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.