Final Post: Our Relationship with Technology

The internet, television, and cell phones are just a few of the many essential technical advancements that we depend on every day. Although they have improved life in certain ways, they can also have negative side effects just like previous technological advancements. 

The Futurama ride from the 1960s serves as an example of the many advantages of technology improvement. These advantages include improved production, improved communication, a more educated workforce, and support for medical advancements. Simple tasks that are necessary for human survival and flourishing are now simpler because of these advancements. The human species has advanced like never before since the Industrial Revolution thanks to technical advancements that have made us more inventive than ever, as demonstrated in the Age of AI documentary. 

The risks outweigh the advantages by a wide margin. For those who use technology, especially children, some potential dangers include a rise in obesity, a reduction in social skills, a low attention span, and a reliance on technology. In addition to the negative side effects, a loss in mental health is also a legitimate worry as more people depend on technology and social media for happiness and entertainment. This dependency can result in fewer abilities to self-regulate and more behavioral or ethical problems. Additionally, as technology has advanced, particularly with regard to large tech companies, there have been privacy violations as a result of these businesses' free use of their services while secretly monitoring and gathering user data for their own purposes.

Where will technology lead us in the future? Artificial intelligence appears to be the way of the future. After being exposed to pertinent information, machines and computers with artificial intelligence are able to learn and carry our tasks that are often only performed by intelligent individuals. As was demonstrated in the AI documentary, this is already beginning to materialize as self-driving trucks become a reality in America, widespread facial recognition systems take over in China, and increasing investment is being made in both countries to advance AI in order to boost productivity. It was explained that as AI usage increases, fewer jobs will be accessible for the typical individual, which would be a side effect of the technology development.

Personally, I think my relationship with technology is healthier than many people online. Being a good digital citizen, which includes abiding by the law, practicing proper online manners, communicating clearly, comprehending the security and health dangers of technology, and much more, is essential to using technology in a healthy way. As someone who uses technology responsibly, I consider myself to be knowledgeable in these fields.

It is generally accepted that there is no specific maximum time that people should spend using technology each day when it comes to screen time. While it is true that time-consuming devices must be watched, the actual issue is how people are using technology, whether it be for entertainment, education, or other purposes. During the time I am in college, I spend around 5 hours a day on my phone. This may be a lot but when I compare it to my other college friends or peers, this is below average. 3 hours of that time is used for educational purposes and to check my school emails. I save 2 hours of that time to watch entertainment videos on YouTube and TikTok. 

I have a decent presence online if we are referring to my TikTok account, but overall, my online footprint is relatively small. When looking up my name "Holland Barber", my LinkedIn profile appears as well as my TikTok account. A lot of the other links that appear are of barbershops and haircut shops because of my last name. If you click on google images, there are no pictures that pop up that are of me. It is all barbershop pictures. Because I do not have a huge appearance or following on all of my social media or profile accounts, I have been able to maintain a lowkey appearance online. There is nothing negative to be notified about because I am responsible and knowledgeable enough to keep my image clean when I am on the internet.

Technology has become an essential part of our everyday lives and routines for even the most basic tasks, such as using electricity to see what we are doing and staying in touch with our loved ones through social media and messaging. While the many technical systems and technologies might be useful, when utilized excessively or improperly, they can have unfavorable side effects. We must always be cautious and aware of our actions and intentions when using technology because inappropriate and excessive use could cause physical injury or harm, mental distress, or both.

Additionally, technology has provided us and previous generations with a means of connecting everyone on the earth. It is absurd to consider how we might message or communicate with individuals from other nations, such as China or Mexico. We were all stranded in our homes during Covid-19, unable to leave and socialize with others. We were kept afloat by technology. It gave us the ability to conduct business from the security of our homes, keep up with current events through the news, and call anyone worldwide who we could not meet face to face.

Living in the Age of AI

Technology has become a crucial component of our daily lives. We use it for anything from quick math calculations to researching the newest fashion trends. Our Apple Watches, phones, and computers have all merged into one. Therefore, it would be expected that technology will progress through time. We have all seen the robot revolt or uprising, in which artificial intelligence (AI) grows so advanced that it no longer requires humans to survive, leading to a full-scale war with humans. I don't think this will happen in my lifetime, but there's no denying that machine learning will make robots smarter and more effective. When a computer focuses on using data and algorithms to mimic the way people learn, this process is known as machine learning, which helps computers become more accurate over time. Siri for Apple and the For You Page on TikTok are two examples of this machine learning. Artificial intelligence, which includes machine learning, continues to advance the field of computers. Due to the fact that these algorithms will promote the things that attract people and can lead to higher product consumption, this innovation has enhanced the productivity and success of specific businesses and individuals.

A component of AI programming called machine learning is crucial to how AI processes information and learns from it. This observation of "Big Data," which, as the name implies, contains a range of facts used by the AI to, in a way of saying, evolve itself, is made possible. Let me ask a question so you can see the incident in the present times. Do you ever feel as though your phone is listening in on what you are saying? You mention wanting a pair of shoes, and when you look at YouTube on your phone, you see commercials or advertisements for various shoe manufacturers. This is an example of machine learning. Social media apps like TikTok use extremely sophisticated machine learning AI programming that can collect a lot of information about us personally. 

Let's revisit the TikTok algorithm and go much deeper into how it works. This very sophisticated program is able to determine how long it takes you to become disinterested in something on the website. As a result, it starts to provide you with things that can be rapidly seen, keeping you continually interested in what the website has to offer. This is what makes TikTok so addicting. The algorithm can create a digital profile of you called the "For You Page" that includes information on your gender, age in general, and political views. The fact that this deep learning requires no human input to obtain the data is one of the strangest and most terrifying aspects of it. It works at a much higher rate collecting data and growing it AI to a high level of artificial intelligence since it can read and collect data more quickly than any person can. 

I am constantly on TikTok and as someone who has a decent sized platform on the app, I know more about the algorithm than most people. I go on the app every day and I am always surprised that they know what videos to put on my page and what I can relate to. Even if I did not include my interests when making my account so they know what videos to put on my For You, they still find a way to know everything about you. When watching certain videos, I will be like, "how did TikTok know" or "this is way too specific for it to not be about me." It is mind-blowing to see just how much technology has evolved and advanced over the years. It makes people like me become more addicted because you start believing every video you see because it is way too accurate. 

Additionally, as technology advances, computers are starting to teach individuals how to carry out specific tasks and have even replaced many people in the workforce. In terms of healthcare specifically, AI is capable of performing more exact incisions on patients and even providing exact diagnosis far faster than some of the most skilled medical professionals. Even some concealed threats like cancer that some doctors generally neglect can be discovered by them, according to research. It is becoming more and more unsettling to consider the possibility that many employments could eventually be created more by robots and AI than by humans. There will be fewer jobs available as this machine develops and learns more on its own. The machine is more effective and efficient in performing the task. 

We should keep a close eye on this ever-improving AI. It develops far more quickly, than we anticipated, which could ultimately ruin us all. Additionally, we must maintain human labor in the workforce and not rely solely on these technologies. Despite being less effective, they may nonetheless function in adverse settings, unlike other machines. In light of the fact that robots are constantly learning, even when people aren't aware of it, I advise everyone to log out of all their personal profiles and set Siri to muted. You never know you is listening or watching your accounts, so it is best that you can log off or turn off Siri so personal information cannot be targeted by a hacker or anyone listening.

Machine learning has both positive and negative effects. This is due to the fact that when a system analyzes our generated data, it collects their personal information, violating their right to privacy. Even merely by observing your online behavior, computers are able to determine a person's age and gender. Machine learning is harmful because as it gains knowledge, it becomes less dependent on humans to manage it and maintain it online, thus giving the computer an advantage over people in terms of power.

EOTO #2 Reaction: Online Influencers

Online Influencers are taking over social media. Many ordinary people are given a platform to express themselves and voice their opinions. I enjoyed this presentation from one of my classmates because I am someone who is always on social media and keeps up with many influencers' lives. Online Influencers, the individuals and organizations with a supposedly high level of expertise or social influence in a given field, endorse products and place them in advertisements as part of influencer marketing. Online Influencers are people who have built up credibility in a certain area, has access to a sizable audience, and has the ability to influence others to follow their advice. In fact, when done properly, influencer marketing is quickly becoming into a crucial weapon in a company's toolbox. It is important to consider the influencers' potential impact. In the past year, 72% of people say their faith in influencers has grown, 66% of people say influencers frequently impact their buying decisions, and 64% of people say influencers even assist them in discovering new products. For retailers, all of this is quite important. 

You can earn a bit of money as an influencer. Additionally, you may gain some notoriety and admiration from your following. But if you aren't authentic and genuine, it could be challenging to build a great, long-lasting personal brand. When you put yourself out there, people like to impersonate you online by making a fake account that looks like your personal one. Identity theft is a common issue in the world of social media and can be harmful when the theft posts content that could damage your reputation or image. While being an online influencer, there are other influencers who want to work with you. Those influencers you work with can be both a bad and good thing. When working or collaborate with other influencers, this allows both of you to grow your accounts. Their fans recognize or get to know you, through the influencer you are collaborating with. The bad aspect of collaboration is when they use you for clout. Fake friendships can happen when you meet another influencer and all they want from you is your fame. They can ask to collaborate and then wants that is accomplished, they can potentially never talk to you again. That means that they just wanted the attention from your followers. 

Similar ways that influencers can drive the economy exist. They have developed a new market by connecting with followers on social media. As more people become influencers, the demand for professional assistance in content creation may result in job opportunities. Influencers have the power to draw attention to and support for vital causes. Leading influencers frequently take part in social activism. Especially during the Black Lives Matter movement, there were many influencers that supported this movement and went to protests and organizations. This can inspire society to get involved and help with issues that arise in our society. Online influencers have a big responsibility to set a good example and use their platform for positive aspects that can create an impact on society. They help lead society to form opinions and make decisions based on what they say, do, or advertise. Several social media personalities advocate for having a positive body image and accepting oneself. Some social media influencers could also advocate harmful lifestyles, including dieting or overdoing it on exercise. Social media is one of the main aspects that cause society to feel insecure, create unhealthy habits, and become self-conscious. 

When I go online, I see influencers who pose a certain way and they might suck in their stomach to make them look skinnier. Even though all genders are on social media, this has a major effect on females. Females are more likely to develop an eating disorder. Males can still be effect when they see other males posting their bodies at the gym or they're flexing. They start going to the gym too so they can look like the influencers who create unrealistic standards. I have struggled with my body image my whole life. It got bad when I started to get social media and follow famous influencers. I would look at their bodies and want to change myself. This lead to eating disorders that I developed because I wanted to be thinner. I started to unfollow all of the influencers that encouraged my behavior and it helped me to realize that I am perfect just the way I am. Today, I only follow online influencers who preach positive affirmations and body image. I am now recovered from my bad eating habits and have posted content that is supportive of all types of bodies and shapes that we were born with and that spreads an important message. Online influencers can create a false and unrealistic image of themselves online that people might fall into and want to change themselves to look like them. They can also preach positive body image and help society change for the better. Many online influencers post their own workout routines and advice on how to change your lifestyle for the better in order to create healthy habits. Influencers may encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles or pro-social behaviors, but they may also set negative examples by smoking, drinking, or even engaging in criminal activity. Influencer content may potentially have an impact on the materialism and psychological health of minors. 

Online influencers are people who build a reputation whether it is good or bad. As someone who has always wanted to be an influencer, I have realized that the influencer life is not for me. Money and fame does not last forever for some people. I grew a decent sized following on TikTok in 2020. I had 165,500 followers and I used my platform to inspire others to chase their dreams. I danced on the app and I still do occasionally. It takes a lot of dedication and energy to continue to grow on the app. I wanted to grow even more, but unfortunately I was not able to. TikTok's algorithm can change and my videos were slowly doing poorly because people were not seeing them. It is hard to be confident enough to voice your opinion when everyone gets offended easily. I realized that online influencers have a hard job when it comes to taking criticism and hate. Online influencers are keeping our generation alive and impacting the world around us in many ways. They have been able to make money and grow an audience that they can influence on any topic they can imagine from a simple but effective post on their social media accounts.