jrosenz

[jrosenz]

Blog Post - Week 12:

How does social media reinforce or challenge traditional beauty standards? 

In Virtual Homeplace: (Re)Constructing the Body through Social Media, L. Lee makes the argument that social media both supports and challenges traditional standards of beauty. On the one hand, social media supports these norms by promoting romanticized photos and popular beauty filters that fit the definition of conventional beauty, frequently pressuring users to stick to strict guidelines. By providing a platform for diverse users to share a wide range of body types, features, and identities, social media, on the other hand, challenges these norms. This can expand society's perception of beauty and encourage body positivity. 

How do "likes" and "followers" affect one's self-esteem and body image? 

L. Lee claims in Virtual Homeplace: (Re)Constructing the Body through Social Media that "likes" and "followers" have a big influence on one's body image and sense of self. Having a lot of likes and followers can help people feel more confident and attractive. Low engagement, on the other hand, can cause negative body image and insecurity because people may mistake their social media popularity for their own value. Self-esteem becomes linked to online approval as a result of this, which frequently causes insecurities and the need for validation from others.

How did Gamergate bring attention to issues of sexism within the gaming community? 

The article by J. Hathaway titled "What is Gamergate, and why? "An Explainer for Non-Geeks," Gamergate exposed the threats and harassment experienced by women in gaming, particularly female developers and critics, drawing attention to sexism in the gaming community. The movement, which highlighted the difficulties faced by women in the male-dominated gaming industry and triggered conversations about gender discrimination and online abuse, was first presented as a debate over ethics in gaming journalism but soon came to be associated with sexist attacks.

How did Gamergate show the potential dangers of unregulated social media? 

The article by J. Hathaway titled "What is Gamergate, and why? Gamergate, "An Explainer for Non-Geeks," drew attention to the dangers of uncontrolled social media by demonstrating how these sites could be used to spread targeted attacks, harassment, and false information, especially against players who are female. Without strict moderation, these platforms allowed negative behaviors to increase, demonstrating how unmonitored online communities can turn into dangerous and hostile spaces.

Hathaway, Jay. "What Is Gamergate, and Why? An Explainer for Non-Geeks." 

Lee, Lori. "Virtual Homeplace: (Re)Constructing the Body through Social Media."

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Blog Post - Week 11:

Why might Black Twitter be seen as a form of "resistance media"? 

Black Twitter can be considered a type of "resistance media" since it gives Black voices a place to address stereotypes and prejudices found in the media. Black Twitter reinforces stories, increases awareness of issues like racial injustice, and holds powerful institutions accountable, in contrast to traditional outlets that frequently ignore or misrepresent Black experiences. Black Twitter challenges traditional narratives and provides a more genuine, community-driven viewpoint by establishing a place where Black users can freely express their opinions, exchange stories, and start movements (like #BlackLivesMatter). 

How has Black Twitter changed perceptions about Black culture, identity, and experiences? 

By enabling Black people to share their own stories, viewpoints, and humor, all of which are frequently misrepresented in the media, Black Twitter has influenced perceptions of Black culture, identity, and experiences. Black Twitter provides a more comprehensive and sophisticated picture of Black life by highlighting everyday Black experiences, celebrating cultural accomplishments, and addressing social issues through trending topics, hashtags, and viral discussions. By demonstrating the broad range of Black culture and encouraging a sense of pride and community, this exposure has helped with denying stereotypes.

In what ways can cyberprotests raise awareness about complex global issues? 

Cyberprotests, which use the internet to quickly share information and reach a wide range of people, can increase awareness of complicated global issues. They help people understand and interact with issues that might otherwise seem distant or complex by spreading extensive research, statistics, and personal experiences. For instance, activists brought attention to issues of debt, poverty, and inequality during demonstrations against the World Bank, making these subjects more approachable and causing international conversations that the mainstream media might not have as thoroughly addressed.

How does anonymity online impact the nature of cyberprotests? 

Anonymity online allows those participating in cyberprotests to express their opinions without worrying about the consequences to their personal lives. This can inspire more people to join and express disappointment, particularly against influential organizations such as the World Bank. This anonymity can encourage fearless, honest expressions of annoyance or opposition while also protecting activists in oppressive settings. But it also presents problems because the absence of accountability can occasionally result in the movement using extreme strategies or spreading false information.

Vegh, Sandor. Classifying Forms of Online Activism. Lee, Latoya.

Black Twitter: A Response to Bias in Mainstream Media.

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Blog Post - Week 10:

How does anonymity factor into the appeal and success of trolling activities?

Anonymity is key to the appeal and success of trolling because it enables bullies to act without worrying about the consequences on their own lives, according to Whitney Phillips in “Defining Terms: The Origins and Evolution of Subcultural Trolling”. These trollers feel more inclined to provoke, disrupt, and engage in ways they might not if their identities were known, which leads to more extreme behavior. An additional element of fascination and suspense is added by anonymity, which can give the impression that trolling is a game in which individuals compete for attention without disclosing their identities.

In what ways does Bergstrom suggest that ignoring trolls might be both helpful and harmful?

In “Don’t Feed the Trolls: Shutting Down Debate about Community Expectations on Reddit.com”, Bergstrom argues that trolls can be stopped from disruptive behavior by denying them the attention they crave. However, it can also be harmful because it might permit offensive or dangerous content to remain unregulated, providing trolls with more room for spreading hate and possibly discouraging real users from taking part in conversations. On both sides of the spectrum, ignoring trolling can have both positives and negatives when it comes to conversations on Reddit.com.

How does Bergstrom argue that the “don’t feed the trolls” mindset affects free speech on Reddit?

According to Bergstrom's argument in Don't Feed the Trolls: Shutting Down Debate about Community Expectations on Reddit.com, the "don't feed the trolls" mindset may block free speech on Reddit by stopping users from having meaningful conversations about controversial topics. Users may refrain from expressing particular viewpoints or engaging in discussions by ignoring or avoiding interactions with trolls, which restricts free speech and lessens the amount of voices in the community.

How can victims of hate crimes made online affect their offline lives, according to Citron?

According to Citron's explanation in “Hate Crimes in Cyberspace – Introduction”, victims of online hate crimes may experience physical harm, emotional distress, job loss, and damage to reputation, among other real-world effects. In addition to causing victims to feel unsafe and socially disconnected outside of the internet, harassment and threats that start online but may also be disruptive with their personal and professional lives.

Phillips, W. The Origins of Trolling.

Bergstrom, Kelly. “Don’t feed the troll”: Shutting down debate about community expectations on Reddit.com.

K. Citron, Danielle. Hate Crimes in Cyberspace.

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Blog Post - Week 8:

How does Haraway believe technology can change the way we think about feminism?

In Donna Haraway's argument in "A Cyborg Manifesto," technology has the power to change our ideas of feminism by questioning existing boundaries between gender, nature, and culture. The combined human machine figure of the cyborg symbolizes a shift away from fixed ideas of identity and toward more flexible, different ways of living. Haraway thinks that feminism can reconsider gender and power through technology, opening up opportunities for opposing oppression and for creating more inclusive futures that break strict categories like human/machine or male/female.

What is the main message Haraway wants readers to take away from her cyborg metaphor?

Donna Haraway uses a cyborg metaphor in "A Cyborg Manifesto" to express the idea that boundaries and identities, such as those between males and females or humans and machines, are not set in stone. By providing a vision of a society in which people can question traditional ideas of gender, race, and power, the cyborg symbolizes a means of ending these obstacles. Haraway utilizes the cyborg to promote a more flexible and inclusive feminist movements, where fresh forms of resistance against discrimination are made possible by embracing difficulties and confusion.

How does the anonymity of the internet contribute to the spread of racist and sexist ideologies?

According to Jessie Daniels' explanation in "Gender, White Supremacy, and the Internet," people may hide their identities online, making it easier for them to share racist and sexist views without fear of consequences. Because they feel hidden from responsibility, users are more likely to act hatefully when they are anonymous. Since individuals can join or create online spaces where they freely share and promote white supremacist and sexist beliefs without fear of identification or punishment, this lack of responsibility promotes the spread of harmful ideas.

What role does the internet play in spreading white supremacist ideas, according to Daniels?

Based on Jessie Daniels' argument in "Gender, White Supremacy, and the Internet," hate groups use the internet as a means of communication, organization, and selection, which contributes significantly to the spread of white supremacist ideologies. White supremacists can spread their ideas, build communities, and reach people around the world by using social media, websites, and groups. In addition, algorithms on the internet can spread this type of content to users who might not have actively searched for it, making it easier for white supremacist ideologies to gain popularity.

Haraway, Donna. “A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century.”

Daniels, J. “Gender, White Supremacy and the Internet.”

Avatar

While I don’t have a gaming avatar, this would be my day-to-day avatar, known as a “Memoji.” I tried to make this avatar match my appearance since it’s what I look like on a daily basis. I used my full name Jill Rosenzweig for a name and decided this would represent me best. I wanted to incorporate personal taste and style with minimal makeup and jewelry! I was not interested in disgusinf my indemnity for this avatar since it will be used in iMessages and for my contact on my phone.

This is my Snapchat Avatar, which would be my social avatar. The username for this avatar is @jillrosenz and it’s easy to know it’s me since it’s my first and last name combined. I believe it resembles similar features and styles that I have. From being blonde with freckles, to wearing tank tops and jeans, I think it matches my appearance very well. I wear very minimal makeup and earrings/jewlery everyday so I chose to add the same things that I would normally wear. I wasn’t interested in disgusting my race, gender, or sex because I wanted this avatar to accurately show who I am.

[jrosenz]

Blog Post - Week 7:

How does technology and the media play a role in violence against women?   

Because of the encouragement of harmful behaviors such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and the sharing of private images without consent, technology and media have a major effect on female violence. After listening to the informative guest speaker, Miriam Hernandez, I recall her talking about how women can be threatened with violence or harassed on messaging apps, as well as other online platforms, and police officers allow them to get away with no repercussions. The story she told about a woman's private photos being spread by her ex-significant other and then being taken to the police office, then being passed around by the other male police officers made me very uncomfortable. Hearing that people who are supposed to protect our society and women all over the world in general, are making matters worse and not helping the situation is a very scary thought.    

What role does social media play in shaping public perceptions of race?

Based on Race & Social Media, social media plays a significant role in influencing how the general public views race and can have both a positive and negative impact. According to Senft and Noble, social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not only give people of color the opportunity to share their own stories and challenge racial stereotypes, but they additionally encourage the quick spread of these types of beliefs. Social media is a tool for a form of activism like movements like #BlackLivesMatter, which draws attention to racial injustice and contributes to changing the public's understanding of race, even though it can also reinforce harmful ideas about race through biased algorithms and content that goes viral.

According to Senft and Noble, how are women of color represented on social media different from men of color?

Senft and Noble claim that women of color experience more attention and stereotyping than men of color because they are more commonly viewed on social media in ways that highlight both their gender and race. Women of color are more likely to be the targets of online harassment, hypersexualization, and objectification. Men of color, on the other hand, are typically associated with negative stereotypes of violence or criminal activity. For women of color, the intersection of race and gender creates different types of exclusion and visibility on social media platforms. 

How do Senft and Noble explore the role of hashtags in creating awareness around racial issues?

Senft and Noble discuss how hashtags, by creating online spaces for activism and conversation, are essential in bringing racial issues to the public's attention. Hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter and #SayHerName contributes to drawing attention to the continuous oppression of people of color, police brutality, and racial injustice. Using these hashtags, people can come together around a common cause, share their stories, and give voice to communities that are underrepresented. Hashtags have the ability to go viral and spread those problems to people around the world, which allows social media to be a powerful way for movements to organize and spread awareness.

Noble, Safiya. Race and Social Media, safiyaunoble.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/senft_noble_racesocialmedia_bookchapter.pdf. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024. 

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Blog Post - Week 6:

In what ways does the digital world either challenge or strengthen traditional ideas of race? 

Kolko, Nakamura, and Rodman argue in Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction that online environments both destroy and maintain traditional ideas of race. On the one hand, people may question strict racial boundaries and interact in racially neutral or anonymous spaces by using the internet, which allows for racial identity flexibility. Despite the possibility of being anonymous, race still shapes digital interactions, as seen by the spread of racial stereotypes through online profiles, memes, and behaviors as well as the mirroring of offline racial biases.

Why does Ow believe that Asians are often linked with technology in science fiction? 

Asians often have a connection with technology in science fiction, based on J. Ow's argument in The Revenge of the Yellow-Faced Cyborg Terminator. This is mainly because of historical and cultural stereotypes that portray Asians as hyper technological, emotionless, and foreign. This connection results from Western concerns over the increasing economic and technological strength of Asia, especially with regard to nations like China and Japan. The belief that Asians are essentially closer to machines than to humans is reinforced by media representations of Asians as robots or cyborgs, which reflect these anxieties. This is an example of how Asians are dehumanized in popular culture by this perception.

What role does the internet play in spreading white supremacist ideas, according to Daniels? 

J. Daniels makes the case in White Supremacy in the Digital Era: An Introduction that the internet is crucial to the spread of white supremacist ideologies because it gives these groups a place for communication, recruiting, and the anonymous publication of their beliefs. White supremacists can communicate with each other and the world through social media, discussions, and websites. They can also exchange information and use strategies like memes, coded language, and misinformation to draw in new followers. These groups find it less difficult to organize and spread hate without facing immediate consequences due to the anonymity of the internet and the lack of regulation on many platforms.

Why does Daniels argue that it is difficult to stop the online spread of white supremacist ideology? 

J. Daniels makes the case in White Supremacy in the Digital Era: An Introduction that people can avoid responsibility thanks to the anonymity the internet provides making it difficult to contain the spread of white supremacist ideology online. In addition to using symbols and coded language to avoid being identified, white supremacists take advantage of free speech rights to justify their views. In addition, when banned they are able to quickly adapt by switching to new platforms or creating new social media accounts to emphasize their ideas, making it more difficult to stop the spread of these ideas.

Daniels, J. White Supremacy in the Digital Era: An Intro, www.amazon.com/Cyber-Racism-Supremacy-Perspectives-Multiracial/dp/0742561585. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Kolko, Beth, et al. “Race in Cyberspace.” Routledge & CRC Press, Routledge, 11 Jan. 2000, www.routledge.com/Race-in-Cyberspace/Kolko-Nakamura-Rodman/p/book/9780415921633.

Ow, J. “The Revenge of the YellowFaced Cyborg Terminator.” Sharon Tran, 3 July 2010, emergentia.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/annotation-jeffrey-a-ows-the-revenge-of-the-yellowfaced-cyborg-terminator-2003/.

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Blog Post - Week 4:

How does intersectionality have an impact on our society? (​​Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw - Defines Intersectionality)  

In the video, Kimberlé Crenshaw talks about the concept of intersectionality, which emphasizes how a person's experiences, usually surrounding sexism and racism, are shaped by the overlapping of various aspects of their identity, including race, gender, class, and sexuality. It highlights how oppression and discrimination can take many different forms and that all of them can't be fully understood in separation. For example, the video discusses how a Black woman may encounter sexism and racism in ways that are relevant to her identity. Recognizing these connections can help society address inequality and make efforts to promote social justice to be more inclusive to the wide range of everyday situations.

What is old vs new cyberfeminism? 

The initial idea behind the cyberfeminism movement was that women would use the internet to rebel against and overthrow the patriarchy. These days, it has grown more complex, recognizing the hierarchical structure that exists in our society and the tools required to break it down, starting at the lowest level. Since it addresses how racism and capitalism connect with the patriarchy and its attempt to marginalize all minorities, not just women, it adopts a more intersectional perspective. For instance, the legal system accuses people of crimes using technology like face recognition, which is biased against people of color because it was developed and implemented by White, biased people. Daniels (2024). One way that new cyberfeminism functions today is realizing how women of color can be impacted by this, even though white women aren't.  

What impact does the historical background of racial inequality have on contemporary technology?  

Benjamin makes links between modern technologies that uphold racial structures and historical racial control mechanisms like slavery and Jim Crow legislation. In addition to this, societies with a long history of racial oppression make technological advances. For instance, the surveillance technologies that are currently employed in law enforcement have their origins in past techniques for managing marginalized communities, and new technologies might just offer more advanced means of carrying on with these methods.  

How does Noble connect the bias of search engines to oppressive historical forms? 

In the text, Noble makes a comparison between historical instances of racial and gender discrimination and the biases built into search algorithms. According to her, search engines and other digital platforms are now infected with the same ideologies that have historically discriminated against women, people of color, and other minority groups. Digital spaces continue the historical legacies of colonialism, patriarchy, and white supremacists, making it challenging to separate technology from these solid oppressive systems.  

“ Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw - Defines Intersectionality.” YouTube, youtu.be/ViDtnfQ9FHc?si=y0p7v-YMZQ7i3ku2. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024. 

Ruth Thornton | Global Product Manager. “How to Use Modules to Build Courses in Canvas.” Instructure, 25 Feb. 2021, www.instructure.com/resources/blog/how-use-modules-build-courses-canvas. 

“California State University, Fullerton.” Achieve Greatness: California State University, Fullerton, www.fullerton.edu/. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.

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Blog Post - Week 3:

How can cyberfeminism be more inclusive of different racial experiences?

By recognizing and taking into account the particular difficulties and viewpoints faced by women of color, cyberfeminism can be more inclusive for different racial experiences. Cyberfeminism can use new technology to improve agendas that address racial and gender inequality at the same time, as seen by African American women's political online organizing during the Million Woman March. Cyberfeminism can become more inclusive and representative of a variety of racial experiences by recognizing the different ways that women of color use digital platforms and taking advantage of these tools to support intersectional activism.

Why is cyberfeminism an important issue in our society?

When it comes to cyberfeminism, Daniels states, “Rather, “cyberfeminism” refers to a range of theories, debates, and practices about the relationship between gender and digital culture (Flanagan and Booth 2002, 12)”. In simpler words, it examines the relationship between gender and technology, especially when it comes to gender equality and inclusivity. Cyberfeminist practices consist of self-identified women experimenting with and engaging in various internet technologies. Online, there can be many issues with bullying and harassment, as well as finding a safe and empowering environment to share your thoughts. Almost every teenager and young adult is a part of social media, so most people are able to share their opinions online and look at trending topics. With social media being such a huge part of our society, cyberfeminism can promote a positive space to advocate for gender rights and promote equality and inclusivity.

What role does human judgment play in Eubanks' critique of automation?

In the introduction of her book "Automating Inequality," Virginia Eubanks makes a point that human judgment is necessary for evaluating and reducing the effects of automation in public services. She criticizes the excessive dependence on computer systems by emphasizing how these systems usually lack the complex knowledge that comes from making decisions by humans. According to Eubanks, automation might eliminate crucial human judgment and empathy, which can result in decisions that are less responsive to the needs of the individual and more likely to reinforce existing biases. She highlights that automated technologies cannot provide fairness, accountability, or sensitivity in the delivery of operations since human judgment is required.

What role do biases in algorithm design play in spreading inequality?

According to Virginia Eubanks' explanation in the introduction of "Automating Inequality," algorithm design biases serve to reinforce and deepen existing societal prejudices, which in return contributes to the growth of inequality. Sometimes, algorithms depend on previous information that shows establishes prejudice and discrimination. Automated systems have the potential to duplicate and worsen existing gaps by unfavorably selecting decisions that negatively impact underrepresented groups if these biases are not addressed. For instance, an algorithm trained on biased data may produce results that unfairly target or ignore specific groups, which would serve to reinforce and extend social injustices rather than to address them. Eubanks believes that these design defects may result in a feedback loop that further excludes those who are poor, resulting in sustaining an unfair cycle of distribution.

Eubanks. Automating Inequality Intro.

Daniels. Rethinking Cyberfeminisms.

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News for all The People (Gonzalez and Torres) - Week 2:

How has the power of white-owned media outlets shaped the opinion of race in our society? 

In our society, white people have almost always had an upper hand compared to people of color throughout the history of the United States. While this is unethical, it has played a large role in the media of our society, especially with access to instant news. With that being said, the article states how the media can draw attention to certain events, while blindsiding people and hiding other events that they don't want to highlight. This can play a huge role when it comes to discrimination and racial issues because the people who are running certain news and media outlets can control what is seen by the world and if they are white people who disregard all the current racial problems, this can be a huge dilemma. In addition to this, the article discusses how white people own and operate our society’s main newspapers, magazines, and broadcast stations. 

How do minority communities use the media as a tool for resistance and advocacy?

Due to racial exclusion, it led to a separate press being created, usually referred to as the “minority” or “ethnic” media. According to the article, the writers aimed to be fair and accurate with their news in their communities and seemed to be more consistent defenders of press freedom. The editors and journalists were often ignored or persecuted, or just generally treated very poorly. On the other hand, these pieces of writing had the goal of being preserved for future generations so they could understand the achievements that these editors and journalists of color struggled through. These writers went up against the worst racial aspects with so much racism and discrimination, so it is vital that their efforts of promoting press freedom and also revolutionary movements are recognized in society for generations to come. 

How does racial bias play a role in the media?

The article states the fact that newspapers, radio, and television have a huge role in influencing racist views throughout the population. Within these forms of media, non-white minorities are viewed as threats to white society, causing people listening or watching the news to believe that these groups are less than. Issues with racial ignorance, group hatred, and discriminatory government policies arise because of this bias in the media where people of color are portrayed in a negative viewpoint. In addition to these relevant issues, stereotypes play a huge role in opinions and how people of color are treated. 

Why do the authors highlight the significance of media outlets owned by minorities in the fight for racial justice?

Gonzalez and Torres highlight the significance of media outlets written by minorities to remind the reader that these platforms have a strong impact on our society, especially when it comes to providing representation and voicing opinions in misrepresented communities. There is a change in story and perspective when these different media outlets are discovered, which then competes with the more powerful and usually biased perspectives of mainstream media. Since these communities are able to write and discuss whatever they want because of freedom of speech, minorities are able to talk about their personal problems with stereotypes, racism, and also can advocate for their own rights. 

Juan González, and Joseph Torres. “News for All the People.” Democracy Now!, www.democracynow.org/books/news_for_all_the_people.

[jrosenz]

Failed by Technology - Week 1:

STORY TIME: Tell us about a time when technology didn't live up (to the hype) to it's promises.

One time that technology failed me was when I had a paper due the night before I left for a trip with my family during a school break. I had worked so hard writing this paper and was so relieved to be done and have it ready to go before I left for my trip. After turning it in, I immediately closed my computer and got my bags packed to be ready for this vacation. Of course, there was no “failed to submit” notification after I had felt so accomplished by turning in my multiple page paper. I remember having a funny feeling in my stomach, but thinking nothing of it because I was so excited to go on vacation. A few days went by, and it wasn’t until I was toward the end of my vacation that I had received a notification for my grade on this paper. After seeing this on my phone, I immediately clicked on it, hoping for the best and feeling confident. My eyes widened and I was shocked to see a big round zero on the page for my grade. In complete panic, I realized my paper had unfortunately not been submitted to Canvas. I wasn’t sure if it was a problem with my Wifi, my computer, or Canvas so I had no idea what to blame this error on. Luckily, I had told my teacher as soon as possible and found that she would be accepting and understanding of my situation because I explained that I worked so hard on this strenuous paper. To my surprise, I ended up getting a decent grade on this paper so I guess technology didn’t live up to its hype for a short period of time. To this day, I still double check, maybe even triple check, to make sure my assignments are completely uploaded and submitted after technology failed me.