Final Blog Post

     As I have gotten older, I have realized that the adults were right telling me that social media and technology addiction would "ruin my brain". Having mixed feelings about the usage of technology and its impact on one's life is okay. But I would say that the impact is in fact there. Personally, technology did ruin my concept of myself and others around me. I took a social media cleanse for 3 months and it was the best I had ever felt. However, still using apps like TikTok and Instagram kept me connected to the outside world and the perspectives of peers and people all over the world. While using these types of platforms for my information, I do worry if the information is trustworthy, which is why as a media literate person, I double or triple check anything that is spread by mouth- however many people show up on these applications with receipts. Without the use of some apps, I feel like I would not be half as educated or in touch with a certain reality as I am. Through my growth without being attached to certain technology, I realized that I used it as an easy fix for dopamine. Stanford University conducted a research study based on the dopamine levels while using certain social media apps, and concluded that social media does in fact our dopamine reactors while incorporating algorithms to keep us there, along with receiving snapchats and short lasting dopamine elevating content, ending with as we stop using our socials, like at the end of a day, our brains are plunged into a dopamine-deficit, which can lead to creating mental health issues. I definitely think my relationship with my phone and technology has gotten healthier, I use technology as a source of power. I look to use it as a source of information and personal growth. 

    While growing up, I also didn't take the online footprint warning too seriously. I do not have anything concerning in my online footprint, however it is a big risk for society, especially today. As it is a risk, it can also be used as a benefactor. People post their whole lives on the internet today. What they are doing, where they are, what they are eating, where they work, what they do on the weekends; literally everything. It is possible to use an online footprint and presence to find people looking to do harm to others or themselves. It is a known fact, that digital footprints are able to be used to stop a premeditated school shooting- or could have been in many occasions. Studies and programs have been launched to pick harmful behaviors by their actions and movements online. Digital footprints can also be used to keep harmful or discriminative people out of the workforce and college. No employer wants to find out their new hire tweeted a racist rant in 2018! This has recently happened a lot in our pop culture; racist pasts being brought up in the media hierarchy calls for a social media "cancel culture" renaissance. A digital footprint can break an entire professional career in today's society, and a lot of the public seems to forget that.  

    As I continue to grow and learn, reminding myself along with my friends and family that social media is not meant for us to use 24/7, and keeping the right mindset while using technology; I have created a healthy relationship with the fact that technology was originally intended for us to use as a tool to evolve and connect- not compare and argue with stranger on the internet. Which is typically uncommon among people in my generation. Constantly making sure that my parents are aware of fake news spread, and how to identify AI has become a big note as the weeks continue in 2024. Technology, and social media specifically have become an evolutionary way for us as consumers to get loads of information from first hand civilians- which is a reason why I hold my social media so dearly, I believe it brings a sense of humanity and humility rather than a newspaper headline. 

        

Anti War in America

    
     While learning about anti war voices and their repercussions in Americas Progressive Era (1920's), along with censorship and push for war from the government- I cannot help but wonder if history is repeating itself today. Anti war rhetoric has been around since we saw the US enter WWI. With protests and journalists pushing for peace, the government pushed back pro war rhetoric faster and harder. We see brief anti war protests in the mainstream media today, protesting against the wars in Ukraine and Palestine. however, the media displays anti war beliefs and protesting in a negative light. Mainstream media broadcasts to a larger scale- many of which are pro war. The current political climate can affect the way the mainstream news depicts war, and can sometimes manipulate or switch the blame of protesters- encouraging their agenda. 

   

    Exploring websites like Antiwar.com can give an abundance of real information to the public. Giving real policies, news, real life stories from those living or reporting from countries affected by America's part int the war, and most importantly- bringing humanity into their writing. Antiwar.com allows reading and seeing journalism from war inflicted countries and seeing the casualties rise can be crucial to the load of information. As our typical mainstream media news outlets become a stronger force with the rise of social media and streaming, it is harder for these anti war outlets to breakthrough the walls of strong corporations with harsh information that is not necessarily able to be digested by many- especially with the mainstream media downplay or defection of these issues. 

    A site also lower on the anti war media radar is a website called the American Conservative. This site alike AntiWar, welcomes the facts of wrongdoing in government and military. The site highlights Americas current events, and also compares American history to current times. Along with the comparison to other countries and their governments as well- keeping everyone in check. Again, the site is heavily squashed by the new corporations and larger media outlets. Both of these sites highlight critical thinking, they dig deep into reporting the extensive issues that America has created or taken on by being politically involved in current or previous war. Understanding various viewpoints on war and our military actions (and funding) makes citizens more informed which provides the opportunity for discussion and actions/voicing opinions on policy. 

    

EOTO2 Reaction

         I thoroughly enjoyed listening to these presentations. All of the types of media, journalism, ideologies, etc. were very in depth and easily to be understood by a listener. Group two stuck out to me a lot, with the topics being citizen journalism, alternative media, and podcasts. The group used a lot of real life examples of their topics that really put these "broader" topics into perspective that we use these in our every day lives without even thinking too much into their purpose and why we are using them. We have become so accustomed to this lifestyle where as media consumers- we do not tend to think of who filmed it, why they were filming it, why I as a viewer am seeing it, and why it was published in the form it was published in. 

        While learning about citizen journalism, it really did open my eyes to how lucky we are in this generation to have platforms to show real life situations to the world. In the example shown, there were two videos. The first was a video of a casket floating down the floodwaters of hurricane Helene in Asheville, NC from TikTok; and another of the assassination of JFK from YouTube. The average news outlet often fails to form a "humanity" connection to views- as citizen journalism is from those actually living through it. This is very, very prominent currently with the genocide in Gaza. We have seen hundreds and thousands of videos coming from Palestinians like Bisan Owda, a citizen journalist who has held the world captive with her story telling and heartbreaking updates from the ground since October 7th 2023; with information and footage the mainstream media fails to display for us. Citizen journalism is crucial to the way we get our information today, it is unforgiving, and gives a look into how real situations affect people actually living them.

 

      I also enjoyed listening about the benefits of podcasts and alternative media, and the niche informational outlets that certain demographics of people can listen in to and feel connected, supported, or just up to date on. I believe as scary as the world of information and public knowledge goes, there are many benefits to these outlets and platforms- it depends on the way we intend to use and spread this information that could be the downfall to mass information. I think the group articulated the ideals extremely well with powerful stances to back them up on their importance to society. 

The Dangers Of Disinformation

     

In today's world, the way we intake our news looks extremely different from how it was distributed in fifty years ago. Americans would wake up, read their newspapers, turn on news on the radio, and go about their day. Today, news is absolutely anywhere we look. While scrolling through timelines on social media, we are distributed mass amounts of information on countless topics; broadening citizen's knowledge- or is it hurting it. The spread of disinformation has affected societies ability to improve public health, address climate change, maintain a stable democracy, and trust government officials. One of the key characteristics to look out for while trying to identify disinformation is deceptive intent- which is purposely intended to mislead, typically rooted in political, ideological, or economic interests. 

    Knowing what disinformation is, can help us decipher between the big MDM.

MDM stands for Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malformation. These are called information disorders. Information Disorder Syndrome is the intent to spread false information with or without intent to harm someone. it is categorized into three grades. Misinformation is information not intending to cause harm, disinformation is false information that is intended to manipulate, cause damage, or guide people and organizations in the wrong direction. Finally we have malformation, this information stems from the truth but is often exaggerated in a way that misleads and causes potential harm to those a part of it. As no one in particular is in "charge" of deciding what is harmful information or not, knowing these types of information disorders can lead to a smarter society and expand critical thinking, something very much needed in todays age of information releases.  Disinformation's manipulation of info not only deceives, but also undermines trust. It acts as a cohesive force, eroding faith in scientists, institutions, and creating a division within communities. It poses a threat to our nation, as experts urge the public to actually read into the issues that news outlets are manipulating with. I can not personally think of any good that comes from the spread of false information. It is incredibly damaging to the young minds of our generation that are falsely being molded for gain of a higher power in society. 

   

As society is becoming more divided, there is a risk that individuals may becomes selective in their acceptance of information based on their pre-existing beliefs. Documentation must strive to present an objective and unbiased view of facts to bridge societies divide; this would inherently build the transparency and trust back into the American people, along with citizens internationally who pose the same threat. This is a worldwide issue- not just an American one. Without fact checks or access to unbiased and true information without the spread of fear mongering- readers or listeners are impacted by the information, playing a role in their future choices, opinions, and decisions. The spread of disinformation affects people of all economic levels, sexualities, generations, races, and more. As the rise of disinformation continues, understanding the nuances of these information disorders is essential for developing effective countermeasures and fostering informed communities.