sarahsellrou-blog

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Blog Post 11/16

Question 1: Is Wikileaks beneficial or detrimental to society?

A: I believe Wikileaks can have negative impacts, but ultimately is beneficial. Wikileaks makes me think back to the Pentagon Papers in the 1970s. This was similar in that a former government employee was aware of sensitive information which was relevant to the American people but not being released. I believe sites such as WikiLeaks, as well as the media are another type of “check” upon the government in order to keep them in line.

Question 2: Is Wikipedia useful despite its reputation for being an unreliable source of information?

A: I would say absolutely. I use Wikipedia frequently, often when I am curious about an event or a person and want to know a quick summary. I have found Wikipedia to even be helpful in academic settings as the references at the bottom often list some very useful resources which can be academic in nature and provide a more detailed summation of the original Wikipedia post. I believe Wikipedia also has a relatively successful method for editing pages and reviewing edits to avoid bias and false information.

Question 3: Is Gamergate really about journalism ethics?

A: I would argue that while journalism ethics may be related, Gamergate goes far beyond that being the root of the movement. The movement could be generalized as a movement against women within the gaming industry. That is in essence what it is, as that’s who the movement targeted. Women associated with video games are often subjected to sexual harassment and discrimination simply due to their voice. Female characters are often oversexualized, and there is a disparity between the number of men and women employed within the industry. Recently, more have begun to take notice of these practices, and unfortunately Zoe Quinn was the target of the gaming community in response. The gaming community subjected Quinn to doxing, and her private sex life was blasted on the internet by her bitter ex. Had these roles been reversed, the response would not have been nearly the same.

Question 4: How was Gamergate similar to the Leslie Jones situation we discussed in class?

A: Gamergate was similar as Jones received the blunt of the abuse as viewers were angered at the emergence of females in the remake of a film which had a cult following. If the abuse was in response to the movie being bad then all of the cast would have been similarly subjected to it, but that was not the case. Similar to how journalism ethics was supposedly the target of Gamergate yet Quinn received the blunt of the abuse. The tactics used were also very similar as the abuse took place predominantly on online platforms and had severely negative impacts upon the victims of the abuse.

Hathaway, Jay. 2014. “What is Gamergate, and Why? An Explainer for Non-Geeks.” Gawker. October 10. Retrieved November 16, 2018.

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Blog Post 10/26/18

1. What will you measure? a. For my ethical algorithm for a social media platform I will measure interests of users by pulling information from accounts they interact with, like or follow, and also the content the users post. Specifically, regarding news post, I will measure what news sources users are engaging with in an effort to provide sources from multiple sources (I.E conservative or liberal). 2. How will you weight these factors? a. The algorithm would measure how often users engage with different types of content as well as what type of content users frequently engage with at which times. Key words could be utilized to track what content is most frequently being engaged with by users. 3. What factors will not be measured? a. The amount of engagements, followers, and likes will not dictate whether something is displayed. For example, a post receiving a large number of likes will not be placed higher than content users frequently engage with. Factors related to marketing will not be measured as the site will not be for profit. 4. How will the model learn or adapt to new information? a. The algorithm will be dependent upon content which users want to see. Users will be able to tag or flag words or content they do not wish to be displayed. Content or words which receive a large number of flags or tags will be reviewed and removed from the site. 5. What biases will be built into the model? How will this change the algorithms outcome? a. The biases built into this model would actually be designed to prevent biases. By this I mean that if a user engages with political content, they will be shown a wide range of political content. If users choose to forgo this model, they can elect to only view content that they follow or search. This option to forgo will change the outcome in that the feed of a user will be one-sided and only what the user explicitly wishes to see. 6. How will the model live out the (un)ethical practices we have discussed? a. The algorithm would be designed to prevent hate speech and bullying. In addition, it allows users to decide what they want to view while also being exposed to new content. Their data will also be safe from being used for profit.

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Blog post 10/12

1. How is racism reflected within the digital age?

A: racism can be reflected in many ways within the digital age. The use of computers or devices rather than face to face interaction allows individuals to express themselves in a way which would not be acceptable behavior in person. Examples of this are present not only through social media in which racists remarks target someones looks, but also someone using racial slurs through video game headsets.

2. How has the digital age influenced bullying?

A: The digital age has changed the way in which bullying is exercised by individuals. In the past, victims of bullying were able to escape their bullies by going home from school. In the digital age, victims of bullying often face an onslaught of taunting not only in person, but also at home. Statistically, there has been a drastic rise in the diagnosis of mental health disorders. I believe that this rise correlates with the emergence of the digital age. Those with mental health disorders may find themselves more exposed than ever to judgements and harrassment for their looks, views and much more with no escape. This constant onslaught can have severe effects on an individuals mental health and can lead to the development of anxiety disorders.

3. Is racism present towards avatars in games?

A. I can only speak on this from my experience with avatars and in that instance I feel as though racial remarks are regarded more towards players themselves rather than avatars. By this I mean when playing video games, if an individual hears another player speaking or typing they may associate their responses with a specific race and target that race as a result. This in itself is an issue as it can make the virtual works uncomfortable for those seeking entertainment and refuge from the real world.

4. What does your avatar say about you?

A. So this is my bitmoji. I recently changed the outfit because I had a Sabres one on but they continue to let me down😭 I like to actually pick outfits I think I would wear in real life, and I change my bitmojis hair when I get a hair cut because I like my bitmoji to accurately reflect what I look like. I feel like this specific picture reflects me well because I'm a senior and I'm constantly juggling living on my own, playing a sport, all my school work, my social life, and cleaning all while keeping my sanity. I like bitmoji because I feel like theres one that matches up with nearly everything I'm trying to say at times. For gaming I would probably use something similar to my bitmoji, my Wii mii used to look as similar to me as I could make it and I've done the same in sims. For dating I would use an actual picture of myself, (but as I'm taken I typically include my boyfriend In my profile pictures because hes such a big part of my life).

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I also believe the ranking system in China is eerily similar to the black mirror episode. It bothers me that the system has the capability of punishing individuals who have done nothing wrong such as children whose parents could have lower scores. In theory it has a positive effect on society, but I feel as though this type of system implements far too much governmental control in all aspects.

10/5/18

1.) Black Mirror thoughts?

I believe is showed our society in the true way it is: were all looking for others approval, online or in person. We judge what we put online based on the amount of likes, retweets, etc. that we “achieve” when we post something. The more we get, the more we feel accepted and liked in that society, just like in Black Mirror where they get a rating based on their interactions with everyday people.

2.) Is the article on the Chinese ranking system a start to something similar as Black Mirror?

I believe it is. It shows that it might be possible for the rest of the world to follow in it’s footsteps and mandate that citizen’s follow it as the Chinese government is. If you have a low score, you can be banned from the train or plane’s, getting into the best schools, job offers from high positions can be stopped, not getting good hotels, etc. It is very similar to Black Mirror and if it popularized (Unlikely, but unable to say for sure) it can become global and a way to control citizens even more.

3.) Are personalized Ads online worth the intrusion?

I believe no, because harvesting people’s data to “sell them what they want” is not okay to me. I would rather have a longer search for an item or miss out on a deal or item. This is why I use ad block on every site I use along with an extension that tells me when I’m being tracked and will block it if I choose (which I do). Storing all my information when I do not want it to be tracked just to sell me a product is not okay in my opinion and I will do everything I can to stop it.

4.) Blood technology, how bad is it and how prevalent is it in our daily lives?

It is obviously bad, yet as consumers we fuel corporations to continue to do this awful practice with our money. Every year, or two, we buy the newest and greatest iPhone, or some other flag ship phone, and go on our merry way and do not think of how that physical phone was created (excluding the thoughts and ideas behind it). When in some cases it was created in a sweat shop, or in a factory that has unsafe working condition’s, inadequate pay, etc. It is everywhere we look, since we do not know the where, how or who made it. It can show up anywhere we look, from your smart watch to the computer at home.

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I agree with your response to question 1. In an internet politics class I took we discussed how people often have like minded individuals on their newsfeed, which in turn perpetuates a cycle of only viewing information in which you agree with. In some instances this can be beneficial but I feel as if it can be viewed as a negative. I think exposure to arguments and different views is important to forming views.

Blog Post #

Q1.) Does social/digital media influence how we view the world around us?

A1.) Most definitely. If all you’re seeing on your timelines or television screens is sad and depressing stories, then you’re likely to see the world as a very dark and sad place. Social media greatly influences not only how we view and make sense of everything around us, but also how we view ourselves, and even the people we surround ourselves with.

Q2.) How do companies and business establish connections with customers or online users?

A2.) Business connect with their consumers in various ways via social media. Whether it be through polls, giveaways, contests or exclusive deals/discounts for members. Companies really work to integrate themselves into consumer culture online. Making the buyer feel as though they are apart of some decisions made by the company, or that they have a connection with a certain business allows them to influence a consumers likelihood of continuing to shop or work with that specific corporation

Q3.) How does participatory culture effect cultural diversity?

A3.) I believe the more involved you are with social media, or even with those around you, can help to encourage and support cultural diversity. Social media is a place to express yourself in whatever way you please, so why not take advantage of it and use it to show the world who you truly are. Social media allows different people to interact with other people around the world, and opens doors to learning about varying cultures and ways of life, and reassures individuals to express themselves, and their beliefs.

Q4.) Is digital labor considered exploitation?

QA.) In some cases I believe yes, but in others I think no. If an author publishes an article or blog they created on a site that mentions they will not be compensated for their work in the terms and conditions, then that is on the author of that work. Still, bloggers, writers, etc. should receive some sort of compensation, especially if the work becomes big and draws a lot of attention, thus bringing more viewers to the website as a whole. 

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Blog Post 4

Blog Post Week 5

1.      What are the pros and cons of personalized online advertisements?

a.       The pros of personalized advertising online are two-fold as it may benefit the companies advertising as well as the consumer. Being able to view advertisements you have an interest in saves time for companies who previously had to reach out to a much broader audience. Personalized advertisements also may lead to an increase in sales as consumers are more likely to click on ads they have an interest in. Consumers may benefit from this method as they don’t have to put as much effort into searching out products. The cons of these advertisements come at the expense of our data being utilized by companies to provide these advertisements. It can feel like our privacy is being invaded when you are constantly bombarded with ads you just spoke about.

2.      With China engaging in a social credit system, what could be learned from the “Nosedive” episode we watched in class?

a.       China’s social credit system is based upon infractions such as bad driving, not paying bills on time, smoking in nonsmoking zones, etc. Within the episode, one’s social score was based upon social interactions with other individuals, as well as social media posts. China is similar to the episode in that posting “fake news” or making too many frivolous purchases such as video games can deduct from one’s social credit. These are similar in actions perceived as negative by society negatively impact one’s ability to function. China could learn from the episode that when individuals are forced to function within strict societal standards it can lead to suppressed unhappy individuals.

3.      The diamond industry which is commonly referred to as “blood diamonds” has faced serious pressure to reform. Will the iphone industry ultimately face the same pressure?

a.       Consumers are happy to receive their products and often don’t take time to understand exactly where their products come from and under what conditions they are made. In order for these reforms to occur a wide enough pressure would have to be applied to the industry and as a result of this, I believe it will be an long time before any changes are made.

4.      How can advertisements become even more interconnected with society?

a.       I recently watched the new Netflix show “Maniac” which takes place in a futuristic society. Within this society, individuals may opt to watch advertisements in exchange for free services. An example of this is being able to listen to advertisements in exchange for a free subway ride. I feel as though this is a very real possibility for being able utilize advertising to support oneself in regards to transportation or free food.

[sarahsellrou-blog]

I like how you mentioned how we as users aren't really concerned with where our data is going. I also agree that it's simply because people want to use the apps and skip through the terms and conditions or privacy settings. I also think in many instances where our data can end up is not at the forefront of our thoughts when we use these medias.

Post 3 9/21/18

1. Why is Fan Culture such a big thing that fans feel such a connection with a celebrity? 

I’m apart of the stan community that feels such a connection with those who they are fans for. Now when I think about it now and ask myself why does me being apart of the Rihanna Navy go beyond just being a fan of the music but to feeling like I personally know her? Which is where I believe social media comes in because it as allowed fans to connect and interact with not only the celeb but also other fans. With social media, I get to see what Rihanna doing with her life, give her feedback that she might not even receive, socialize with her and etc. but to also defend her when she can’t. This kinda makes it seem to fan that the celebrity is just like any other user on social media. It’s quite crazy when you think about it. 

2. Why as users don’t we care about what is taken from us to be stored into this “Big Data”?

It’s as if as long as we can use the platforms we don’t care and will consent to anything just to be able these social media platforms. There is such a danger when it comes to this big data there are a lot of sites that we use that contains our personal information and this information is saved in servers for these platforms use because we agreed to terms just to bypass to use the site. Who knows what our information is used for or bought by.

3. How much control do users really have over participatory culture?

Well without users there wouldn’t be any participatory culture but what I’m trying to get at is that if we participate on these platforms of social and digital media then that means the companies truly control participatory culture because they create and control how we participate. Which is displayed because how we participate also determines how these companies make their profit off of our participation so do we really have a participatory democracy? 

4. Does participatory culture add to the ranking of social class on social media? 

Depending on your status on certain platforms how you participate is different such like on Instagram those with verified checks next to their names have different things they can do but also ranks them on social media as this kind of big socialite. So this kinda gives this idea to other users that they aren’t a big somebody if they not verified. Which is basically ranking us socially on if we have a blue check next to our name or not.  

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Blog Post 9/21

Blog Post 9/21

1.       What are Henry Jenkins’ views on corporation engagement?

a.       According to the text, Jenkins (2014b, 287) argues that critique should include “to engage directly with corporations” and to “intervene in corporate policies” (Fuchs, pg. 78).

2.       What are the differences in Henry Jenkins and Nico Carpentier’s views on cultural and political participation?

a.       According to the text, Carpentier argues that “the political is always a dimension of all social processes” and that therefore “both institutionalized politics and cultural participation is always political” (271). Jenkins argues he is interested in such discussions because sites such as YouTube “fall far short of both my original sense of a participatory culture and your [Carpentier’s] notion of participation as depending on equality between participants” (273). Carpentier responds to Jenkins that in this context the distinction between participation in and through the media is important. Participation “in YouTube is minimalist”, but there may be certain potentials for participation through YouTube (10). Jenkins agrees with this distinction, arguing that it allows distinguishing between YouTube’s organization and the “participatory communities” (275) that use it. (Fuchs, pg. 80).

3.       How does social media contribute to social movements?

a.       Social media contributes to social movements by offering an avenue for which organizations and movements can reach out nationally and globally to spread information or missions. Web 2.0 allows for individuals and groups to interact and communicate with one another to spread information and engage on topics which may not have received as much attention without it.  

4.       How did Castells and Giddens differ in their interpretation of power?

a.       According to Fuchs, Castells was inspired by Max Weber and defined power as ““the relational capacity that enables a social actor to influence asymmetrically the decisions of other social actor(s) in ways that favor the empowered actor’s will, interests, and values” (Castells 2009, 10) (Fuchs, 88).  Whereas Giddens defined power as a “‘transformative capacity’, the capability to intervene in a given set of events so as in some way to alter them” (Giddens 1985, 7), the “capability to effectively decide about courses of events, even where others might contest such decisions” (9). Power is, for Giddens, characteristic of all social relationships; it “is routinely involved in the instantiation of social practices” and is “operating in and through human action” (Giddens 1981, 49–50).

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I absolutely agree with your response to question 3! I was just saying how I spoke about something I wanted to get someone and I had an advertisement in my email that night it was crazy. I think it can be an invasion of privacy for people.

Post 2.

Question 1. Why are expecially millineals and today’s society so obsessed with Web 3.0?

Answer: According to Fuch’s there we three versions of the web. Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 are corporate run and have by far more rules and regulations for the users to follow to uses these social media platforms. And when I think about Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 I think of these to be passive. The reason why, I believe today’s society is so obsessed with Web 3.0 is because it is user interactive; meaning that it is run by the user and lacks guidelines and rules to follow. When thinking of Web 3.0 I think of reddit which I previously learned about in class, it is just a social platform that is run by users. Because Web 3.0 is totally user driven I think that is why many people in today’s society seem to enjoy using sites like reddit so much. Being that we live in a society where there are many rule and expectations for us to follow.

Question 2: Should we be careful about how we portray ourselves on social networks sites?

Answer: I definitely think we should think about what we’re posting being that what we say or post can be used against us. But then again we should not have to overly obsses If what we are posting is deemed okay by societys standards. We should be able to post things we want and not be negatively affected by it if it’s acceptable for the society that we live in today. Contradicting? Yes.

Question 3: Is our privacy online being violated?

Answer: YES. Mine is, Lately I’ve been seeing so many advertisements based on what I’ve previously looked at for example whenever I go to American eagle 🦅then go to Instagram an ad will pop up. Which is annoying honestly. I don’t think that it is okay that I am constantly seeing ads based on what I previously visited.

Question 4: Does Émile Durkheim and the social as social facts have a point?

Answer: I mean… I guess. Being that whatever’s do seems to be a social act, for example; “A social fact is every way of acting, gives it not capable of exercising on the individual an external constraint….. All media and all software are social in a sense that they are products of social processes.” (Pg.41)

Source: Fuchs, Christian. Social Media: A Critical Introduction. SAGE, 2017

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I agree with what you're saying in question 1, however I would argue that Tinder has the potential to create a meaningful or symbolic relationship between people as there are instances of people dating as a result of the app. In addition, the app can be used to engage outside of the app which is essentially contributing to a more meaningful interaction.

Blog 2  9/14/18

Question 1: How would Weber feel about Tinder? 

In the reading, we learn that Max Weber, a German sociologist among other things, was well known for his understanding of sociality. He stressed that in order to constitute a social relation, behavior needs to be a meaningful symbolic interaction between human actors (Fuchs,2017). Tinder, a modern day hookup app, is a location based app where users can like or dislike others and decide if they want to connect with a simple swipe of the finger. In this day and age, these swipes are extremely significant but I would argue that Weber would not see the value in this process. Tinder swipes allow users to quickly judge if they want to get to know someone or simply hook up in a matter of seconds. It is not a meaningful interaction. However, we have come to a place where we can gather all the information needed in a blink of an eye. Appearance is the deciding factor, it is what the user chooses as their presenting self portraits, which determines who wants to connect with them.  Question 2: Draw a connection between integrated roles and a topic covered in class

As discussed in my last post, integrated roles are the different roles one takes depending on the social atmosphere of the specific site they are using (Worrell, 2018). A great example of this was mentioned today in class, when we discussed InstaLies and FacebookLies. This is when a user of a social platform, recreates a false or exaggerated image of themselves based on what they believe others want to see. This process of recreating one’s image, shows in great detail the true social atmosphere of social media. Each platform, site and app are just a way to brand one’s self to on lookers. 

Question 3: Do you think if it were more advertised how much access companies have into our personal lives, product consumption would decrease?

No, I do not believe if people were more aware of the lack of privacy they truly had, they would change their habits. People are so wrapped up in the latest gadgets and staying up to date on their social media platforms that they care little to none about who sees what they are doing. It is no secret that companies keep a great deal of information on its users but over the years it seems to have gotten very intrusive. The issue lies in the lack of urgency to heed this as a problem among users. People kid about over looking the terms and agreements, make light of the government spying on us and criticize companies for making things like the apple watch but still purchase it to stay in the times. Its a vicious cycle that I do not see ending. 

Question 4: Do you agree or disagree that the internet has become a class-realm of exploitation?

I agree with this statement. In the text this point is made when discussing big data and its ability to create social inequalities. From the text, background knowledge and what I have learned thus far in the class, I believe that any person who uses social media, or any form of technology is subject to the power dynamics of those with and those without.  We as the users fall in the realm of those who rely on these platforms and as a result are at the whim of those who own these products and sites. 

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I agree with how expanding to Web 2.0 was a positive change because it allows for an increase of communication in addition to self expression. I also agree with your statement on privacy on social media because it's simple on many sites to make it so that only those of your choosing may see your posts.

Discussion post #2

(Q1) Was the expanding to Web 2.0 a positive change?

There are pros and cons to the advanced social platforms available to us today. The pros being that we have better ways to interact and express ourselves. We can talk to someone across the globe in the same amount of speed. Social media serves as platform of expression; music, art, videos, etc. People can form online communities of like minded people. Social media is powerful tool in our lives. But being that it is powerful, it can be used for good and evil.

(Q2) Is too much of our personal information exposed on social media?

People have the ability to use social media with privacy settings, controlling how much of their information is visible. But not every person is as strict with their information. Personal phone numbers and emails can even be used by hackers to do various harmful thing through the web.

(Q3)According Émile Durkheim are all software programs social?

Yes, because they are a product of social processes. It’s created by people who have social relation in building them and applying them to society.

(Q4) What social theories are able to be applied to social interactions on the web?

Essentially all of them. The internet (digital media) is a tool for interaction. It is no different then fave to face communication socially.

Social Media; A Critical Introduction. Christian Fuchs. Pgs(37-64)

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Blog Post 9/14

Blog Post 9/14

1.      How is Web 2.0 superior to Web 1.0?

a.       In Web 1.0 there is only limited interaction between websites and users. Web 1.0 relies on passive data. Web 2.0 allows users to interact more freely with one another. Web sharing and collaboration are encouraged with Web 2.0.

2.      How would Wikipedia and Facebook be considered social facts?

a.       According to Émile Durkheim, “All media and all software are social in the sense that they are products of social processes. Humans in social relations produce them” (Fuchs, pg. 41) By this standard, Wikipedia would also be considered a social fact in that they are products of a social relation.

3.      How is data converged into a single profile?

a.       According to Fuchs, “The different social roles and activities tend to converge, as for example in the situation where the workplace is also a playground, where friendships and intimate relations are formed and dissolved and where spare time activities are conducted. This means that social media surveillance is an integrated form of surveillance, in which one finds surveillance of different (partly converging) activities in different partly converging social roles with the help of profiles that hold a complex networked multitude of data about humans.” (Fuchs, pg. 50) This would mean that through the use of social profiles we display multiple aspects of our lives in one convergence of information across the public and private sphere.

4.      How has big data impacted social media?

a.       Business rely on both big data and social media as avenues for information and how to formulate their strategies for marketing and public relations. Big data may be dangerous to social media in that companies can utilize information found from big data and social media accounts to their own benefit at the expense of content creators and users. An example of this would be a life insurance policy being denied because the company utilized big data to uncover an unhealthy lifestyle. I believe rules and regulations should be in place to protect users and their information from these negative impacts.

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Blog Post 9/7

1.      How do organizations utilize social media to their benefit?

a.       Organizations utilize social media to their benefit by engaging with their target publics in order to reach a goal. A large percentage of consumers use social media on a daily basis. These consumers can use social media to interact with an organization in a multitude of ways.

2.      How has social media changed in how it is utilized by companies?

a.       Social media has expanded and continues to do so at a fast rate. Due to this, organizations have incorporated social media into their public relations and marketing campaigns at an increasing rate. While organizations may have initially used one or two people to manage their social media, they now must rely on entire organizations which focus on social media, or an entire team of employees. This is due to the fact social media can be utilized everyday across a multitude of platforms and must be managed in order to positively impact a company as well as to avoid negative impacts as a result of mishandling social media.

3.      How has social media affected the political landscape in regard to how politicians connect to their constituents?

a.       They are not limited to an interview on tv they are able to connect 24/7. It also has allowed for an increase in 2-way communication. Even though the user isn’t required to respond, the ability to respond is instantaneous.

4.      How have activist been able to utilize social media to their benefit?

a.       Activists have utilized social media to criticize what is wrong with their government. Two popular examples that can be used here is the Black Lives Matter movement and Occupy Wall Street movement. In both movements, users shared videos and retweeted to get more awareness for the social issues. Even though some believed actual change didn’t happen, it started conversation on the issue.

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First Blog Post SOC 301

Coming to you live from class