Blog post 10: Societys Realtionship with Technology, Technology's Realtionship With Us

The 1964 World's Fair promised a future where technology would essentially fix everything. It would comfort, protect, and even guide us toward a kind of utopia, where machines would make life easier, faster, and more connected. In some ways, that vision did come true. We carry tiny computers in our pockets and can ask Siri to play music, find directions, or tell us who invented the toaster (it was George Schneider, by the way; I just Googled it).  

If I’m honest, my relationship with technology is a love-hate one. I love how convenient everything is. I use Google Docs for class, FaceTime to stay in touch with my parents in Colorado, and Canva or Instagram to create content. I’m majoring in Strategic Communication, and I also see how powerful technology is for storytelling, branding, and influence. It's not just a tool; it's a career path and a way to build something meaningful. I’m actually preparing to study abroad in Australia this May. Honestly, none of that would be possible without all the online planning tools, apps, and communication platforms that make coordinating a trip like this feel manageable.

However, there’s also the aspect I don’t appreciate as much, like how I’ll go on my phone to check the weather but somehow end up scrolling through random reels for 45 minutes. Social media can make you feel included while simultaneously making you feel completely left out. I’ve also noticed how tech influences my relationships. Some of my closest friendships have grown stronger through texting, Snapchat, and shared playlists. Yet, I’ve also had moments where I’m sitting with a friend, and we’re both just on our phones. Not talking. Not really present. That’s when I realized this “connection” can sometimes come at the expense of a genuine connection.

Regarding my online footprint, I’m careful about what I share. I try to post content that reflects well on me. I did Google myself, and nothing came up except some of my social media accounts, which I keep professional. But it was a good reminder that what we post lives on and people will look. What we share online becomes part of our image, whether we realize it or not. At the end of the day, I don’t think technology is entirely good or bad. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it depends on how we use it. Sometimes, it’s a lifeline; other times, it’s a distraction. It’s up to us to check in with ourselves and ask: Is this helping me, or is it controlling me? 

Reflecting on all of this, I've come to view technology as neutral. Its impact depends on how we use it. Sometimes, it empowers us, while other times, it drains us. That’s why I’ve started setting boundaries: turning off notifications, deleting distracting apps during finals, or simply putting my phone away when I’m with people I care about. It's a work in progress, but I'm learning that being intentional about tech use can make a big difference.

Blog post 9: Diffusion of Innovations

TikTok's ascension to worldwide supremacy exemplifies Roger's Diffusion of Innovations theory. Debuting internationally in 2018, TikTok quickly became one of the most downloaded apps globally. Rogers' theory elucidates its rapid spread and the dynamics of early adopters versus those who resisted it. One primary reason for TikTok's swift popularity is its relative advantage. The app effectively delivers personalized content, keeping users engaged for hours. Furthermore, it aligns with modern social media habits, as short-form videos have already gained traction on platforms like Vine and Instagram. TikTok's design is straightforward and user-friendly, lowering the entry barrier, and it offers trialability since it's free to download and explore. Its success is also easily observable—viral trends and influencer achievements showcase the platform's potential to others.

Early TikTok users were predominantly Gen Z, who were already well-acquainted with social media and short- form content. Influencers and celebrities quickly adopted the platform, propelling its growth. Conversely, late adopters included older users and those skeptical of social media. As TikTok became more culturally relevant, its user base expanded. Nonetheless, some individuals vehemently oppose TikTok due to privacy concerns linked to its ties with China (ByteDance), apprehensions regarding the mental health effects of excessive screen time, and doubts about the quality of TikTok content.

The Spiral of Silence, as discussed in my second EOTO presentation, also sheds light on TikTok' s rising popularity. The platform has turned into a space for cultural discourse, leading individuals who do not engage with it to feel isolated or excluded. 

TikTok's popularity highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of rapid technological adoption. While it fosters creative potential and social connections, it also raises issues related to data privacy, addiction, and disinformation. Rogers' theory and the Spiral of Silence elucidate why individuals embrace, postpone, or reject new technologies—TikTok serves as a present-day illustration of this phenomenon.

Blog post 8: EOTO #2 What I learned

All of my classmates' presentations were engaging and informative. But the two that stood out to me the most were Reid's presentation on the Overton Window and Ella's presentation on Government Whistleblowing. 

Before this project, I knew nothing about the Overton Window, but Reid's presentation showed how this concept plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and policy. The Overton Window refers to the range of ideas that are considered acceptable in public debate at any given time. What I found the most fascinating was how political leaders, activists, and even the media work to either expand or shift this window, influencing what society deems normal or radical. Reid gave the example of same-sex marriage or environmental regulations, which were once considered extreme but now have become widely accepted topics of discussion. This demonstrates how public perception evolves based on cultural and political influences.

I had heard of government whistleblowing before, but Ella's presentation helped me understand its historical significance and ethical implications. She explained how whistleblowers expose government misconduct, often at great personal risk. She discussed famous cases like Edward Snowden's revelations about mass surveillance and Daniel Ellsberg's release of the Pentagon Papers, both of which had major, major impacts on public perception and government accountability. What stood out to me the most was how the legal system responds to whistleblowers who are hailed as heroes while others face serious legal consequences under laws like the Espionage Act. Ellas' presentation made me think critically about the balance between national security and the public's right to know. 

Both presentations deepened my understanding of how ideas and information shape our society. The Overton Window helps explain how public opinion shifts over time, while whistleblowing plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable. Learning about these concepts helped me to reflect on the forces that drive political and social change.

Blog post 7: Privacy, Online and Off

In an age where technology pervades practically every area of our lives, privacy has become one of the most serious concerns. The TED Talks I watched depicted a bleak image of businesses, governments, and individuals utilizing personal information, often without our explicit consent. While I was aware that companies like Facebook and Google track user behavior, I had no idea how much they monetized our digital traces.

One of the most unsettling realizations was how little control we have over our personal data. Every time we use the internet, a smart device, or post on social media, we contribute to a system that collects, stores, and analyzes our data. This affects me and my friends and family, particularly those who are unaware of how their information is being used. For example, older generations may not realize that merely clicking "accept" on a terms and service agreement can provide companies broad access to personal information.

The government is responsible for implementing stronger regulations on data collection and usage. The European Union' s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a great example of how legislation can hold companies accountable for protecting user data. In the U. S., however, privacy laws are fragmented and outdated. We need stricter policies that ensure transparency in how companies collect and share our data.

As individuals, we need to take proactive steps to safeguard our privacy. This means being mindful about what we share online, using encrypted messaging apps, enabling two- factor authentication, and reviewing app permissions regularly. Switching to privacy- focused search engines like DuckDuckGo and limiting the amount of personal information we provide to social media platforms can also help. Additionally, educating ourselves and others—especially those who may not fully understand digital risks—creates a significant impact. If we want to reclaim our privacy, we must take responsibility for our online behaviors and demand greater accountability from the companies that profit from our data.

Blog Post 6: EOTO 2 The Spiral of Silence

In 1974, German political scientist Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann introduced the Spiral of Silence Theory in her paper The Spiral of Silence: A Theory of Public Opinion, published in the Journal of Communication. A decade later, she expanded on this theory in her book The Spiral of Silence: Public Opinion—Our Social Skin. This theory suggests that people are less likely to express their opinions if they believe they are in the minority, mainly due to a fear of social isolation.

The Spiral of Silence is still very important today, especially in an era where social media, politics, and workplace culture influence how people participate in public conversation. Understanding this notion might help us navigate society's discourse more efficiently and identify when significant voices are silenced. This is especially important in digital contexts, where algorithms frequently promote prevailing viewpoints while suppressing dissenting opinions.

Positive implications

1. Promotes social cohesion and stability: The Spiral of Silence can prevent extreme or harmful views from dominating public discussions, fostering civility and reinforcing shared values. In workplaces, schools, and governments, this creates an environment where social unity and cooperation are prioritized. In some cases, this can contribute to a more peaceful society by discouraging hate speech and misinformation. 

2. Encourages conformity to positive social norms: The Spiral of Silence can push society towards more ethical and inclusive norms by discouraging outdated or discriminatory opinions. For example, racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks that might have been socially accepted in the past are now met with disapproval, reinforcing a shift toward greater equality and respect.

Negative implications

1. Silences critical discussions: When individuals hesitate to express their views, certain narratives are overlooked, reinforcing existing power structures. This can limit political, economic, and social discussions, preventing society from addressing critical problems. For example, employees may fear speaking out about workplace discrimination, allowing a toxic culture to persist.

2. Creates echo chambers and polarization: People often express their opinions only in spaces where they feel safe and supported, leading to the rise of echo chambers. This means individuals only hear perspectives that align with their existing beliefs, making society more politically and socially divided.

Effects of the Spiral of Silence

The Spiral of Silence does not affect all groups equally, as characteristics such as socioeconomic standing, age, gender, and race influence who feels free to speak their ideas. The wealthy have greater platforms and power, whereas the impoverished may remain mute due to their limited access to media and resources. Younger generations frequently challenge norms, but the fear of internet retribution can prevent them from speaking up. Historically, men have had more freedom to express themselves, but women have been more scrutinized and faced professional hazards. Similarly, minority groups may be nervous to speak up about systemic hardships, while the majority frequently dominate discussions without comprehending their implications. Understanding this notion is vital to me both emotionally and professionally. It enables me to think more critically about public debates, speak more effectively, and prepare for a future profession in marketing or communications, where it is crucial to generate messages that include and connect with a variety of people.

It is possible to break the Spiral of Silence and challenge the cycle by encouraging open dialogue, promoting media literacy and critical thinking, and creating safe spaces for diverse opinions. By recognizing when public opinion suppresses necessary conversations, we can actively work towards a society where all voices are valued and heard. 

Blog post 5: Living in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping society in ways that many struggle to fully understand. After watching Frontline PBS: Living in the Age of AI, I gained a clearer perspective on AI's impact on national security, economic disparity, and individual privacy. A significant insight was the concept of surveillance capitalism, where private firms exploit personal data to forecast and manipulate behavior. AI transcends a mere tool; it operates as a system that learns from us, frequently without our awareness. The film presents a compelling example: China's establishment of a vast surveillance apparatus. In Xinjiang, Uighur Muslims face rigorous oversight and are incarcerated in internment camps, effectively living in an AI-driven "open-air prison." This situation raises profound ethical questions about what constitutes excessive surveillance and how to balance security with personal liberties.

Another critical point highlighted in the film is AI's role in fostering economic instability and inequality by automating jobs, favoring those who own AI technologies, and displacing workers. Furthermore, privacy issues have become increasingly urgent, especially following Facebook's data breaches that revealed how companies procure and exploit our personal information. The McTaggart initiative, designed to empower consumers with more control over their data, has garnered substantial backing. While the documentary illustrates AI's significance in national security, it underscores more concerning uses, such as China's comprehensive surveillance of its populace.

This video enlightened me to the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a technological advancement; it is a formidable force shaping economies, governance, and individual rights. Although AI presents considerable advantages like enhanced efficiency and bolstered national security, it also raises pressing questions surrounding privacy, economic equity, and moral accountability. My immediate inquiries include: Could unchecked AI exacerbate the divide between the wealthy and the working class? Should nations implement stricter privacy laws, or might this stifle innovation? To what extent should corporations control our personal data? As AI evolves, we must question whether we are influencing AI or if it is influencing us.

Blog post 4, part 2: EOTO Technology What I Learned

For this project, we researched a specific technology and presented its history and impact to the class. All my classmates' presentations were engaging and informative, but two that stood out to me the most were Reid's presentation on the phonograph and Carter's presentation on the television.

Before this project, I had little knowledge of the phonograph, but I found it fascinating to learn that Thomas Edison invented it to record and play back sound. The device worked by using a stylus to etch sound waves onto a rotating cylinder. What I found most intriguing was how revolutionary this invention was; it completely transformed how people listen to music. Today, recorded sound is an essential part of entertainment, communication, and historical preservation, all thanks to the phonograph. However, Reid also mentioned that when the phonograph was first introduced, some people were concerned about its sound quality, an issue that would later be refined with advancements in audio technology. Without this early innovation, the development of later audio formats, such as vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, and digital streaming, would not have been possible. It truly set the foundation for how we experience recorded sound today.

Similarly, I had limited knowledge of the television and how it came to be before Carter's presentation, but she explained the history and impact of it very well. She highlighted how early televisions used rotating disks to scan images, a method that produced a low-quality, flickering picture. Over time, this technology evolved into the first electronic television, which replaced mechanical components with electron beams. This advancement improved picture quality and paved the way for how modern TV is today in 2025.

Both presentations clearly explained how technology has shaped society over the years and how it has improved. The phonograph transformed our experience of sound, while television revolutionized visual storytelling and mass communication. Learning about these technologies made me appreciate how much has changed over time and prompted me to reflect on how we consume media today. These advancements not only shaped entertainment but also influenced education, news, and even social interactions, proving that technology continues to evolve and impact our daily lives in essential ways.