My Relationship and Issues with Modern Technology & Social Media

I guess I could say I’ve never really pondered my relationship with technology before taking this class. I’ve always thought about it on a surface level and understood there were downsides, but I have yet to take into account how the rise of social media and technology has affected me on a personal level. I feel that I’ve grown up with the idea that the innovation of technology was amazing and a positive addition to society regarding the efficient ways in which we can communicate and receive vast amounts of information. I also feel that growing up with this type of technology has made me believe it is more of a necessity than something I could simply use as a tool. I remember downloading Instagram and Snapchat onto my mom’s iPhone 4 because every kid in school was using it and I just had to be using it too. I now wish I listened to my parents and not jump on the wave of social media so quickly at such an early age. 

While technology has made many positive impacts on my life, it has also had its share of negative effects. This summer, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, and something occurred to me. With each scroll, there was a picture of some type of unrealistically gorgeous supermodel. I quickly realized, after going through my follower list, that I only followed girls that I wished I either looked like or lived their life. This scared me. Without even doing it purposefully, I was fully exposing myself to unrealistic beauty standards that I would constantly compare myself to every single day. With the rise of social media platforms, young boys and girls are being exposed to images of “perfect” bodies, faces, and lifestyles which leads to a negative self-reflection and feelings of inadequacy or low-self esteem. Half of the pictures that people post today are completely done up with apps like Facetune or FaceApp that completely alter what their natural appearance looks like. These apps are inundated with images of flawless models and celebrities who have been edited, airbrushed, and filtered to look their best for their followers. However, what they don’t realize is that they are showcasing an unrealistic view of life by only posting the best parts of their lives and presenting a distorted view of reality. Even today I constantly feel the pressure to post the best pictures of myself where it looks like I am just totally living the best life ever. In reality, the pictures that I am probably posting were taken months ago, and I am uploading them while lying in bed. I will take hours putting together the “perfect” Instagram post just for people to look at it for half a second and continue to scroll and glance at what the next person is doing. 

The first step to understanding my addiction to social media was just going to my settings and seeing how much time I spent on my phone and individual apps. It absolutely shocked me. I was spending almost 7-8 hours on my phone every single day and an alarming amount of time on my favorite social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. I would spend multiple hours scrolling aimlessly on these and I just began to think about all the wasted time doing literally nothing except harming my own mental health. It was personally concerning to realize how much control these social media apps have over my life. 

Recently, in the past couple of weeks, this has been a topic of conversation among my friend group. It happened when we decided to hang out in our dorm room one night just to catch up and talk. As I was scrolling aimlessly through TikTok, I looked up from my phone and glanced around the room and noticed that every single one of us were on our phones, scrolling on some type of social media app. We weren’t even actually hanging out. We were just around each other, completely doing our own things on our phones. Since then, anytime we hang out, if someone is on their phone, we yell, “PHONE DROP”, which means everyone needs to get off their phone and engage in the conversation. Along with this, in my own time, I decided to delete TikTok and Instagram from my phone to see how it affected me, my screen time, and my overall stress levels throughout these last couple weeks of school. I finally checked today, and my screen time has gone down 19% these past two weeks, and the daily average is now 4 hours which I am happily proud of. 

One of my friends is badly addicted to her phone. She carries around a personal battery pack for when her phone dies during the day because she uses it that much! Her screen time was over 10+ hours. Instead of deleting her social media apps, my friend had another idea. She decided to download another app that restricts her from accessing TikTok for a few seconds and shows you how many times you’ve tried to enter the app that day, as well as giving you a choice to either proceed to the app or not. This was a better option, personally for her, because she feels that she cannot live without TikTok. Seeing how many times she would try to click and open the app opened her eyes to just how much it controls her life. Her screen time has gone down quite a bit as well. 

With modern technology, we are able to search for anything, at any time, and find what we are looking for within a matter of seconds. When on social media apps nowadays, the younger generation uses applications such as TikTok, Instagram, and even Twitter in replace of a search engine. I would have to say I fall victim to this too. Whenever I hear about something that is going on in the news or public, I immediately search on TikTok and find a plethora of videos to click on. However, how are we ever supposed to know if this information is accurate or just misinformation being fed mindlessly into our brains? Although I wouldn’t say that mainstream media news is unbiased or doesn’t produce fake news, I believe it would still be better than consuming information from social media apps. Unlike traditional search engines like Google or Chrome, social media apps are not designed to provide reliable and accurate information as that was never the initial intention in the first place. Another issue is the idealization of well-known influencers. Influencers and other social media users can also contribute to the spread of misinformation by sharing their own opinions and experiences as if they are facts. While personal experiences can be valuable, they probably won’t be representative of the general and broader population or supported by scientific evidence and real facts. Additionally, these influencers and social media users have their own biases or agendas that can greatly influence the information that they share on their public accounts with millions of followers. 

Lastly, I believe another contributing factor to misinformation on social media apps are filter bubbles. A “blook” post by David Gurteen describes filter bubbles as “a term used to describe the phenomenon of intellectual isolation that occurs when websites use algorithms to selectively present information to us based on their past behavior, such as their click behavior, browsing history, search history, and location. The algorithm makes assumptions about what information we would be interested in and then presents that information to us accordingly.” Social media algorithms often prioritize content that is more likely to engage users, which can lead to sensationalized and misleading information being promoted over accurate and nuanced reporting. When individuals are only exposed to information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, they may be more likely to accept and share misinformation without critically evaluating its accuracy. Regarding politics, this is why people end up finding themselves in a far-right or far-left rabbit hole simply based on how long they might watch a video or how many videos they like and react to of the same viewpoints. The algorithm just feeds you what you want to see. For example, I was going through a pretty tough breakup and was on my phone crying and scrolling through TikTok. More and more videos began popping up giving relationship advice or “how to move on after a breakup” type videos. The more I’d react to those videos, the more I’d see them throughout my feed until it became only that. 

Modern technology tools and social media have revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and socialize. It has undoubtedly made our lives easier and more convenient in many ways, but it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks. I feel that some of the most concerning of these is the impact that social media apps can have on our mental health and our ability to discern accurate information. Social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have been proven to be highly addictive, drawing us into an endless cycle of scrolling and clicking that can consume hours of our time each day. Constant exposure to these idealized images and lifestyles can greatly and negatively affect younger users who are still developing their sense of self. Moreover, the constant bombardment of social media updates can trigger anxiety and depression, as users feel pressured to constantly compare themselves to others and present a polished, curated version of their own lives. In addition to this, social media apps and users are constantly promoting misinformation and the spread of false information. As I do myself, many people turn to social media apps today as a primary source of news and information, but the algorithms that these platforms use to suggest content can create echo chambers and filter bubbles that reinforce our existing biases and beliefs. This can ultimately lead to a distorted view of the world, where false or misleading information is accepted as fact, and conspiracy theories are treated as legitimate sources of information.

As technology will only continue to grow, I feel that it is important for individuals to take personal responsibility for their own social media use and be mindful of the impact that these platforms can have on their mental health and their understanding of the world. By taking steps to limit their exposure to social media and to seek out accurate and reliable sources of information, individuals can help to combat the negative effects of these technologies and promote a healthier, more informed society.

In the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence has been a rapidly growing field in recent years, with advancements in technology and increased investment driving its emergence as a significant force in modern society. The Frontline PBS documentary “In the Age of AI” was interesting to watch because it was an insightful exploration of the impact that artificial intelligence has on society and how it will affect us moving forward into the future. Even outside this documentary, just over this past year, I’ve seen artificial intelligence slowly begin to creep into everyday life. A couple weeks ago I heard a song on TikTok, “Heart On My Sleeve”, that sounded like a new song by the famous music artist, Drake. However, I couldn’t find the song anywhere. I soon found out that it was actually created by a ghostwriter using an AI-generated tool that analyzed Drake’s voice and created a new melody with lyrics based on his music style. Finding this out absolutely shocked me and made me think about what else is to come. Although this song was created to be harmless, this highlights the potential for what the future holds with artificial intelligence reshaping our lives and this is only the beginning.

Moving on to the documentary, I found the section on surveillance capitalism and the rise of data mining to be very interesting but was shocked by how intrusive these search engine companies became. After the “dotcom” crash in the early 2000s, the creators of the newly developed search engine, Google, began scrambling to find a way to keep their company from danger. At the same time, a new discovery emerged that whenever users search or browse on the search engine, they leave behind digital traces of their behavior. Companies began to realize how valuable this information could be by applying machine learning algorithms to predict user interests. Google began systematically collecting this data which would come up with predictions of what a user is doing and clicking on when they are using the internet. Between the years 2000 and 2004, Google’s stock went up by 3,590%. They were making money, and a lot of it. However, the company decided to keep users in the dark about how they were collecting and selling all of this personal information and data. This new business model shifted to other companies as well, such as Facebook. These companies provide a free service and in exchange, collect all the data of the people who are users. 

During the 2010 midterm elections, Facebook decided to conduct an experiment with artificial intelligence’s powers to see if they could influence behavior in the real world. They created an “I voted” button where only a subset of users could interact with it and their picture would show up under the icon if they clicked on it. Their goal was to see if they could get more people to vote and by the end of the elections, they claimed to have gotten 340,000 people to vote.

Now we have new technological gadgets such as Google Home or Alexa in our homes which are constantly listening and observing everything that's going on. In reality, these new toys are taking this immense amount of information and building better artificial intelligence capabilities. It’s honestly terrifying. These are the same methodologies that fuel surveillance capitalism. 

One of the most significant consequences of surveillance capitalism and data mining is the erosion of our privacy. As companies collect more and more of our personal data, we are losing control over our own information while our digital dossiers continue to expand. This can lead to a range of privacy violations, including the exposure of sensitive personal information and even the risk of identity theft. It can also have a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals may self-censor out of fear that their personal data will be used against them. In addition, the concentration of personal data in the hands of these few large tech companies is alarming and can eventually create a situation where these companies hold immense power and influence over individuals and society.

EOTO Presentations Reflection

After watching the EOTO presentations, I was able to learn about different aspects of awareness, the mediasphere, theories, policy, and the age of artificial intelligence. Specifically, I found the Five Eyes to be interesting as well as the subject of disinformation.

From the presentation regarding the Five Eyes, I learned that this group is an intelligence alliance including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This alliance has been in existence since the end of World War II, and has played a vital role in shaping global intelligence gathering and analysis. The Five Eyes alliance is considered one of the most comprehensive intelligence alliances in the world, and its members share information on a wide range of topics, including military intelligence, cyber threats, terrorism, and espionage.

Formed during the Cold War, the Five Eyes alliance was put into place to share intelligence information between these countries and to cooperate in the areas of military and intelligence gathering. According to an MIT article, I also learned that the alliance was initially established to monitor Soviet activities during the Cold War, and was instrumental in the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

However, The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has been accused of violating the privacy of citizens globally due to its extensive surveillance activities. The alliance members collect vast amounts of data through their intelligence gathering capabilities, including signals intelligence, human intelligence, and geospatial intelligence. This data is then analyzed by sophisticated computer programs, which can identify patterns and anomalies that may be of interest to intelligence agencies. This data can reveal a lot about a person's life and can be used to monitor their activities, even if they are not suspected of any wrongdoing. The lack of transparency and accountability of the alliance makes it difficult to know the extent to which citizens' privacy rights are being violated, and it highlights the need for greater oversight and regulation of intelligence gathering activities.

The next topic I learned about was disinformation. Disinformation can be defined as fake news being spread in order to harm someone or a group of people. Comparatively, the presenter also discussed misinformation and malinformation. Misinformation occurs when fake news is spread, however, people aren’t aware that it is fake news. On the other hand, Malinformation is information that is true but is used to harm someone in some way. 

Disinformation can be spread through various mediums, including social media, traditional media, and word-of-mouth. It can be used to influence public opinion, sow confusion, and even manipulate elections. The consequences of disinformation can be severe, and it can have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and even entire countries. One of the biggest challenges of disinformation is that it is often difficult to detect. Disinformation can be disguised as legitimate news, and it can be spread through networks of bots or fake accounts on social media platforms. This makes it challenging for individuals to distinguish between fact and fiction, and it can create confusion and uncertainty.

News Deserts

With the rise of the digital age, access to news and information has become easier than ever before. However, despite the vast amount of news that is available online or through social media applications, there are still areas in the United States and around the world that suffer from a phenomenon known as "news deserts." The Columbia Journalism Review defines news deserts as "a media desert or news desert is essentially an uncovered geographical area that has few or no news outlets and receives little coverage." To expand on this definition, news deserts are regions where local news coverage is scarce or non-existent, leaving communities without reliable and relevant information about their own neighborhoods, towns, or cities. According to a Washington Post online news article, one-third of American newspapers that existed about two decades ago will be out of business already by 2025. Another statistic from a Seattle Times online news article explains that more than 2,500 newspapers, which are primarily local coverage, have closed since 2005. 

News deserts are a growing concern, particularly in rural or low-income areas, where local news organizations may struggle to survive due to economic challenges, consolidation of media ownership, and changing consumer behavior. As traditional local newspapers and broadcast stations face declining revenues and reduced resources, they may cut back or shut down operations, leaving gaps in local news coverage. This can further exacerbate existing inequalities, as residents may lack access to information and news about local resources, government decisions, school board meetings, community events, and other important issues that affect people's daily lives or impact their well-being.

The consequences of news deserts are significant. According to usnewsdeserts.com, the number of newspapers in North Carolina alone has decreased by 22% between 2004 and 2019. One of the primary challenges of this is the lack of information. When communities lack access to reliable local news, residents may be uninformed about critical issues, such as changes in local policies, upcoming elections, or public health alerts. This can lead to a decrease in civic engagement, as residents are unable to make informed decisions or participate in community discourse. It also limits the ability of communities to hold local officials and institutions accountable for their actions, which is essential for a healthy democracy. Local journalism serves as a watchdog and without strong local news coverage, there is a higher risk of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power going unchecked. 

Furthermore, news deserts can disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, minority populations, youth populations and even small businesses often face the brunt of news deserts, as they may have limited internet access, language barriers, or other challenges that further hinder their ability to access reliable local news. News deserts can affect minority communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, as well as non-English speaking communities. Limited local news coverage can result in reduced representation and coverage of minority voices, issues, and perspectives, leading to a lack of diversity. News deserts also have implications for youth and education. Access to reliable news coverage is critical for fostering media literacy and critical thinking skills among young people. When local news coverage is lacking, it can greatly hinder youth's ability to be informed and engaged citizens, which could possibly have long-term consequences for their engagement in society. Additionally, small businesses and companies often rely on local news for advertising and market research. These news deserts can potentially limit these opportunities, immensely impacting their ability to reach customers, make informed decisions, and thrive economically. This ultimately makes it harder for these communities to stay informed and engaged and potentially widens the gap between different segments of society.

Economically, news deserts can also have negative consequences. Local journalism plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy by providing advertising and job opportunities. Local news organizations are sources of local employment, including journalists, reporters, photographers, editors, and other supporting staff members. When local news outlets struggle for business, downsize or close down, it can result in the loss of local jobs and impact the economic vitality of a community as well as reduced employment opportunities in the media industry. Reduced availability of local news coverage may also discourage businesses or families from investing in the area or hinder local economic development efforts. Local news coverage can influence people's perceptions of a community's livability, safety, and desirability. When there is little to no media coverage of local issues, it can greatly affect how a community is seen, affecting the real estate market and property values.

To address the challenge of news deserts, it is imperative to recognize the critical role of local journalism in supporting democracy and communities. Efforts are actively being made to combat news deserts, including initiatives from non-profit organizations, philanthropic foundations, and community-driven journalism projects. Some news organizations are experimenting with new business models, such as non-profit or cooperative ownership, to sustain local journalism in underserved areas. Additionally, some governments and policymakers have recognized the importance of local news and are exploring policies and regulations to support local journalism.

News deserts pose significant challenges to communities and democracy. The consequences of news deserts are far-reaching, affecting not only the information landscape but also the social, economic, and political fabric of communities. Without access to trustworthy news, people may become more susceptible to misinformation, polarization, and disengagement from civic life. In addition, the lack of media coverage on local issues, such as local government, education, and public health, can have real-world impacts and effects on people's lives. Addressing the challenges of news deserts requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy, innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. By recognizing the value of local journalism and taking proactive steps to support it, we can mitigate the consequences of news deserts and foster a more informed, engaged, and democratic society.

Diffusion Theory

The Diffusion of Innovation Theory is a framework that explains how new ideas, products, or technologies are adopted and spread through a population over time. Developed by sociologist Everett Rogers in the 1960s, the theory describes the process by which innovations are communicated, accepted, and adopted by individuals and groups within a society. The Diffusion of Innovation theory also identifies factors that influence the adoption process, such as the perceived relative advantage of the innovation, its compatibility with existing values and practices, the complexity of the innovation, the ability to try the innovation on a trial basis, and the level of social influence and communication channels used to promote the innovation. The United States Postal Service can be analyzed through the lens of the Diffusion of Innovation theory. 

During the 1700s, there were no modern means of communication like social media, the internet, telephones, or email. The only way of communicating was through the delivery of mail by horseback. In 1775, after the battles of Lexington and Concord, which kicked off the Revolutionary War, there was an emergent need for a safe and dependable mailing service. So at this time, during the "experimental" stage of this new innovation, the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin to establish a national mail service and named him the first Postmaster General. While Benjamin Franklin was not an investor in the traditional sense, he is considered one of the early pioneers of the U.S. Postal Service and used his influence and expertise to shape the organizational structure and operational procedures of the early American postal system. 

During its early years in the "uptake" stage, the U.S. Postal Service primarily facilitated communication among government officials and military personnel, enabling them to exchange information, letters, and documents across long distances. The U.S. Postal Service has long been used as a reliable and secure means of communication for government entities at all levels.

As the country expanded and the population grew, the U.S. Postal Service played an increasingly important role in connecting communities and facilitating commerce. Private citizens, businesses, and organizations were the early majority and began to use the national post service for sending and receiving personal correspondence, business communications, newspapers, and other printed materials. 

During the "maturation" stage, although there was not much information referring to people who were "skeptical" of the innovation, there were some that could be considered the late majority. Emerging in the 1700s, the national post service didn't really have any competition other than mail being delivered by horseback. The postal service also didn't have to compete with other mailing services because that was it at the time. However, there were many people living in remote or rural areas with limited access to transportation and communication infrastructure that weren't able to jump on board with this growing innovation. These areas had lower utilization of the postal service compared to more urban areas. 

Looking at the United States Postal Service today, many questions arise, such as "Why do we still have the U.S. mail service" or "How much longer will we have it?" Younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, have grown up in the digital era with easy access to internet-based communication tools such as email, social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms. These digital alternatives provide convenient, fast, and often free means of communication, which may have reduced the reliance on physical mail services for certain types of communication, such as personal letters or casual correspondence. Many businesses and companies as well now rely heavily on only digital communication channels and electronic methods for sending and receiving messages.

Although the rise of digital communications has taken over, the U.S. Postal Service is focused on actively adapting in various ways to keep up with today's times. For one, it has expanded its online services to provide convenient options for customers to manage their mail and packages digitally. They also provide online services for informed delivery, package tracking, postage printing, and scheduling package pickups, which can save time and reduce the need for physical visits to the post office. Additionally, the U.S. Postal Service has developed a mobile application, making it easier for customers to access the postal services on the go. Lastly, the mail service has more recently established partnerships with e-commerce platforms and businesses to facilitate package deliveries. Many Online retailers and marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Shopify still largely rely on the postal service for last-mile delivery of their packages. These partnerships allow the U.S. Postal Service to leverage the growth of e-commerce and digital transactions to continue providing delivery services in the digital age. 

Even though the United States Postal Service continuously loses billions annually, I don't believe this is the end of this nationally-known and globally recognized mailing service. The U.S. Postal Service has a mandate to provide affordable and accessible mail service to all Americans, regardless of their location, including remote and rural areas. This universal service obligation makes the postal service the only postal carrier that reaches every mailbox in the nation. They also have the responsibility for linking communities and individuals who may not have access to internet services or other new modern means of communication. The United States Postal Service has and will always play a vital role as it has been delivering mail in the United States since the beginning of our country.

Tech EOTO Reflection

 After watching the Technology EOTO presentations, I became much more educated on how these innovations in communication tools and technologies have had a profound impact on our society and the way people communicate, interact, and share information. It was also very interesting to learn how each of these communication platforms began and what they turned into.

The first communication technology that I learned about during the presentations was Twitter. This application was created in 2007 as an online microblogging platform. The idea for Twitter originated from Jack Dorsey, who was a software engineer at Odeo, a podcasting company co-founded by Evan Williams. Dorsey came up with the idea of a short messaging service that would allow people to share their status updates with a small group of friends. Although it started off with a simple idea of a blog life-update service, Twitter quickly became something much bigger. Businesses and companies began using Twitter to send out mass tweets promoting their brands and announcing events. Candidates for political campaigns even began using the application to get their message out in hopes of gaining supporters. Then in 2009, after Janis Krums shared a story of the U.S. airways flight 159 water landing, Twitter started becoming a regular source for news. Today, it has evolved into a hub for information. It has played a significant role in shaping cultural conversations, providing a platform for users to share their opinions, raise awareness about social issues, and participate in discussions on various topics. Twitter's impact on popular culture, politics, and social movements has contributed to its prominence and widespread use.

Next, I learned about the entertainment streaming service Netflix. Netflix was founded in 1997 by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. They first launched netflix.com with the main focus of selling and renting DVDs. In 2002, Netflix went public, and by 2005, they had over 4.5 million members on their subscription service. Then in 2007, they launched their streaming service. Its shift to a subscription-based streaming model, allowing subscribers to stream content online, disrupted the traditional model of linear TV programming and video rental stores, providing a new and efficient way for consumers to access and consume entertainment content. Since then, Netflix has continually invested in technology to improve its streaming quality, user experience, and recommendation algorithms. Its early adoption of cloud-based streaming, adaptive streaming technologies, and personalized recommendations has helped enhance user satisfaction, retention, and engagement on the platform. Today, the streaming service now has over 3600+ movies and 1800+ TV shows. 

Lastly, I learned about the communication innovation, Facebook. Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates Andrew McCollum, Eduardo Saverin, Chris Hughes, and Dustin Moskovitz, while they were studying at Harvard University. The initial concept for Facebook was as a social networking website that would simply connect Harvard students with each other online. It quickly gained popularity within the Harvard community and soon expanded to other universities, including Stanford, Yale, and Columbia. Facebook continued to grow rapidly, expanding its user base beyond universities to include high schools, then eventually to the general public. The platform added new features over time, such as the ability to upload photos, post status updates, and join groups, which further fueled its popularity. Facebook also attracted investment from venture capital firms, which provided the funding necessary for its growth and development. As well as becoming a major platform for news and information consumption, Facebook has also expanded into e-commerce with the introduction of Facebook Marketplace, which allows users to buy and sell items within their local communities. 

Communication technologies have had a profound and transformative impact on society, shaping how we connect, interact, and communicate with one another. From the invention of the telegraph and the telephone to the advent of the internet, social media, communication technologies have revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business. As communication technologies continue to evolve, it is crucial to navigate their potential benefits and challenges mindfully. By harnessing the power of communication technologies responsibly, we can continue to shape and transform our society for the better, fostering connectivity, innovation, and progress while addressing the ethical, social, and economic implications of these technologies.

April 12, 1861, marked the official beginning of the American Civil War when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter. After the attack, President Lincoln, who was just elected as of 1860, called for troops to suppress the rebellion, and more states, both from the Union and the Confederacy, joined the conflict. Large scale battles, significant casualties on both sides, and a range of military strategies and tactics, including sieges, naval blockades, and guerrilla warfare characterized the war. The American Civil War, being a complex and divisive conflict, saw a variety of voices and opinions, including anti-war sentiments. 

Although the Constitution was written back in 1787 and ratified in 1789, the Supreme Court did not interpret the first amendment the way we think about it in today’s time. In the 1800s, states, and localities had considerable leeway to abridge and regulate your freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and it was not a First Amendment violation. Some states and localities had laws that restricted freedom of speech and freedom of the press, including laws that criminalized criticism of the government, sedition, blasphemy, obscenity, and libel, among others. These laws were often used to suppress dissenting voices, especially those critical of the government or advocating for controversial ideas or causes.

Various reasons existed as to why people were reluctant to support the American Civil War. Many men were being forced into the draft when they openly did not even care about who won the war and just wanted to be left alone. Along with many other reasons and motives, this eventually led to an outbreak of anti-war sentiments protesting against the war. 

During the year 1861, following Fort Sumter, President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus. Giving military leaders the authority to silence rebels and anti-war voices, commanders were then authorized to arrest and jail anyone who posed a threat to their directive. However, habeas corpus is a fundamental right that protects individuals from arbitrary detention and ensures that they have the right to challenge the legality of their detention in court. Critics argued that Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus violated this fundamental right and undermined the protection of civil liberties, as individuals could be detained without being charged or given a trial.

In Today’s time, the mainstream media, as a powerful institution that shapes public discourse and opinion, is often criticized for its perceived lack of coverage and representation of strong anti-war voices. Political considerations and pressures can contribute to the silencing of anti-war voices in mainstream media. Governments and political establishments may exert influence on media outlets through various means, including censorship, intimidation, or co-optation. Antiwar voices that challenge government policies question military interventions or raise dissenting views may face pushback or even censorship from political authorities or powerful interest groups.

Editorial policies of mainstream media outlets can also significantly influence the representation of anti-war voices. Editorial decisions, which are shaped by the perspectives, biases, and interests of media owners, editors, and journalists, can result in the prioritization of certain viewpoints and the exclusion of others. In some cases, mainstream media outlets may have a pro-war or pro-military bias, leading to less coverage of anti-war voices or framing them in a negative or dismissive light. This ultimately leads to a limited diversity of voices and perspectives, perpetuating a dominant narrative that supports military intervention or war. It is obvious as well that there is a lot of coming intimidation from the government, especially during times of war, for American citizens to take a backseat and simply follow orders. However, that is not what our country stands for. It is our duty and right as Americans to speak up and voice our opinions.

COM TECH

The United States Postal Service has a long history, dating back to colonial times when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General in 1775. Over the centuries, the U.S. Postal Service has played a vital role in the growth and development of the United States, connecting people and communities across the country and beyond. The U.S. Postal Service ultimately helped America shift from an agrarian society to an industrial economy. 

Back in the 1700s, there was no type of technology such as the internet, telephones, or email to communicate. The only communication between the American Colonies was mail being transported by horseback riders on the old dirt roads. In 1775, three months after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which began the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin to establish a national post service as the first Postmaster General. Declaring an official and national post service was critical at this time because they needed to ensure mail was delivered as safely and quickly as possible for the American colony’s survival.

In the beginning, the U.S. Postal Service was primarily responsible for delivering letters and newspapers to significant cities along the East Coast. However, the service quickly expanded, establishing new post offices nationwide and introducing new services such as parcel delivery. In the early days of the U.S. Postal Service, horse and stagecoach transported mail, and Postmasters were responsible for overseeing the delivery of mail within their communities. The introduction of the steam engine and the telegraph in the 19th century revolutionized mail transportation and communication, allowing the U.S. Postal Service to expand its reach even further and improve delivery times.

Throughout its history, the U.S. Postal Service has played a vital role in connecting Americans and promoting commerce, communication, accessibility, and education. The Postal Service helped to facilitate the westward expansion of the United States, allowing settlers to communicate with their families back home and receive news from the East Coast. During the Civil War, the U.S. Postal Service played a crucial role in maintaining communication between soldiers and their families and delivering news and information to citizens across the country. The Postal Service also helped to promote literacy and education by making books and other printed materials available to people in even the most remote parts of the country. Lastly, the U.S. Postal Service has helped abridge the gap between urban and rural areas, making it possible for people in all parts of the country to propose access to essential goods, services, and information.

Despite its long and storied history, the U.S. Postal Service faces many challenges in the 21st century and the rise of digital communication. The rise of digital communication has led to a decline in the use of traditional mail, with many people opting to communicate via email, social media, and other online platforms. This has resulted in a decline in revenue for the Postal Service, which relies heavily on the sale of stamps and other postal products to fund its operations.

Although it’s faced some more recent challenges, the United States Postal Service remains an integral part of American society, connecting people, communities, businesses, and government entities across the country. From its early beginnings as a small postal service serving the East Coast to its current role as a vital part of the American economy, the Postal Service has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the United States.

Eight Values of Free Expression

I had never heard of the Eight Values of Free Expression before this lecture. As we’ve been studying the First Amendment through the course of our class, we’ve learned that it serves as a foundation for the values of free expression in American Society. Free expression is essential for promoting individual liberty, democracy, and diversity in America. Every one of the Eight Values of Free Expression seem important because they are crucial to our basic and fundamental human rights. However, when reading through these values/theories, the value of Self-Fulfillment, also known as Self Actualization, seemed to resonate with me the most as an American.

Self-fulfillment, or self-actualization, is a concept that has long been valued in American Society. America is a nation built on the principles of individualism and personal freedom. The idea of self-fulfillment fits perfectly into our American framework, as it encourages individuals to pursue their own goals and dreams without interference from external forces. In America, self-fulfillment is seen as a basic and fundamental human right and an essential part of the American Dream. 

This value of free expression allows individuals to be able to explore their own interests, develop their own talents, and make their own decisions about how to live their lives. It also promotes personal growth and development. This is particularly important in our American society, where individualism is deeply ingrained in the culture, and where people are encouraged to be self-reliant and independent. When individuals are free to pursue their own goals and aspirations, they are more likely to be motivated and passionate about their work. This can lead to increased productivity and a better quality of life. It also encourages creativity and innovation. If people are free to think outside of the box and create their own ideas, they are more likely to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems. This can lead to advancements in our science, technology, and other fields.

Another aspect of self-fulfillment is that it is essential for a democratic society. Self-fulfillment is crucial for democracy because it enables individuals to participate fully in the political process and to contribute to the growth and development of the society in which we live. A democratic society is built on the principles of freedom and equality, and self-fulfillment is a critical element of both of these principles.

However, the pursuit of self-fulfillment can also be challenging, as it requires individuals to step outside of their comfort zones and take risks. This is where the value of free speech comes into play, as it allows individuals to freely express themselves and share their ideas with others. Through free speech, individuals can engage in open and honest discussion, leading to the exchange of ideas and the growth of knowledge. This is essential for a democratic society, as it ensures that all voices are heard and that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few.

In conclusion, the value of self-actualization resonates deeply with America, as it aligns with the principles of individualism, personal freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. The pursuit of self-actualization is essential for personal growth and societal progress, and free speech plays a critical role in enabling individuals to achieve their full potential. As a result, the value of self-actualization remains a core part of the American identity and will continue to be a driving force for personal and societal growth.

The Supreme Court

Although I previously learned some information about the Supreme Court in high school, I feel like I still didn’t fully understand the history and workings of SCOTUS. After reading this article from the History Channel, I was able to learn many more interesting facts and get a better understanding of what the Supreme Court actually is. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the nation and plays a vital role in the interpretation of the Constitution and the application of the law. Established in 1789 by the Judiciary Act, the Supreme Court is made up of nine justices, the Chief Justice of the United States, and eight Associate Justices. They are appointed by the President and confirmed or denied by the Senate. The justices serve for life, which ensures their independence, and fairness, and also insulates them from potential political pressures. 

The Supreme Court's main responsibilities are to interpret law while defending the Constitution, resolve disputes between the federal government and the states, as well as between individuals or organizations, review appeals from lower courts, protect individual rights, and serve as a critical check on the power of other branches of government. These roles help to ensure that the country’s laws and policies are consistent with the Constitution and that individual liberties are protected. One thing I found surprising that I did not know before was that the Supreme Court does not have the power to create laws itself. However, it does have the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

While reading the article as well as doing some additional research, I learned that the Supreme Court's decisions have had a profound impact on American society and have shaped the course of our country's history. Some of the most significant cases in Supreme Court history include Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional, and Roe v. Wade, which established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. 

The Supreme Court also plays a critical role in the balance of power between the three branches of government. The court can declare executive orders and laws passed by Congress to be unconstitutional, which can limit the power of the President and Congress. From the video, I learned that John Marshall, the nation’s fourth chief justice, played an important role in this and is well known for his contributions towards a more modernized U.S. government. During his years as the chief of justice, John Marshall worked to establish the power and prestige of the Judiciary body, in hope of claiming equal balance and status with Congress and the Executive branch. 

The Supreme Court is an essential institution in the American government and serves as the final arbiter of legal disputes in the country. Its decisions have had a profound impact on American society and have shaped the course of the nation's history. The court's independence, lifetime appointments, and commitment to the principles of judicial review and stare decisis ensure that it remains a critical check on the power of the other branches of government.