Eldalland – Medium

Dec 9, 2020

Response to Parler reading

I’m not surprised that the trumpies have created a “social media” platform in which they can spread false information unfettered. It is brought up a few times in the article that the creator and supporters of Parler believe that social media giants have crossed the line with censorship, however it seems to me that these people are just butthurt that they can no longer spew misinformation. The harmful impacts of fake news far outweighs the small “infringement” of rights that social media giants are making in an effort to stop the spread of misinformation. Many readings this semester have displayed the horrible results of misinformation, for example I remember a reading about a genocide in Myanmar caused by the government spreading false claims about the muslim population. If platforms like Parler were to succeed, I fear that this country will only grow more and more divided.

1 min read

Dec 2, 2020

Response on “The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz”

Before watching the documentary, I had never heard of Aaron Swartz. I know of reddit, but I had no idea who created it. Aaron’s life story alone was amazing, it is astonishing that someone could be so extremely intelligent and having such an impact on the internet at such a…

1 min read

Nov 19, 2020

Response to “Terms of Service”

I wish I could say I was surprised to read this cartoon, but I’m not. I have come to understand that everything I do online, and anywhere I go while I have my phone on me is being tracked. It is really eerie that these corporations are recording our data…

1 min read

Nov 16, 2020

Response to “Poor Meme, Rich Meme”

Dean has opened my eyes to yet another racial issue within our society. I would never have considered comparing meme culture to blackness, and I am surprised by how similar the distribution of memes mirror the movement of black culture within the states. The irony of posting and reposting statements…

1 min read

Nov 11, 2020

Response to “With Folded Hands”

This story reminded me a lot of the first reading we did of “The Machine Stops”. In this reality humanoid robots are taking over every aspect of human life in an attempt to create a utopian society, similar to how the people in “The Machine Stops” depended on the machine…

1 min read

Oct 28, 2020

Response to “What is Web 2.0”

It was interesting to find out how the internet has changed over the years. I would assume that most people my age only have experienced web 2.0 since I think it was mentioned that the web started changing in 2001. The general idea that I got from the reading was…

2 min read

Oct 20, 2020

Response to “Constituents of a Theory of the Media”

All of us know by now that the media is an extremely powerful tool of communication, and this essay solidifies the fact. Forms of media have recorded the history of the human race for centuries. Information and ideas spread by media have and continue to spark revolution. However, media has…

2 min read

Oct 7, 2020

Response to “Garden Registry”

I enjoyed reading the text a lot. It included both the design process of the site as well as a detailed explanation of what the site was to be used for. The project itself was also a useful tool and an art installation at the same time. I think the…

1 min read

Sep 30, 2020

Re-imagining Justice Response

I knew that race had been built in to nearly all the systems of society in America: education, government, housing, employment, healthcare, justice system, e.t.c, however I did not know that race could be so deeply intertwined with such a modern field. Unfortunately, I am not very surprised, as most…

1 min read

Sep 23, 2020

Response on “The Rise of The Network Society”

It was very interesting to read about the work some professionals are doing with biotechnology. I did not think that the scientists of today were already capable of performing such advanced procedures, such as the reprogramming of bacteria and the creation of helmets that allow humans to communicate using signals from their brains. I was confused whether or not the reprogramming of the bacteria actually used physical technology, as it seemed similar to gene splicing. I know that scientists splice the genes of certain bacteria, allowing them to produce human insulin. With the rate at which technology has advanced, as well as how the goals of modern day scientists/engineers have changed, I would not be surprised to see technology be integrated even more directly into our lives and bodies.

1 min read