Blog Post #7 Diffusion of Innovation's

The cell phone is one of the most universal pieces of tech in our lives today. Almost 95% of Americans own one, a staggering number reflecting their across-the-board adoption of this technology. Back then, having a cell phone was a luxury, a symbol of the times. Fast forward, and the evolution of cell phones has been nothing short of dramatic. These devices remain at the forefront of technological development with constant changes and advancements. That's why I chose to dive into the fascinating cell phone world. 

Before the birth of cell phones, people lived their day-to-day lives without the constant need for contact or worry about others. Nowadays, instant responses are expected, and conversations with the same person can happen multiple times daily. It's reached a point where many can't imagine life without a cell phone, and these devices have surpassed our wildest imaginations. Beyond calls and texts, they serve as platforms for shopping, reading, photography, and much more. However, have you ever considered whether this dependency is a potential downside? Are we placing too much trust in our cell phones? Our devices hold not just our conversations but also our medical records, banking details, and sensitive information, creating opportunities for theft and hacking. 

The first cell phone was introduced in 1973, allowing users a maximum talk time of 30 minutes. Martin Cooper holds the distinction of making the inaugural call on this groundbreaking device. Given its originality, the initial cost was understandably steep, with a price tag of $3,995—equivalent to a hefty $10,000 in today's currency. The price of cell phones has gone above and beyond, and with a phone costing 10,000, it's unaffordable for most people to buy themselves and their families a cell phone. 

In the 2000 survey, 28.3 percent of respondents claimed cell phone ownership. Fast forward to 2023, and the estimated global smartphone users have skyrocketed to 5.25 billion. The increase of cell phones over the past 23 years has been remarkable. For some, adapting to the era of cell phones proved challenging, and even today, some individuals choose not to own one. The concept of a cell phone is a tough sell for some, as it involves placing trust in both the government and the tech industry with sensitive information, and the unknown applications of that information can be a cause for concern. Cell phones among teenagers have their drawbacks, contributing to increased rates of anxiety and depression. The pervasive use of cell phones and their social media platforms have become significant factors in these issues. Unfortunately, bullying has found a new avenue through cell phones, giving rise to a distinct form known as cyberbullying. Seeing these negative consequences emerging from the devices meant to connect and facilitate communication is disheartening.

For some, a cell phone adds a whole new dimension to life. It facilitates connections with family and friends who may be miles away. The efficiency it brings, allowing quick responses to work and personal emails, is undeniable. The convenience of sending a brief text message for a simple question has become a norm. The capabilities of a phone today extend far beyond what was once imaginable. Beyond convenience, cell phones also play a role in personal safety worldwide. Edlund and Machado even estimate that the widespread use of mobile phones contributed to a significant decrease in homicides between 1990 and 2000.

I've found great enjoyment and ease in owning a cell phone, but it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. While these devices were designed to simplify our lives, it's worth pondering whether we've taken the convenience too far. 

Links

Do Cell Phones Reduce Violent Crime? - Columbia MagazineColumbia 

Universityhttps://magazine.columbia.edu › article › do-cell-phones-...

The World's First Handheld Cell Phone Call - News For KidsNews For Kidshttps://newsforkids.net › articles › 2023/04/06 › the-w...

How Many People Own Smartphones (2023-2028)Exploding Topicshttps://explodingtopics.com › blog › smartphone-stats

Blog Post #6 Anti- War

Upon diving into Antiwar.com, I was surprised and a tad taken aback. The opinions presented on this site are refreshingly bold quite different from the usual narratives in mainstream news. The website's upfront and in-your-face style gives it a somewhat chaotic vibe. Currently in the spotlight is an article discussing "How Israel controls the narrative".

Upon navigating The American Conservative website, the experience was certainly more accessible to the eyes, creating a more comfortable reading environment. This platform covers significant current issues, and a standout article currently trending is titled "Selling Aid to Ukraine: Spilling Blood to Create Jobs."

Many tend to prefer the brighter side of life, opting for denial rather than delving into the significant challenges surrounding us. I used to be one who shied away from discussing the negatives, focusing solely on the positive aspects. However, as I've matured, I've come to realize that navigating life requires acknowledging the good, the bad, and the diverse perspectives. To be an informed member of society, embracing a holistic understanding is crucial.

Many would resonate with my perspective. The writers on these sites indeed express robust and diverse opinions. It's hard to ignore that these rich anti-war views seem intentionally concealed from mainstream society. The fear is that if these narratives easily reach the public, it could stir up complete madness. After reading numerous articles unveiling what's genuinely transpiring behind the scenes, it's evident that the last thing our world needs is more madness .

Blog Post #4 EOTO Project

The technology timeline unfolds a narrative of diverse inventions that have evolved our world. Among these innovations, let's delve into the intriguing history of the typewriter. The modern typewriter we know today has undergone significant transformations from its early conceptualization.

The roots of the typewriter trace back to 1714 when Englishman Henry Mill sought a patent for "an artificial machine or method for the impressing or transcribing of letters singly or progressively one after another." However, the first proven working typewriter emerged in 1808, crafted by Italian inventor Pellegrino Turri. He designed it for his blind friend, Countess Carolina Fantoni da Fivizzano. Regrettably, the machine's appearance remains a mystery, but we do possess letters written by the Countess using it.

Throughout the 19th century, inventors in Europe and the U.S. dedicated their efforts to perfecting typewriters. Commercial success finally dawned with the introduction of the "writing ball" by Danish pastor Rasmus Malling-Hansen in 1870. This well-engineered device bore a resemblance to a pincushion. Interestingly, Nietzsche's mother and sister once gifted him one for Christmas, an offering he vehemently disliked.

The primary credit for this incredible machine goes to Christopher L. Sholes, a multifaceted individual hailing from Milwaukee—newspaperman, poet, and part-time inventor. Originally conceived for numbering book pages, the project took an inspired turn toward a machine capable of printing words and numbers. Production commenced in late 1873 and debuted on the American market in 1874.

The use of typewriters brought about profound changes in our world. Upon its introduction, the machine astounded the world with its ability to simplify work significantly. The typewriter could accomplish tasks that would traditionally require the efforts of 40 individuals in less than half the time. Moreover, it opened up job opportunities for women, with companies actively hiring them for clerical tasks. Typing, a skill facilitated by the typewriter, not only offered a viable job option for women but also came with competitive pay, sometimes even surpassing that of teaching—an established career path for women during that era. The typewriter revolutionized efficiency across businesses globally, steering a new generation of writing culture that rendered handwriting outdated.

The typewriter was a  revolutionary invention that profoundly transformed the world by redefining how we communicate and conduct business. Before the typewriter , written communication relied heavily on manual handwriting, a time-consuming and often laborious process. With its mechanical keys and uniform typeface, the typewriter brought unprecedented speed and efficiency to writing tasks. Businesses experienced a significant boost in productivity as documents could now be produced with remarkable speed and clarity. This ingenious device not only streamlined communication but also paved the way for subsequent advancements in office technology, leaving a lasting mark on the evolution of written expression and professional life. One significant issue people encountered with the typewriter was its need for more robust construction, making it a delicate machine. Among the significant challenges was placing the keys in the resting position, which affected the visibility of the typed text.

The typewriter was a groundbreaking invention in its own right, as it paved the way for the next wave of technological advancements. Its introduction marked a crucial moment in the evolution of writing and communication technologies. The mechanical invention of the typewriter inspired inventors and engineers to explore further possibilities in automation. As the demand for more efficient and cultivated machines grew, the typewriter laid the groundwork for future technologies, including early computing devices and word processors. The concept of a machine automating the process of creating written content opened doors to innovative thinking, setting the stage for the digital age. In many ways, the typewriter is a prototype of the transformative technologies that continue to shape our modern world.

Sources 

https://daily.jstor.org/how-typewriters-changed-everything/#:~:text=Typewriters%20helped%20manufacturers%27%20business%20offices,up%20catering%20to%20women%20workers.   

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-history.html#:~:text=The%20concept%20of%20a%20typewriter,was%20built%20by%20the%20Italian 

https://www.invent.org/inductees/christopher-sholes 

Privacy, Online and Off

Every day, nearly the entire world embraces technology. But did you know that in the midst of this tech love affair, your privacy is quietly slipping away? We willingly surrender our information—phone numbers, birthdays, even financial details for the convenience of Apple Pay. We casually share our lives on social media and use our cameras and mapping apps without a second thought. It's become second nature, but perhaps it's time to look closer at the price we pay for this digital convenience.

I've often underestimated how deeply our technology delves into our privacy, more than we can fathom. Juan Enriquez's TED Talk, "Your online life, permanent as a tattoo," struck a chord with me. The point is that our electronic tattoo last longer than a tattoo on the human body.

The electronic tattoo emerges when technology and social media employ facial recognition. Through this process, a picture of your face is captured, and companies like face.com have amassed a staggering 18 billion looks online. Subsequently, algorithms analyze your social media activity. Imagine this: as you stroll through a store, employees approach armed with knowledge about the options you've been exploring online, creating a seamless integration of your digital preferences into your real-world experience. It's the fusion of the online and offline worlds through the lens of facial recognition technology.

This is just one of the numerous breaches in our privacy. These privacy issues affect not just me but also my friends and family in ways I hadn't even considered. For instance, my iPhone stores many personal information, making me uneasy about its security. The prevalence of ring cameras raises another worry—could the government utilize the footage more extensively than I realize? It's a lingering thought that will now stay in my mind every time I unlock my phone or open my computer.

The government should play a more active role in safeguarding our online privacy. It's a matter that deserves heightened attention today, with robust laws in place to ensure our protection. Taking personal responsibility, I can contribute by being vigilant about the information I share online. It's crucial to be mindful when my iPhone camera is active, ensuring that what I record is intentional and knowledge I'm comfortable sharing with the world. Unfortunately, such precautions have become a necessity in our digital age.

Blog #3: 8 Values of Free Expression

One of the most crucial and esteemed amendments is the First Amendment, which grants us, as Americans, the fundamental right to freedom of speech. The first amendment states not only do we have freedom of speech but also freedom of religion, press assembly, and the right to petition the government. These rights give us space to stand up and vocalize our beliefs, which most countries do not have the right to do.

While exploring the Eight Values of freedom of speech, all the features discovered are essential. However, the one that particularly caught my attention was Individual Self-Fulfillment. 

Individual Self-fulfillment is when you have the right to form your own beliefs/opinions and express those beliefs/opinions. 

Today, we are witnessing a federal case involving Individual Self-Fulfillment. The 45th president of the United States of America and current candidate for the 2024 presidential election, Donald J. Trump, has recently been issued a gag order by a judge, prohibiting him from discussing Special Counsel Jack Smith's federal prosecution concerning his alleged attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election.

The Jude, in the case of Tanya Chutkan, states that This is about language that presents a danger to the administration of justice. "His presidential candidacy does not give him carte blanche to vilify public servants who are simply doing their jobs," the judge added. With the imposition of the gag order, the court is muzzling Donald Trump because they disapprove of what he's expressing on the internet." The judge's gag order has astonished the United States, raising questions about the government's ability to silence individuals. President Trump is actively contesting the gag order and is in the process of appealing it.

This is a violation of Donald Trump's First Amendment rights, as the government shouldn't be suppressing anyone's voice, mainly not based on their dislike of what Donald Trump is expressing. This also emphasizes Individual Self-Fulfillment, as the government is constraining Donald Trump from expressing himself and forging his own identity. 

It's concerning for a young 19-year-old preparing for her first presidential election to feel fear. Regardless of one's political views on Donald Trump, nobody in our country should ever be silenced by the government based on their opinions and beliefs.

On a personal level, I sincerely appreciated our government while I was growing up, as it allowed individuals to express themselves freely. As a shy child who took time to find my voice and develop my opinions, I discovered a means of self-expression through playing lacrosse. Throughout my school years, I faced challenges in school, hesitating to raise my hand or speak in front of the class, and often felt overlooked as a partner. However, picking up a lacrosse stick in second grade changed my trajectory. I excelled in lacrosse, becoming someone people wanted to collaborate with. I developed a strong lacrosse IQ, and my leadership skills led me to become the varsity lacrosse captain. Playing lacrosse enabled me to grow in ways I'm forever grateful for, particularly for the opportunity of Individual Self-Fulfillment, allowing me to express myself uniquely and carve out my identity.

 

Blog #2 The Supreme Court

  The Supreme Court possesses significant authority within the United States government, consisting of nine justices. It holds the crucial power to oversee and check the actions of both the legislative and executive branches.

The Supreme Court was established in 1789 by Article Three of the U.S. Constitution, which also granted Congress the power to create inferior federal courts.The Constitution granted Congress the authority to determine the Supreme Court's structure. In 1789, the Judiciary Act marked the legislative branch's inaugural exercise of this power. President George Washington signed the act into law, establishing a six-justice court with appointments lasting until death. 

In the initial gatherings of the Supreme Court, the primary emphasis was on structuring the organization and establishing procedures that would ultimately shape the court into the institution we recognize today. Today I read an article from History Channel called the Supreme Court and I watched a video talking about the Supreme Court and I was tasked with thinking deeper about the Supreme Court. 

 

What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

 One aspect of the Supreme Court that surprised me was the significant impact of the 14th Amendment on the United States. In the video, they referred to the 14th Amendment as the "Second Bill of Rights." This comparison is drawn because, just like the original Bill of Rights was established to safeguard citizens against federal power, the 14th Amendment aims to protect individuals from the potential abuses of state power. I was genuinely surprised to discover the importance of the 14th Amendment to our country, and I appreciate the video for enlightening me on this matter.

What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

While I've consistently recognized the gravity of the Supreme Court, I have yet to grasp the sheer volume of cases it handles fully. According to the video, the Supreme Court reviews more than 100 new cases yearly, with about 7,000. The complex process of selecting which cases make it to trial was also eye-opening for me. Typically, a case reaches the Supreme Court as a petition for certiorari—a written argument to convince the court that a lower court's decision was flawed. However, only a select few are granted full consideration, totaling around a hundred cases annually. This extensive and selective process highlights that the cases reaching the Supreme Court are not trivial; they are genuinely unique and of the most significant importance.

What was the most surprising thing you learned?

One of the most surprising revelations I gleaned from watching this video is the magnitude of accomplishment associated with serving on the Supreme Court and the substantial workload the position entails. The video highlighted that it takes 3 to 5 years to settle into the job's demands. Additionally, I learned that many Supreme Court judges continue working until a late age or until they pass away, contributing to the most advanced age of the justices. This newfound understanding adds a profound layer of appreciation for the dedication and endurance required of the Supreme Court judges. I now hold the utmost respect for their role in the judiciary.

How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

After viewing these videos and reading the article from the History Channel, my perspective on the Supreme Court has undergone a significant shift. I hadn't realized the intricate process of selecting cases for the Supreme Court, and I've developed a newfound respect for the justices who dedicate their lives to serving on the highest court.

Kaitlin's Top 5 News Sources

Instagram 

Instagram is my go-to news source—the hub for catching up on worldwide events. Given its immense popularity in my generation, it's only natural that I, like many others, find myself immersed in various social media platforms. However, Instagram takes the lead for me when it comes to staying informed.

I follow news outlets that share insightful videos or visuals, providing a quick and engaging overview of global events. It's incredibly convenient since I'm already on the app, casually scrolling through my feed. I don't have the time or patience to sit down and read a newspaper or watch the news. So Instagram seamlessly offers me a snapshot of what's unfolding in the world. 

Apple News 

I own an iPhone, and Apple News comes pre-installed on it. It's one of my go-to news outlets. Navigating through Apple News is a breeze, thanks to its well-organized layout that keeps me updated on global events. One standout feature I appreciate is the ability to receive trading notifications. When I click on these notifications, they direct me to the relevant article. Apple News truly excels in keeping me informed about what's happening in my surroundings.

The Daily Mail  

The Daily Mail is my go-to for worldwide issues and celebrity drama. With a dedicated feature on Snapchat, I can easily click through their story and delve into articles on trending topics. Thanks to this convenient Snapchat feature, I make it a point to catch up with the Daily Mail daily. It's the perfect on-the-go news source for me.

TikTok 

TikTok is an incredibly engaging app that can easily captivate you for hours. While scrolling through videos of people showcasing trending dances or watching hauls where individuals share their recent shopping finds, you'll also encounter creators dedicating their time to addressing current global issues. While TikTok may not always be a reliable source, it is a platform that sparks interest in various topics. This causes me to research to understand the issues at hand better.

 Lohud

                                                                                      Lohud is the newspaper that covers my local small town in Westchester, New York. I frequently turn to Lohud to stay connected with what's happening at home while I'm away at school. It reports on worldwide issues and covers events in New York and issues specific to the town where I live. Lohud is particularly exciting because it features all my friends and me—from our sports games to our high school activities—making us feel like local celebrities. Lohud excels at capturing moments in my small town.