pompomdomo

[pompomdomo]

#10 4/23

What role did 9/11 play in the acceptance of survillence?

The role of 9/11 had a significant impact on the acceptsnce of surveillance for security purposes. Due to the fear of the 9/11 atttack it left a feeling of being vulnerable to another terrorist attack. With the government making it seem like the threat may happen again allowing the idea of surveillance be accepted making it seem like it would be the only way to prevent another attack. Due to this there would be a loss of privacy and civil liberties yet at the moment there was a lack of public resistance after 9/11 since the event was traumatizing, the American people supported the idea of surveillance for the publics safety.

Was preventing terrorism effective?

Due to the 9/11 attacks, the way people viewed or used the word terrorism changed. There was a rise in government power over the citizens. There was a lack of transparency with the government when there were threats, causing doubts about the success of the situation since no information was available to the public. With people now being surveilled and data mining. With the surveillance targeting marginalized communities. Its original intention was to target terrorists, but it became a privacy invasion and a civil rights violation.

What is the risk of between free speech and the legal risk of posting on you social media platform?

In the article it is explained that it is complex contection between the constitution rights and the legal boundaries when it comes to posting on Twitter. There is a limitation on free speech that often time can be seen or interpreted as a threat under the laws against terrirismthat may be prosecuted under the law. Since social media is usually used and seen as a public space to express yourself. That does run the that certain posts that incite violence or engage in hate speech may lead to legal action. Due to the law being unclear in the conext of protests yet the law is not always applied making it almost seem selective.

How exactly does the government enforce monitor social media posts?

The government uses different say of surveillance to monitor social media platforms. Whether it is public posts or hashtags. Law enforcement are able to use large amount of data tools that are automated in order to track and collect information. As well many social media platforms such as Twitter work with the government to monitor posts.

[pompomdomo]

Blog #9 4/17

Is the safety of citizens secured with digital spyware?

No, while watching the documentary " Surveilled many alarming things were exposed. That can be a threat to not just the American people but anyone can be a victim. The usage of this was set to be for terrorist and security. Yet that has been far from the truth. It has been found that this technology has been used to hack into people's phones or computers. Oftentimes being politicians, journalists and activists that are the target. Not only is that not alarming but the government is changing the way they would consider something an act of terriosim. With social media having any interactions with an idea that does not fall under the government new beliefs can make you a possible threat. The digital space is no longer as “safe” as it once was with digital spyware.

How has the U.S government been involved with Pegasus and what does that mean for the U.S citizen?

The United States did engage and purchase the Pegasus, the commercial spyware made by Israil company NSO Group. The reason for the purchase was said to be to test the capabilities by the FBI in which this was all done secretly. Yet it was later found that it had begun using it operationally. Being found that the Biden Administration had stepped in wanted to restrict the misuse of the commercial spyware. If there is not a set oversight on the use of this technology it can be a threat to civil liberties if the usage is abused.

What role has hair of women of color in the digital space done?

Natural hair that is embraced is commonly seen as a political act which rejects the social mainstream standards that have been set up. Black women have faced inequality and political discrimination. Embracing their natural hair can challenge the system that has stigmatized black bodies. With an online community black women have a place where they can celebrate and offer support and share stories. A place where knowledge is shared and can be educational for others.

Who was the target of Gamegate?

The primary target were women in the video game industry. Specifically feminist and game developers. It was women who would openly criticize misogyny; they not only suffered from critizement but were also target to harassment campaigns of doxxing and threats. All due to women that challenged the “set” status quo of gaming being male-dominated.

[pompomdomo]

Blog #8 4/10

What impact does “black twitter” have?

The impact that “black twitter” has had with challenging stereotypes, providing a voice for marginalized individuals and biases. Lee discusses how the media has bias on marginalized groups often misrepresenting black communities. They reinforce harmful stereotypes ignoring stories of those in the communities. “Black Twitter” works as a way in which marginalized groups have an outlet to be able to have a voice. They can challenge stereotypes while also giving new perspectives on social and cultural issues. Giving a space where issues that black communities face receive attention when mainstream media outlets ignore them.

How has “Black Twitter” become influential?

“Black Twitter” has worked to be able to bring awareness to systemic racism, economic and social inequalities. It has become a place where activism and social movements can come together. Movement such as #BlackLivesMatter and #OscarsSoWhite was able to gain attention due to the widespread platform of Twitter. Initially starting in “Black Twitter” and spreading all across a wider audience. Where public opinions and corporation action happened. Social and political influence towards black communities has mobilized creating a platform where discussion of policies and shaping political actions have occurred. “Black Twitter” is influential by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, challenging stereotypes and social movements.

How has the internet played into modern activism?

The internet allows for activism to be able to reach a global audience more quickly. As well providing a space where you can gain supporters, share information and be able to organize. Traditional protest faced the challenge of information not spreading fast enough and unable to mobilize effectively. Where online activism allows for information to spread worldwide. Online platforms allow for news and updates on issues to happen more quickly than mainstream media would. As well allow the spread of certain information that would be ignored by mainstream media. Individuals are also able to participate in different ways compared to traditional activism such as simply sharing posts or signing petitions that is enough to create an impact.

What influence did social media have in the Arab Spring?

Social media was able to change the dynamic in which protesting and public communication was occuring. It would allow for the organization of the protest to become more quickly and efficiently. Allowing the mobilization to occur in different cities. Due to social media there was the ability to bypass countries in which censorship and repression occurs.

[pompomdomo]

Blog #7 3/20

How is social capital used?

Social capital refers to connections individuals form with others online. These connections can be either negatively or positively connected. Social capital may be used by groups of activists or to form communities with similar beliefs or values, making social capital meaningful and a place where information can be spread. However, there is a risk of an echo chamber being reinforced by the beliefs this group may have. Through activism, there is a sense of social change and political participation. Yet the internet does allow a place where individuals can reinforce their extreme ideologies creating harmful online behavior.

What is a factor in the growth of white supremacy on social media?

The anonymity of the internet is a factor that allows white supremacy to spread on social media. Individuals can form communities in which they can share their extremist ideologies without facing consequences. With the spread of their ideas and content, it allows for the recruitment of new members with similar ideas. Forming a sense of community, creating an echo chamber. Where ideas can only grow bigger and be amplified by others with similar beliefs forming this sense of community.

What danger do online white supremacist groups pose to society?

The danger they pose to society is that these white supremacist groups will want to spread violence and hate crimes in society. Their ideologies do create a division whether that be with race, gender, or religious groups. As hate speech online becomes more normalized this poses the danger of increasing discrimination and an environment of fear. As we have seen real-world attacks on communities' white supremacist group's beliefs do not align with them. Creating a social division with the promoting of division and hatred in there movements.

What role does the echo chamber have?

The echo chamber plays an important role in social media communities. An echo chamber is a place online where individuals can amplify their beliefs or ideologies that will be accepted by like-minded individuals. In their communities where it may be about white supremacy, they are in a closed environment being exposed to only content that is able to align with their ideologies creating a loop. Allowing only for their idea to intensify since there is no differing opinion in these communities creating a more radical position in ideas.

[pompomdomo]

#6 Blog Post

What role does gender play into a cyborg?

A cyborg was meant to challenge traditional ideas as a new way of identity. It was meant to be a rejection from the binary genders between male and female through a technological aspect. Meant to be designed that way to disrupt the gender norms to avoid being confined to a specific gender role based on their sex. Cyborgs are able to reject the nature and culture of being confined into being male or female. This form will challenge patriarchal ideas on gender, allowing a diverse gender expression to be possible without being constrained.

What role does gender play with the spread of white supremacy online?

Ideologies of white supremacy play a major role with gender. As the internet is often reinforced traditional and patriarchal gender norms, which are ideas that thrive in white supremacy. With white men seen as the “protector” of the white women. Women being seen as pure, that reinforced a gendered hierarchy. Gender roles are commonly seen as a binary term. Seeing masculinity with dominance and femininity as submission.

How does the internet contribute to the preservation of white supremacy?

The internet has been a place that has allowed the spread of white supremacy to spread. As the internet is a place that allows groups and individuals to connect, allowing them to share on white supremacy without any regulations. With these platforms online, there is no accountability, allowing people to remain anonymous, which offers the opportunity for recruitment. Which reinforced the idea of an online community and a sense of belonging with the ideology of white supremacy. The algorithm works as a way to promote their content, which amplifies and normalizes their ideologies.

How does technology shape gender identities of visual cyberculture?

Technology plays a role in shaping gender identities. Online platforms allow individuals to be able to express themselves freely yet there is the reinforcement of traditional gender norms through visual and auditory cues. With the usage of a very feminine face and voice to seem friendly in the digital space.

[pompomdomo]

#5 Blog

Can our society function without a merit system through social media?

We can function as a society without a merit system, but the issue is that there is no motivation to do certain things. As merits work as rewards/ accomplishments, our society is trained into getting rewards. So through social media such as TikTok, funds. Through that, it is a process where if individuals make videos that get enough views and likes at some point, a creator fund is made where they earn money from the content that they make. The struggle that would be created is that in the reward system, people get that there would be no set reward, which can cause a decline in content and engagement with social media.

Are demerits embedded in our society through the education system?

Demerits are deeply embedded in our society from a young age, which is done to train us on certain behaviors. An example of that can be if you arrive late to a class, at times some teachers will remove points from your overall grade, or you might be shamed or called out for it. Shame is a very strong thing that affects people, many will do anything to avoid that. This follows people into adulthood since it is something that people go through at a young age, that demerit works to “train” people as adults.

Why is it important to recognize that the internet is not a neutral space?

Some privileges happen through the internet space. Whether that is through the algorithm or a social media platform that may be prioritized instead of other content that reinforces the exclusion of marginalized communities. The idea exists that the internet is a neutral space, only because race and racism are done in a very subtle way, almost making it invisible enough that it can be ignored. The privileged ones are usually protected online or their content may be favored in the algorithm. They will be less likely to face racial harassment or racial profiling.

Based on the Nosedive episode, why does an inner circle matter?

Inner circle matters depending on the people you know or are exposed to. In the episode, we see that based on the main character, her inner circle is not people with 4’s but instead 3s, such as service workers. Based on that, it does not allow her to scale higher with the ratings. So having an inner circle is vital for her survival to be able to have more privileges in the society that she lives in.

[pompomdomo]

Blog #4 2/27

Is there a clear solution when it comes to digital safety?

Based on what I heard from the speaker there are certain aspects that you could and chose when it comes to safety online. But ultimately there is no actual safety, just certain measurements one can do. All of the apps that we use are controlled and you are constantly being watched by them. There is no way you can just stop using technology as it has become such a crucial thing in society now. I was able to learn that there are certain apps that one can use that may keep you safe and certain things you can do. Such as a text message that keeps your message private but it only works if either person you are messaging has the app as well. As well as installing VPNs on your computer or phones. Not accepting all the cookies when you enter a website or at least read their terms that apply if you do decide to accept them.

Is it up to us as a society to change our mindset as that impacts/affects the digital public sphere or should media creators be held responsible?

I think yes as the speaker for digital literacy mentioned technology is not racist. It is the people who design and do the coding of the technology that are influenced by society and certain ideologies that exist today. To an extent the creators of the media should be held responsible. As an example that was mentioned when it comes to digital surveillance. Most times when it comes to people of color the technology struggles to be able to identify certain people and makes errors. Which has real life consequences on people's life by these errors technology does.

Based on Nakamuras, work on what happened with the idea of the internet.

Before the internet became this whole big thing we knew people had the hope that it would be a space where everyone would be welcomed. Where there would be “perfect equality” which was the original idea and purpose of the world wide web by the creator Tim Burner. Eventually this did not end up happening and the internet became a place where racism exists that affects many people now.

Why is the “yellowface cyborg” so controversial?

It is controversial as it only reinforced stereotypes that currently exist. Even though that was not the intention when created, unfortunately that is what is currently happening. There are genders and patriarchal ideas that are being reinforced by the cyborg. Which brings to question many feminist theories that hoped this would not happen with the technology of cyborgs.

[pompomdomo]

Blog #3

Is there an existing digital divide?

Everett mentions the current digital divide. Even though there is the digital public sphere which is a space where individuals can talk about certain concerns they may have. Many platforms can be used making it very accessible. With that, there is the issue of a digital divide in many black communities as there is not equal access to the digital public sphere.

Due to those issues existing, there is the possibility of inequality being reproduced in an online space.

Why is understanding intersectionality so important?

Understanding intersectionality is vital to better understanding individuals who are at risk of inequality. It is not just about an individual as well but you need to consider history and the structural factor. When it comes to women it is not just their race that is oppressed but their gender as well that plays a factor to it. You need to understand that if they are from marginalized groups and the oppression they face. You need to understand their history and how all of their factors play out in the individual's life. With that, you can better understand the discrimination and privileges an individual has.

Is technology a reflection of societal biases?

There are societal biases that exist and are a current issue. Now these issues are reflected in our technology. The algorithm is designed by people who either consciously or unconsciously input their biases in the technology. Technology is influenced by society and the beliefs we have. With technology becoming vital for society, these biases only reinforce racism

What is the danger of the gang database?

There is an existing danger in databases involving gangs. There is the danger of racial profiling, discrimination, and long-term consequences. The database has been found to target specific people of color. They also consider your appearance, neighborhood, and association of people. Instead of using criminal activity to input you into the database. There is a long-term consequence that affects the individual who is wrongly labeled as a gang member. Whether it is with an employer running a background check on the individual.

#TCL25

[pompomdomo]

Does how the media portrays the current immigration protest have a long-term impact?

Yes, how the media portrays the current immigration protest has a negative long-term impact on the viewer. We currently know that the government is controlling the media. So there is an overall negative tone even with the language they chose to use when giving the news on this event. They focus on the small amount of negative moments that happened during the event. Making it seem that it was chaos, arrest, and disruption were the only things that happened during the protest so that the audience could build on the negative stereotypes of this community. Creating even more fearmongering than there currently is.

What role does race have in technology?

Technology is reinforcing racial inequalities whether that is with AI, surveillance technology, or algorithms. Often targeting racial minorities but this is a cultural product. With AI hiring and algorithms there is a lack of diversity when being created which then creates an underrepresentation of minority groups. Technology is not at fault for this but instead, we can create a change in our society in order to improve our technology.

Why are marginalized groups being surveilled more?

Eubanks explains how marginalized groups are being targeted by technology through monitoring. Addressing how technology and algorithms are slowly shaping our public service harming the low-income minority groups. Even though there is a startling increase in the reliance on technology with data collection even though there is clear evidence of the negative impact it is having.

How is social media censoring the current immigration issues?

Social media is censoring the current immigration issues. There is currently a “trend” on TikTok called cute winter boots. This has become a new way of social activism in the media in order to avoid being censored by the media. With the increase in ICE raids, TikTok users used this phrase in order to alert other users to watch out. Yet this hashtag was used to avoid censorship; it did not last long before that hashtag was censored.

#TCL25

[pompomdomo]

A time technology did not live up to the hype was during middle school with the MathWay app. This app was designed to be a math problem solver. It was middle school so I was freshly learning about technology and being exposed to certain apps. In addition, I had always struggled with math, just not a math person no matter how hard I try, math does not come that easy on me. So some friends in class told me about the app and that it solved your problems with steps and everything. So I figured okay yeah that sounds good so I downloaded the app. It completely backfired on me. To this day I have no idea why it did not work for me. You have the option to either take a picture of the problem or write it down on the app.

The app was just not able to complete my problems all the time. So it felt frustrating using this app that works wonders for my other friends yet here I am struggling. I also had the issues that the answers were wrong so middle school me would turn in my assignments just to get a bad grade back. Eventually, I was able to find another app that was similar to it but in the end, most apps do not go into detail with the problems they solve. So I lacked the steps but had an answer to that. I learned my lesson and just figured I was wasting more time trying to find easy cuts to my work. Instead of using that time to do so, I used the app to check if my answer was right or wrong. By doing the work for my math problems I was able to better my relationship with math I still do not fully understand yet I find it so fun and cool to be able to see all the steps of a problem. So Mathway was disappointing but I think it was for the best I was able to improve my relationship with math.