Blog Post #12 - Final Post

The FUTURAMA Ride Video premiered in 1964 at the New York World's Fair. This video presented six key topics that envisioned an optimistic future, focusing on technological advancements, urban planning, and transportation.

Beginning with innovations in transportation, the ride featured futuristic concepts like elevated highways and automated vehicles. 

Urban planning was illustrated through expansive cities that integrated green spaces, efficient public transit, and advanced infrastructure to support a growing population.

The architectural designs showcased futuristic styles that melded modern materials and design concepts with a focus on sustainability and a connection to nature.

The ride also highlighted infrastructure designed for leisure, including parks, museums, and community areas within urban settings. 

Visitors were introduced to state-of-the-art technologies that hinted at future innovations, such as robotics and smart homes.

While the overall tone of the event was optimistic, the exhibit acknowledged the necessity of harmonious coexistence with nature.

This ride has had a lasting influence on the world, with some of its predictions having turned into reality by 2024.

The subsequent video, "Are You Lost in the World Like Me," explores themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the quest for meaning in life. 

The visual narrative conveys a sense of feeling lost and isolated from others, underscoring how contemporary life can lead to loneliness, even amidst constant technological engagement.

The lyrics in the video articulate the struggle to find purpose amid the noise and distractions of modern life. The song urges viewers to acknowledge and empathize with the shared experiences of others.

In summary, this video serves as a stark representation of how technology has overwhelmed society.

After viewing these videos, I realized that I am often surrounded by people experiencing feelings of isolation, and there are times when I relate to the sentiments expressed in the second video.

I strive to turn my phone off when spending time with family and friends to foster deeper connections. However, with my long-distance boyfriend, I find myself using my phone more often than I'd prefer.

Sundays are reserved for catching up with my family and friends back home, where I may call up to seven people for about 30 minutes each. Although this adds up, I consider it valuable time.

In general, while my relationship with technology could improve, I believe I maintain a good balance between using it as a tool and for enjoyment.

People utilize technology for work, gaming, photography, socializing, and social media.

However, individuals could be on a screen for around nine hours each day, given their 9-5 jobs, TV, or video games.

They could use that time to connect with colleagues, family, or friends, yet they often choose otherwise.

In essence, technology plays a beneficial role in my people's lives but also presents challenges for family time and personal connections.

We must remain vigilant about the potential dangers of technology, such as the risk of getting engrossed, falling victim to hacks, scams, or posting harmful content.

Technology has significantly improved many aspects of the world, such as streamlining work processes, enhancing communication, and increasing transportation efficiency, among other advancements.

Navigating the complexities of technology use is challenging. Younger generations, who have grown up immersed in these advancements, may be less cautious. In contrast, older generations tend to be more skeptical and aware of these risks.

Leveraging the benefits of technology is crucial, yet we must approach it with caution.

Blog Post #11 - EOTO 2 Reax

During the EOTO Presentations Group, one presentation caught my eye the most, specifically the "False Flag" presentation, by Ellie Hammer. 

A false flag refers to events, often crises or attacks, that conspiracy theorists believe are ostracized by governments or other entities to further political or social agendas. 

Historically, false flag operations involve acts intended to appear as if carried out by opponents, often serving as a justification for military action.

The strategic purpose behind a false flag operation includes shifting blame to an adversary, creating a narrative that absolves the instigator of wrongdoing, and manipulating perception to weaken the opposition. 

False flag operations can deeply affect society. They erode public trust in government and breed skepticism, leading to national division and unrest. 

A prime example is back about 90 years ago, in 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Before the invasion, seven German soldiers went undercover as Poles and attacked the Gleiwitz radio tower and then falsely claimed that it was a Polish attack against Germany. 

Additionally, the undercover Germans left behind dead bodies of concentration camp victims dressed as Polish soldiers to further their claim. 

This act allowed Hitler to claim Germany as a victim so that he, in turn, could attack Polish "with reason". 

Another significant instance is the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. The U.S. claimed it was attacked by North Vietnamese boats, prompting a retaliatory strike that escalated U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. 

Eventually, it was revealed that the supposed attack may not have occurred, marking it as a false flag that justified the war.

A modern example is the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where the U.S. sought to dismantle supposed weapons of mass destruction linked to Saddam Hussein. 

After the invasion, the Bush administration admitted that its claims about these weapons were erroneous. This misrepresentation led to significant loss of life and highlighted the dangers of misinformation in justifying military actions.

These three historical events are prime "false flag" examples that have dismantled trust among citizens which has caused long-term societal repercussions. 

Blog Post #10 - EOTO 2 Key Post

The Third Person Effect (TPE) is a psychological phenomenon positing that individuals tend to believe media messages affect others more than themselves. This belief can have extensive implications in various domains, influencing societal attitudes, media regulation, and interpersonal relationships. 

TPE can lead to a heightened awareness of media influence, prompting individuals to advocate for social change and media literacy initiatives. Those who perceive themselves as less susceptible may feel a moral obligation to protect others, especially vulnerable populations, from harmful media content. 

However, the TPE can also breed misconceptions about the effects of media. 

Individuals may underestimate their own susceptibility while overestimating the vulnerability of others, leading to risky behaviors. This false sense of immunity can result in ill-informed decisions or reckless behavior, perpetuating societal issues rather than addressing them.

In the context of society as a whole, the TPE can contribute to polarization. As individuals believe that specific media influences certain demographic groups more than others, societal divisions may deepen. 

One group's media consumption may be viewed as either reinforced or vilified based on the perceived vulnerability of another, creating an environment rife with misunderstanding and subsequent conflict.

The positive aspects of the TPE include the potential for heightened media literacy. 

When individuals recognize the influence of media on others, they may advocate for educational programs aimed at promoting critical thinking, thereby fostering a more informed public. 

These programs can empower individuals to engage with media responsibly, understanding its complexities and nuances.

TPE affects every demographic differently. 

- Socioeconomic Status: Wealthier individuals might may have more access to resources that promote media literacy, leading to a greater immunity to percieved negative media effect. While, poorer groups may have less access to such resources. 

- Age: Younger individuals recognize that media shapes the social norms and also underestimate their susceptibility due to the TPE because they have grown up with digital media.  Older genderations typically adopt a perspective that fears media influences the youth without them recognizing it. 

- Gender: Gender dynamics also play a role. Women, for instance, may perceive media representations more acutely, especially surrounding body image messages, while men may be less concerned about these specific issues. This discrepancy could shape community discussions on media's effects

- Sexual Orientation: LGBTQ+ individuals in particular might feel sensitive to negative media portrayals, leading them to actively challenge harmful narratives and advocate for equitable representation

- Majority vs. Minority: Minority groups often perceive media narratives as negative to their identity and may feel an ethical imperative to respond by advocating for change, thereby actively engaging in media scrutiny.

The Third Person Effect theory provides valuable insight into the societal dynamics of media perception. While there are clear benefits to heightened awareness and advocacy for vulnerable populations, there are also notable risks of misunderstanding media influence and overreach in censorship. 

The TPE affects everyone.

Blog Post #9 - Antiwar

The ongoing struggles surrounding war and dissent in America are as relevant today as they were during the Progressive Era.

The three videos provided introduce a rich variety of opinions on the topic, illuminating the often-muted voices of those who oppose U.S. military engagements. 

The first video dives into the persecution of antiwar activists during World War I, highlighting how the First Amendment was undermined when dissenters were silenced and even imprisoned for expressing their beliefs. This act of repression stands as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of civil liberties during times of conflict.

The second video articulates the tensions between governmental power and the citizen's right to voice opposition, particularly surrounding military actions taken abroad. 

Currently, those who oppose the war do not experience the same degree of overt persecution, but they frequently encounter a media narrative that can diminish or entirely overlook antiwar viewpoints.

The question arises: Why is it that strong antiwar voices seem relegated to less mainstream platforms like Antiwar.com and The American Conservative?

As one ventures to these websites, it becomes obvious that they summarize thought-provoking ideas, yet, they are never featured in mainstream media outlets. 

This prompts significant questions regarding the scope of the discussions we engage in as a society. Are we genuinely informed, or are we just repeating the prevailing narratives that fill the media?

The relegation of antiwar viewpoints to specialized websites can be linked to systemic biases within mainstream media, which often favor narratives that align with national interests or political agendas.

This absence of representation carries a significant risk: stifling dissent may result in a limited comprehension of the global implications of military actions. By pushing antiwar voices out of the media, critical assessments of U.S. intervention policies are overlooked, hindering a more comprehensive discussion about the consequences of war and the associated human costs.

Overall, the First Amendment's safeguarding of dissent is fundamental to democracy, but its principles can be easily challenged. 

The current media landscape underscores the necessity of actively pursuing a variety of viewpoints to ensure that discussions about war are thorough and inclusive, thereby validating the voices of dissenters. 

Only by doing so can we aspire to develop a full understanding of modern warfare's significant, and often tragic, complexities.

Blog Post #8 - Diffusion of Innovations

 The Boston University describes The Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory in great detail. The theory was developed by E.M. Rogers in 1962 and the purpose of it is to "explain how, over time, an idea or product gains momentum and diffuses through a specific population or societal system." 

The whole idea behind DOI is to see the process of adoption of an idea or product, which will not happen overnight. The adoption by a large population will take time because some individuals will love the idea and hop on it right away, others may wait till it's trending, and some may never adopt it. 

There are five established adopter categories: 

1. Innovators - These are people who want to be the first to try the innovation because they like to take risks and are adventuresome. 

2. Early Adopters - These are people who enjoy leadership roles and embrace change, they see that this innovation is the future and they are ready to be a part of it. 

3. Early Majority - These are people who are not leaders, but are willing to adopt the innovation as long as it has worked for other people. 

4. Late Majority - These are people who will only adopt the innovation after it has successfully worked for the early majority. 

5. Laggards - These are people bound by tradition, conservative, and very stubborn when it comes to change.  

With each category of individuals, you have to tailor your promotional strategy to them as well as consider factors that influence the adoption of innovation. These factors can be relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, triability, and observability. 

Applying the Diffusion of Innovation Theory can be challenging, but eye-opening. The example we will be using is the U.S. Postal Service. 

The innovators of the U.S. Postal Service would include figures such as Benjamin Franklin who was appointed the First Postmaster General in 1775. 

Franklin recognized the value of an organized postal system and worked on creating protocols for mail delivery and fostering unity among colonies. The other innovators would be the Continental Congress that appointed Benjamin Franklin, they saw the need and knew the man for the job. 

Early adopters of the U.S. Postal Service innovation would likely be the merchants, political leaders, and other influential figures in the U.S. at the time. 

These individuals would have understood the importance of community, reliable communication, and trade networks. These important figures most likely communicated with each other about the trade and political aspects of the U.S.

The early majority of the U.S. Postal Service innovation is represented by the population of colonists who were slow to shift from informal methods of communication to the established postal system. 

Once they understood the reliability and benefits of using the postal system they joined pretty quickly. The leaders in the early adopters section were the ones to convince them to adopt the postal service innovation. 

Click here to watch the US Post Office spread over time, 1700-1900

The late majority would include all of the colonists who were hesitant to use the postal service because of reasons like lack of familiarity, attachments to traditional ways, or just skepticism about the new innovation.

When the postal service started being incorporated into everyday living, this group came around and began to use it as well. 

Laggards would include individuals who were strongly rooted in their traditional ways and saw no beneficial reason for the postal service. 

They may not want to communicate with people outside of their local community, prefer face-to-face communication, or do not understand the purpose of the postal service. They most likely adopted the innovation for matters such as legal or official importance. 

In the 21st century, the vast majority of people use the U.S. Postal Service. Although there may be a few holdouts, after 250 years of service, it seems that only a tiny fraction of the population would be considered as such today.

Blog Post #7 - EOTO 1 Reax

Everyone is familiar with one of the top 6 streaming services whether it be Netflix, Hulu, Peakcock, Disney+, Paramount+, or HBO Max. There are  Everyone knows and loves Netflix, however, not many know the history of it. 

Before steaming services, there were Blockbuster and Redbox where you could rent DVDs, watch movies, and return them for a fee. This was a fine concept. 

Blockbuster and Redbox had new releases, some older films, and more popular ones. However, a big downside was that each location only had so many copies of a DVD, so you were out of luck if they did not have the movie you wanted. Another downside was the late fees you would receive if you did not return the movie right on time. 

The founders of Netflix, Marc Randolph, and Reed Hastings, saw these downsides of DVD rentals and decided to turn them into positive reasons. They started their first version of Netflix, where individuals could order a movie, and it would be shipped to them on DVD. Then, the customer would mail it back once they were finished. This was very popular and made just under $42 million in a year. 

Later, in 2007, Netflix, as we know it now, was launched and was even more popular since they did not have to wait for the DVD and it had past shows, old movies, and popular movies all on one platform. 

Currently, Netflix has 84.11 million paid subscribers, its own line of "Netflix Shows", and an app. It has truly grown and changed the film industry forever. 

Netflix is currently ranked first in subscribers and revenue with Hulu second in revenue, and Disney + second in subscribers. With more than 200+ streaming platforms worldwide, this is a huge accomplishment and shows how far Netflix has really come. 

Learning about the history of On-Demand TV Programming: Netflix gave me a new appreciation for how far our technology and world have come. 

Shout out to Bria Ciocca, she did a fantastic job presenting her EOTO on "The Rise of On-Demand TV Programming: NETFLIX" to the class and was super engaging. 

Blog Post #6 - EOTO 1 Key Post

 When it comes to communication, few inventions have had as profound an impact on society as the U.S. Postal Service. With its roots tracing back to 1775, the Postal Service has evolved dramatically over the past 250 years, shaped by the ever-changing needs of the American population. 

The U.S. Postal Service as we know it owes its start to Benjamin Franklin, who was appointed by the Continental Congress as the first Postmaster General in 1775. 

Franklin's past in the mailing business, spanning over 40 years under British rule, provided him with invaluable insights into efficient mail delivery. Against the backdrop of opposition to British rule, Franklin and his colleagues aimed to create an independent mailing system that would connect the growing nation.

 USPS's aim was to create an efficient means of delivering mail across grand distances; a connector for a nation eager for communication and commerce.

The Postal Service has undergone more than 32 innovations, each one tailored to meet the evolving demands of society. 

In the beginning, daily communication relied on horseback riders, the very first postal carriers. These individuals traveled the American wilderness, delivering letters with dedication and speed! As the population expanded westward, the system adapted, introducing stagecoaches to transport mail along newly established routes. 

Fast forward to the early 19th century, and we see the advent of steamboats, which revolutionized mail delivery, making it possible to traverse the East Coast and beyond at unprecedented speed.

The Pony Express made headlines for its flashiness, but it was the railroads that ultimately became the backbone of the Postal Service. By 1860, trains were already handling 93% of the non-local mail delivery, culminating in the transcontinental railroad’s completion, which truly transformed the process of communication across the nation.

As technological advancements continued, the U.S. Postal Service embraced innovations like automobiles, motorcycles, and eventually airmail. Each one allowed for faster and farther reach. 

This relentless pursuit of improvement has meant that today, almost every American has access to speedy communication, rural areas are connected, and a variety of services are utilized, from ballot information to packages. 

The Postal Service stands as a unifying force, bridging gaps and connecting people from all parts of the country.

Yet, this remarkable journey has not been without its challenges. 

In a digital age where instant communication reigns supreme, the Postal Service faces increasing competition. Younger generations often turn to digital platforms for their communication needs, leading to a decline in traditional mail usage. Besides online package delivery (i.e. Amazon) and in 2020-2022 when COVID-19 kits were being mailed around the world. 

Moreover, issues like mail theft and lost packages also cast shadows on its reputation. With mail often sitting alone at doorsteps, it becomes a target, and the inconvenience of lost mail or deliveries can be a bitter disappointment. Lost mail is also a issue that has sparked some negative feelings by all who were impacted. 

The USPS began 250 years ago with horses, Benjamin Franklin, and local mail. Despite these hurdles, the Postal Service remains a vital institution in the American landscape. It is here to stay and will continue to adapt to our changing America.

The USPS history reflects not only the evolution of communication but also the character of a nation determined to stay connected.