 

Articles that got me thinking!!

I’m 14, and I quit social media after discovering what was posted about me

How Technology Has Changed America

How Australia Will (or Won’t) Keep Children Off Social Media

The Progressive Era and How it Continues to Shape our Country Today

Beginning in 1914, war was raging across Europe. Across the Atlantic in the United State, the country sat divided over whether or not to send to troops into the rising conflict. While men in power believed sending American forces into the war was the best option, they went to drastic lengths to silence any and all Antiwar protestors and movements. 

The suppression of antiwar dissent during World War I revealed the fragility of First Amendment protections during times of national tension. Unfortunately, this was not the first time the First Amendment had been debated. This ongoing argument dated back all the way to Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798. 

Later, beginning in 1918, this debate arose again. Despite constitutional guarantees of free speech, hundreds of activists—including prominent socialists, pacifists, and civil libertarians—were imprisoned under the Espionage and Sedition Acts for criticizing the war effort. This historical moment demonstrated how easily democratic societies can marginalize principled dissent when national, internal conflict rises. The persecution of antiwar voices not only violated fundamental rights but also undermined the very democratic principles these actions aimed to defend. Such historical episodes as this one, underscored the critical importance of free speech protections, especially during moments of national conflict when unpopular opinions are most vulnerable to systemic silencing. 

Now in our modern world of today, opposing views are still often pushed to the back burner of media. Antiwar voices get sidelined in mainstream media. It's basically a rigged game where defense companies target news networks, so they're not exactly motivated to critique military spending. Media outlets rely on military and government sources, which creates an echo chamber of pro-intervention narratives. Anyone questioning these operations gets painted as unpatriotic or naive. 

Websites like Antiwar.com and The American Conservative are doing the real journalistic work - digging into the human costs of military interventions, challenging official stories, and showing how endless wars benefit defense contractors more than actual citizens.

The result? A media landscape that desensitizes war, turns conflict into a mere game, and keeps most Americans comfortably numb to the real violence happening in their name. These alternative sites force people to actually think critically about foreign policy instead of just swallowing the mainstream propaganda. It's not a conspiracy. I have even found myself caught into the scheme. This system is just how governmental power protects its own interests. And those interests definitely don't include honest conversations about war. 

AntiWar.com

The American Conservative

Whistleblowers - EOTO #2 Reaction

Whistleblowers: EOTO Reaction

In an era of complex institutional structures and powerful organizations, whistleblowers have emerged as critical agents of social change and accountability. These courageous individuals risk their careers, reputations, and sometimes personal safety to expose misconduct, illegal activities, and systemic failures that would otherwise remain hidden from public view.

The impact of whistleblowers extends far beyond individual revelations. They serve as essential checks and balances in democratic societies, bringing transparency to government agencies, corporations, and institutions that might otherwise operate without meaningful oversight. Notable examples like Edward Snowden's NSA surveillance disclosures and Chelsea Manning's military documents leak have fundamentally transformed public understanding of institutional practices.

Modern technological platforms have amplified whistleblowers' potential to create change. Secure communication channels and digital platforms allow individuals to safely share sensitive information, protecting their identities while disseminating critical evidence of wrongdoing. This digital infrastructure has democratized the process of exposing institutional misconduct. 

Additionally, in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, whistleblowers have exposed dangerous working conditions, ensuring safer environments for workers and potentially protecting you or your loved ones from workplace hazards.

However, whistleblowers face significant personal challenges. Many encounter professional retaliation, legal persecution, and social ostracism. Despite legal protections in many countries, these individuals often suffer substantial personal and professional consequences for their moral stance. The ongoing legal battles and personal struggles of prominent whistleblowers underscore the tremendous personal cost of maintaining institutional accountability.

Their contributions are invaluable and their impacts have been monumental on United States History. Whistleblowers have exposed corporate fraud, environmental violations, healthcare malpractices, and governmental overreach. They represent a crucial mechanism of democratic accountability, ensuring that powerful entities remain answerable to the public they serve.

As society becomes increasingly complex and opaque, the role of whistleblowers becomes more critical. They are not just informants, but moral compasses guiding us toward greater transparency, ethical governance, and social justice.

Whistleblower Rights and Protections

A Timeline of U.S. Whistleblowing

A History of Whistleblowing in America

Truth in Advertising Act - EOTO2

The Truth in Advertising Act 

Have you ever wondered what keeps companies from lying about their products to make them seem better than they truly are? What laws or unspoken rules are in place to keep companies truthful? 

The Truth in Advertising Act is a set of laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission that requires advertisements to be truthful, not misleading, and supported by scientific evidence when appropriate. 

Advertising is all around us, shaping our decisions, behaviors, and perceptions. The Truth in Advertising Act is a legislative effort that aims to hold advertisers accountable for promoting accurate and non-deceptive content. While the act's core intention is commendable, its implications extend far beyond legal compliance, affecting society, businesses, and individuals in complex ways. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

On the positive side, the act could lead to healthier consumer habits. Deceptive marketing, particularly in industries like health and wellness, has often led people to purchase ineffective or harmful products. By eliminating such practices, the act promotes informed decision-making.

Conversely, strict enforcement might disproportionately affect smaller companies that lack the legal resources to navigate complex advertising laws. Moreover, defining what constitutes "misleading" content can be subjective, opening the door to disputes and potentially chilling legitimate advertising efforts. 

The Truth in Advertising Act could reduce misinformation, fostering a culture of accountability. For younger generations constantly bombarded by digital ads, this could lead to healthier self-esteem and reduced susceptibility to harmful trends. For example, teenagers exposed to overly idealized beauty standards might benefit from more honest portrayals in media.

Societal Implications 

However, the impact on different socioeconomic groups could vary. Wealthier individuals may have the means to access premium, well-regulated products regardless of advertising, while lower-income groups often rely on budget options that may exploit loopholes. Minority communities might benefit from reduced targeting by exploitative advertisements but could also see fewer culturally tailored campaigns due to advertisers' fears of unintentionally misrepresenting their products.

Gender and sexuality dynamics are similarly nuanced. Women, historically more targeted by beauty and wellness industries, could benefit from transparency in product claims. However, overly cautious advertising could lead to generic, uninspiring campaigns that fail to resonate with diverse audiences. 

For our generation, the Truth in Advertising Act promises a world where ads are less about manipulation and more about information. This could mean fewer impulse purchases based on hype and more thoughtful consumption. My generation, especially, stands to gain clarity amidst a deluge of digital marketing, potentially fostering a healthier relationship with technology and commerce. 

Will Consumers See This in Action? 

Unfortunately, the Truth in Advertising Act itself is not currently active legislation in Congress. While the Truth in Advertising Act of 2014 was introduced to address deceptive advertising practices—especially those involving digitally altered images—it did not advance beyond the introduction stage. There is no record of recent reintroduction of this bill in Congress. Although the act itself is not an active bill, the principles it represents are enforced through existing FTC regulations. 

The Truth in Advertising Act represents a step forward in consumer protection, but its ripple effects will be felt differently across societal segments. Ultimately, its success will depend on a balanced approach that protects both truth and innovation. 

Why Truth in Advertising Matters

Truth in Advertising

The History of Bluetooth - EOTO1 Reaction

Bluetooth has come a long way since its original invention in the mid-1990's. We now use bluetooth as a fundamental technology we use in our everyday lives. From headphones to projectors used in classrooms, it is easy to not appreciate the invention of bluetooth. 

Bluetooth's journey began in 1994 by Dr. Jaap Haartsen. Inspired by King Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson, a 10th-century Danish king known for uniting Denmark and Norway, the technology was named “Bluetooth” because of its mission to unify communication across devices. 

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) was founded in 1998 by major tech players like Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba. Bluetooth SIG set out to standardize this technology. By 1999, Bluetooth 1.0 was officially released, and suddenly, devices could “talk” to each other over short distances through low-power radio waves. This low-power requirement was a game changer, allowing small devices to maintain battery life while staying connected. 

As bluetooth technology advanced, new doors were opened. With the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in 2010, which extended battery life and opened doors to more energy-efficient applications. Bluetooth's role grew from simple connections to powering a wide range of devices: wireless headphones, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart home gadgets.

Today, Bluetooth is used in our homes, our cars, in the workplace, and in schools. It has created an connection between all forms of technology.  

The Age of AI - First Hour

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing our world as we know it. Technology has entered a new era with the invention of AI. FRONTLINE's documentary, In the Age of AI, they elaborate on the pros, cons, and new developments AI has made and could be making in the future. 

The documentary first delves into the 2016 event that pioneered the legitimacy of AI. The game Go is an ancient game dating back hundreds and thousands of years. The AI developed by DeepMind was able to win four out of the five games played against world-champion Go player Lee Sedol. Sedol went head to head with an AI player and remarkably lost. This result was unexpected by thousands. The AI player's victory was pivotal and demonstrated AI's remarkable ability to learn and make decisions in ways that even human experts could not fully anticipate. 

The first hour of the documentary In the Age of AI by FRONTLINE explores the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the profound impact these technologies are having on society. It covers how AI is transforming industries, from facial recognition in surveillance to automation in the workforce, and raises concerns about job displacement and privacy. The film discusses China's extensive AI development and government-backed efforts to gain dominance, emphasizing the global AI race and the ethical dilemmas arising as AI systems become more deeply embedded in daily life. 

Artificial Intelligence has both positive and negative effects on our society. AI is used in my personal life very frequently. It aids in my school work brainstorming process. I additionally use programs like Grammarly that utilize AI to check for common grammar mistakes. Those are just two small examples o f the way that AI has impacted me personally. It's impact on the entire world however, is far beyond description. From changing the way we go about receiving information to protecting personal and private information, AI is making impacts no one could have seen coming on an enormous scale. 

Video Referenced 

The Phonograph - EOTO1 Post

Have you ever thought about the origins of the recording device? Nowadays music platforms, like radio and streaming services heavily depend on recording to produce content across media forms such as music videos and movies too! This essential technology dates back to a creation, by Thomas Edison back in 1877. The phonograph! It was an invention because it was the ever machine that could both capture and play back sound.

Edison first started working on recording while working on a project to enhance telegraph technology initially with the goal of capturing messages but later realizing its potential to store and reproduce human voices instead. He then proceeded to create a device – the phonograph – to experiment with this concept which included a cylinder covered in thin tin foil that would vibrate upon receiving sound waves from a voice interacting with a diaphragm connected to a needle. As the cylinder turned around slowly and smoothly the needle made marks on the foil that mirrored the vibrations of the sound. When the cylinder was replayed these marks produced vibrations that replicated the recorded audio essentially playing back the recording. 

The first sound ever recorded on the phonograph was Edison’s own voice reciting “Mary had a little lamb.” The success of this initial test quickly revealed the device’s revolutionary potential. After refining his design, Edison envisioned the phonograph being used in various ways: to record phone conversations, create audio books for the blind, and preserve the voices of loved ones. These initial ideas were just the beginning of what would become a lasting impact on society, communication, and entertainment.

The phonograph laid the groundwork for the modern audio recording industry, influencing everything from music production to broadcasting and dictation. At the peak of the Industrial Revolution, Edison’s invention spurred other inventors to explore recording technology further. For instance, Emile Berliner developed the gramophone in the late 19th century, which used flat discs instead of cylinders. This design became popular because it allowed for mass production, enabling recorded music to reach wider audiences and making audio recordings more accessible to the general public.

Beyond the technology, the phonograph’s impact extended to social and cultural life. The phonograph brought entertainment into people’s homes, allowing individuals from different social classes to listen to the same music and spoken-word recordings. This democratization of sound helped bridge class divides, as both working-class and affluent families could enjoy recordings in their homes. The phonograph also played a role in shaping social interactions, as families and friends gathered around it to share in listening experiences. Music became a central part of social gatherings, and the phonograph transformed how people interacted with music and sound.

Edison’s phonograph was much more than a device; it was the beginning of a new era. By enabling the capture and reproduction of sound, it laid the foundation for nearly every form of audio-based media we know today. Music and recording is a key part of billions of people's lives across the world. Recording has expanded cultures, created job opportunities, and enhanced entertainment. From music to broadcasting, the phonograph’s legacy endures, underscoring the revolutionary power of capturing and sharing sound. 

Clara Deck, demonstrates recording on a historic 1903 Edison Standard Phonograph 

Sources: 

History of The Phonograph

How the Phonograph Revolutionized Sound Recording

HOW THE PHONOGRAPH SHAPED OUR WORLD