My Relationship with Technology

My relationship with technology cannot be described as healthy or unhealthy because there are so many different ways that I use it in my life. Whether it is scheduling doctor appointments, doing my homework, or simply catching up with friends, technology is everywhere. I believe that it can both enhance and hinder its users, but it is all up to the individual whether or not they benefit from it. My screen time averages around 5 hours daily. This is split between using my laptop for class, phone calls, music, and social media in general. Overall, I am content with this number and would like to work on lowering it in the future.

I have always used social media in both professional and nonprofessional ways. From my personal Instagram account to running club accounts in high school, I try and stay versatile with my usage. I like to think that my childhood was enhanced by technology, rather than hindered, as I still can value time without a screen, unlike my younger cousins. 

Throughout this course, I have learned a lot about technology. Since a young age, I have been surrounded by smart technology. I had an iPhone by sixth grade, and my school implemented iPads in my fourth-grade year. Getting access to technology at such an early age was definitely for communication with my parents and staying in contact with them when I was in extracurriculars. It has always been a huge part of my life and society as a whole, so I have never known life without it. Technology has given the world so much and has advanced, grown, and adapted throughout the years. Although its impact has had both negative and positive effects, I know that our world has benefited from its advancement over time. Throughout Media Law and Literacy, I have been exposed to more about how integrated technology really is in our daily lives and the positives and negatives of using it.

Technology has transformed society in ways we couldn’t have imagined. It’s connected us like never before, breaking down barriers of distance and time, but it’s also changed how we interact and view the world. It’s brought incredible advancements in medicine, education, and innovation, giving people tools to improve their lives and access opportunities. Yet, it’s also created challenges—replacing jobs, spreading misinformation, and influencing our mental health through comparison and screen addiction. Technology shapes how we think, learn, and even define success, but it’s up to us to use it intentionally, ensuring it enhances our lives rather than controls them.

I would be lying if I said all aspects of my technology use were for my greater good. I, too, fall victim to doom scrolling and comparison culture. Looking at the posts of others and wishing I lived the life they lived is a feeling I'm sure most of our generation can relate to. Wishing we looked like them without thinking of the countless edits made to their photos or picking apart every inch of ourselves in a photo before posting it, allowing hundreds, if not thousands, of people to judge it. At the start of the pandemic and throughout, mental health for many was at its lowest. The lack of human interaction left us to only see what was being posted via social media.

In conclusion, my relationship with technology is complex and ever-evolving. This course has deepened my understanding of just how ingrained technology is in our daily lives—both for better and for worse. While I value the convenience, connection, and opportunities it offers, I also recognize its potential to fuel unhealthy habits, such as comparison and excessive screen time. Moving forward, I hope to use what I’ve learned to maintain a healthier balance with technology, staying mindful of how it impacts my mental health, productivity, and sense of self.

Technology will always be a part of my life, but I now have the tools and awareness to ensure that control my use of it, rather than allowing it to control me. By remaining intentional with my time online, I can focus on benefiting from technology’s positive aspects—whether that’s learning, connecting with others, or building a professional presence—while also being more aware of its pitfalls. I am confident that with balance, boundaries, and perspective, I can continue to make technology a tool that enhances my life rather than hinders it.

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Eoto #2, Reaction from a Classmate

 Spiral of Silence

The spiral of silence stuck out to me because, in today's world, cancel culture is extremely prevalent, and many stay silent for fear of their beliefs or ideas being perceived as controversial. I am currently taking an American Politics class, and in class, we had to unlearn the belief that politics should be a touchy subject, throughout the class, we built the courage to say our beliefs respectfully and to educate ourselves on other viewpoints. This helped us to not stay silent when we felt a certain way, and we could freely express our opinions as long as they did not hurt others.

Spiral of Silence, to put a definition, is the tendency of people to remain silent when they feel that their views are in opposition to the majority view.

When my classmate discussed the spiral of silence, I really began to reflect on all of the times I chose to not say anything in a group, whether the issue was big or small, out of fear of rejection or insulting someone. Their presentation really highlighted why it is important to end cancel culture and that just because someone has a different way of thinking, doesn't mean they should be invalidated.

A few examples that I have seen of this theory include things like new mother groups on social media. Women often debate the topic of breastfeeding and might not speak out if they prefer to formula-feed their child. Another example is the movie Mean Girls. The Plastics dominate the school, and no one feels like they can speak out about their wrongdoings without the school turning on them, so the school had to have a bullying assembly.

I really believe that my classmate did a great job discussing this theory and making the class realize that we aren't alone if we have a differing opinion. They helped explain that it is okay to speak out when we disagree with something, even if we are the minority, and the only way to destigmatize cancel culture is to start within ourselves and say what we feel and listen to others when they are vulnerable. 

Age of AI

 Last year, around this time, AI meant nothing to me. Sure, I would hear it here or there or talk of classmates using it to enhance their work, but to me, AI held no significance. Today, AI has consumed our world, and every day, it gains more knowledge and takes the place of many humans. Across all of my devices, and even now with all of my social media, it comes with an AI "friend" that we get the chance to name and interact with as if it were a real person. My Snapchat AI even picks up on slang and can analyze the pictures I send and describe my background. 

The desensitization to this new form of technology is concerning as it replaces real human thoughts and emotions with robotic ideas. Students aren't focusing and learning in school as they know their good friend ChatGPT I just a few clicks and a copy and paste away from answering any question imaginable.

As a college student soon to enter the real world and find a job, I believe that AI is as relevant as ever for us to learn about. In most interviews or discussions with employers, it is hard to find a conversation in which AI doesn't come up. The world is everchanging, and AI is changing much faster than most people can comprehend. This past week I had the opportunity to tour CampX by Volvo Group and the topic of AI was even prominent during the tour. Volvo is committed to safety and sustainability and they are utilizing some forms of AI to help with the process of efficiency. 

Furthermore, in the video In the Age of AI, the invention of self-driving cars is suggested and recognized. In most vehicles, there are components of AI within the vehicle through the stereo. Based off of my experience at Volvo,  safety measures can be enhanced through the research of AI, but it is important to take a step back from it and do your own research as robots do not know human life as well as fellow human beings.

When we were discussing the video in class, it really stuck out to me that social media was using us. I had never thought of it in that way, but it makes total sense. My algorithm reflects my daily conversations, or when I haven't been on TikTok or Instagram throughout the day, I will get notifications that suck me back in. It is scary to know that my phone is constantly tracking my moves, and it is slowly taking control of me. Even Siri has been completely revamped to AI. 

It is important to stay educated and up to date with the changes coming to AI and how it affects us daily. I took the video as a warning, and it really has made me reflect on my use of technology. AI isn't going anywhere anytime soon and adapting to this new age of not only school but work is important to upcoming generations so AI doesn't control them.

EOTO #2

"Hey Guys, My name is Tatum

Whistleblowers are government employees who reveal government wrongdoings, often at great personal risk. Their actions can expose lies, hold the powerful accountable, and sometimes spark global debates. But they also raise tough questions: Do they protect democracy, or do they endanger national security?

Today, I’ll focus on four whistleblowers—Mark Felt, also known as “Deep Throat,” Jack Teixeira, Daniel Ellsberg, and Edward Snowden—and explore what their actions meant and the consequences they faced.

Mark Felt, better known as “Deep Throat,” was the FBI’s second-in-command during the 1970s. He became a confidential source for journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, leaking information about the Watergate scandal. This scandal revealed illegal activities tied to President Nixon’s re-election campaign, including a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-ups. Felt’s leaks were crucial in uncovering the truth, leading to Nixon’s resignation in 1974. Felt stayed anonymous until 2005, when he revealed his identity. His actions remain controversial—some see him as a hero for exposing corruption, while others criticize him for betraying the FBI.

Following along in the same time period, Daniel Ellsberg is one of the most well-known whistleblowers in U.S. history. In 1971, as a military analyst, he leaked the Pentagon Papers—a classified study showing that the U.S. government had misled the public about the Vietnam War. Ellsberg believed the public deserved to know the truth. His actions sparked nationwide protests and led to a Supreme Court ruling that upheld press freedom. He was charged under the Espionage Act and faced up to 115 years in prison, but the charges were dropped due to government misconduct. Ellsberg is often celebrated as a pioneer in whistleblowing, with his case influencing future debates about government transparency.

In 2023, Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old Air National Guard member, leaked classified U.S. military documents in a Discord chat for gamers. The documents included sensitive information about the Russia-Ukraine war, U.S. intelligence on allies, and military strategies. Unlike other whistleblowers, Teixeira wasn’t motivated by political or ethical concerns—he reportedly leaked the documents to impress his online friends. His actions raised serious concerns about how classified information is handled in the digital age. Teixeira was arrested and charged under the Espionage Act, showing how modern whistleblowing can be unintentional yet still have major consequences.

In 2013, Edward Snowden, a contractor for the NSA (National Security Agency), leaked thousands of classified documents exposing global surveillance programs. These programs collected data from billions of people worldwide, including phone calls, emails, and internet activity. Snowden argued that this level of surveillance violated privacy rights and democratic values. His leaks triggered global debates on privacy, cybersecurity, and government overreach, leading to some reforms like the USA Freedom Act. However, Snowden’s actions also caused diplomatic tension and security concerns. He sought asylum in Russia and remains there to avoid prosecution in the U.S. He stated, “I carefully evaluated each document I disclosed to ensure that each was legitimately in the public interest. There are all sorts of documents that would have made a big impact that I didn’t turn over because harming people wasn't my goal. Transparency was.”

Since I have started my presentation the NSA has gathered over 60 terabytes of data for review, that is over 10,000 two hour long movies.

Many whistleblowers act out of ethical duty, like Ellsberg and Snowden, while others, like Teixeira, may lack clear moral intentions.

 

Thank you"

EOTO, Information Learned from a Classmate

 Sometimes, a simple classroom presentation can completely change the way you think about everyday things. This week, I learned about two incredible inventions that seemed so different—paper and Bluetooth—but both have reshaped how we connect, learn, and live. Thanks to a couple of interesting presentations from classmates, I got a deeper look into how these inventions evolved and why they matter today.

It all started with a presentation about the invention of paper, which honestly felt like something I knew very little about beyond "paper’s been around forever." Turns out, it was invented in 105 AD by Cai Lun in ancient China, using materials like hemp fibers, old fishing nets, and reeds. He was actually trying to find a more affordable and accessible alternative to silk, which is what people were using for writing before. Paper became this revolutionary way to share knowledge—think government documents, sacred texts, and everyday letters. It was how people shared what they knew with future generations.

Later on, in 1440, Gutenberg’s printing press took things up a notch. I hadn’t realized that his use of metal instead of wood for the press made it so much more efficient. Suddenly, you could mass-produce books and spread information faster than ever. And by the 1800s, paper production was automated, with the first paper mill in North America established in 1690 and then the invention of the paper-making machine in England in 1840.

It was cool to think about how paper started as this sacred thing, a keeper of important ideas and knowledge, and now it’s also found in disposable goods like napkins and tissues. This shift was another eye-opener, especially when my classmate brought up the environmental impacts. With so much paper ending up as waste, recycling has become more important than ever. It made me think about the everyday things I throw away and how each item has a history and an environmental footprint.

Bluetooth has become part of our lives in so many ways. With wireless headphones, we get great audio quality without any annoying cables. My classmate mentioned how Bluetooth even helps with accessibility, like through hearing aids or Apple Watches, where it allows for hands-free calling, navigation, and music streaming. It’s also in smart home devices that let you control lights or lock doors remotely.

It’s crazy to think that something as ancient as Nordic symbols and as new as Bluetooth technology are linked. Just like paper evolved from preserving sacred knowledge to being used in packaging, Bluetooth went from a simple wireless connection to something that manages our lives—from music to safety alerts to home automation.

These presentations made me realize how much our inventions evolve and adapt to meet new needs. Paper, once a sacred carrier of information, now shows up everywhere in our daily lives, sometimes as disposable waste. And Bluetooth, originally created for short-range wireless communication, has developed into a tool that brings convenience and connectivity to almost every device we own.

Privacy, Online & Off

The speakers in each TED Talk discuss how vital it is to recognize how social media is invading our privacy. Many of us use social media as a lifeline and do not fully recognize the negative impacts of using our favorite apps. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and so many more all breach our privacy and make it easy for us to be exploited. 

In today's age, we are desensitized to how truly invasive technology is. We use our Face ID or fingerprint to log into our phones, where we then log into apps that ask for our numbers, birthdays, and other forms of identification that are 'promised' to not be shared with the world. Hackers steal accounts and unlock the private information we entrust into the app.

A TED Talk that really spoke to me was Juan Enriquez. Tattoos are permanent. It is a fact that we all know to be true. So, how does that relate to technology? Well, our social media stores every post, like, or comment that we make, which allows employers to learn what they need to know about you before they meet you. This can also be true for face identification. Your face can automatically be identified from a post, which can lead people to find information such as your address or voting records before they have met you in person. It is a comprehensible way to understand how public and permanent your information truly is. 

These issues affect me and my family because we are all active on social media and I think we could be a little more cautious with our digital footprint. It is easy to overlook how much information we give into our cellphones and I think it is important to become educated on the negative effects.

While most of the companies taking our information and violating our privacy are privately owned, the government could strengthen privacy laws, forcing these companies to protect their consumers. I also believe the government should allow people to access their personal data through a series of questions to confirm identity. If it is our information out for all to see, we should be the ones to shut it down as well.

People need to learn how to protect themselves. We can take charge by setting strong passwords and enabling two-step verification, much like how Google operates. This means it is harder to get into the app you plan on using, and a hacker couldn't easily guess your login information. We could also adjust privacy settings, so fewer people can see our page or simply limit the information we share online. If it truly is an issue that someone cannot keep vital information about their private life to themselves and it is causing harm to their personal life, it could be a great alternative to just stop social media use altogether. 

EOTO Comm Tech Timeline

 "Hey Guys!

So I wanted to focus on two apps that most of us use daily, well we at least use Instagram daily and I will dive more into that throughout my slide. 

 

In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg was only a sophomore in college at Harvard when he created TheFacebook with his friends Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, which is crazy when I put it into perspective because I am a sophomore, and I could not even fathom developing a well-known app. Originally it was supposed to just be a form of communication for Harvard students, much like how we use YikYak or Fizz. Eventually, the title TheFacebook and it became what we now know as Facebook.

 

Mark Zuckerberg

But here’s the thing it quickly became super popular, and within a year or so, it expanded to other universities and went public. Now, it is one of the biggest social media platforms worldwide, which is crazy considering it started as a college project.

 

So, how did it change our world? Facebook allowed people to communicate globally instantly with messages and pictures in a way they never could before. It also opened up a new business communication door as companies promote via Facebook through algorithms. 

 

But as cool as all this sounds and it was for the time, there are definitely some downsides. Privacy became a huge issue, especially after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where it turned out user data was being used for political campaigns. And studies have shown that spending too much time on Facebook can lead to anxiety, loneliness, and even make us feel ‘less than.’ So while it connected us, it also brought new problems."

 

Now, let's talk about Instagram, which was launched in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. I look at Instagram as Facebook’s little sibling, as it foundationally has the same uses but then became what we know as Instagram today. The founders saw how popular sharing photos was amongst people, but they wanted an easier way to enhance photos instead of resources such as Photoshop. So, Instagram is a super easy way to take a picture, slap on a filter, and then share it for friends and family to see. This created a whole new form of communication that wasn’t so business or written-centered, people could share their life via images.

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger

 

I also found that the name “Instagram” came from the terms “instant camera’ and “telegram.” 

 

Within just a few years, it became the go-to app for visual content, and it totally changed how we communicate. Instead of long posts or messages, people started sharing photos and stories as a way to connect. And it’s not just personal—Instagram made it possible for people to become influencers, start brands, and even run full businesses."

 

Instagram’s impact on communication has been huge. It shifted us to a more visual way of expressing ourselves. Instead of telling people what’s going on in our lives, we can show them. It’s also given rise to the whole influencer culture, where people can build a following and make careers out of their online presence.

 

But, again, it’s not all perfect. Studies have shown that Instagram can contribute to a ‘comparison culture’ you know as many of us do, scrolling through picture-perfect lives can make us feel like we’re not measuring up. And focusing on likes and followers can sometimes make it feel less about connection and more about competition."