Blog Post #9 Gate Keeping

 

    For this presentation, I had the opportunity to report on one of my favorite controversies—gatekeeping. It’s a term we often hear in everyday conversations, especially online, when someone exclaims, “What’s that song? Where’s that outfit from? Don’t gatekeep!” But beyond social media slang, gatekeeping has serious implications in shaping access to information, resources, and opportunities. Originally a concept in communication studies and sociology, gatekeeping was first introduced by social psychologist Kurt Lewin in the 1940s to describe how information flow is controlled. In 1950, journalist and media scholar David Manning White refined the idea, applying it to newsrooms where editors acted as gatekeepers deciding which stories reached the public. Over time, the concept expanded into various fields, including academia, economics, and entertainment, highlighting the power dynamics that control access. In the 21st century, gatekeeping became a widely used term, often associated with exclusionary behavior in industries, knowledge circles, and even conspiracy theories. One of the most intriguing examples is Hollywood, where secrecy fuels speculation, such as the elite retreat Bohemian Grove, where powerful figures—celebrities, CEOs, and politicians—gather for undisclosed discussions and rituals like the "Cremation of Care" ceremony. Questions remain about the nature of these gatherings and the influence they wield. In science, a major gatekeeping conspiracy suggests that a cure for cancer exists but is deliberately suppressed by pharmaceutical companies and government agencies to protect their billion-dollar industry. Some doctors who claimed to have found a cure died under mysterious circumstances, further fueling speculation. Academia has its own gatekeeping issues, exemplified by Aaron Swartz, the activist who fought for open access to academic research. Charged with computer and wire fraud for downloading research papers from JSTOR, he faced severe legal consequences and took his own life in 2013, sparking global debates about knowledge accessibility. The financial world also has its share of gatekeeping, as revealed by leaks like the Panama and Pandora Papers, which exposed how billionaires, corporations, and politicians hide trillions in offshore accounts while everyday people bear the tax burden. In the music industry, some believe that fame comes at a cost, with rising stars allegedly making deals with powerful secret societies like the Illuminati. Occult symbolism in music videos and career sabotage rumors—like those surrounding Kanye West—fuel speculation that an unseen force controls success. Finally, one of the most fascinating historical examples of gatekeeping is the destruction of the Library of Alexandria. Built in the 3rd century BCE, it housed an estimated 400,000 to 700,000 scrolls on science, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. Whether it was accidentally burned by Julius Caesar’s forces, destroyed by early Christians to suppress pagan knowledge, or lost to some other cause, its destruction erased centuries of invaluable knowledge. Imagine how different civilization might be if that library had survived—perhaps humanity could have advanced in medicine, engineering, and space exploration centuries earlier. Whether in media, finance, academia, or history, gatekeeping continues to shape the world, raising questions about who controls access to knowledge and power.

Blog Post #8 Innovation

 BLOG #8 Diffusion Theory. 

The telephone is undoubtedly one of the most significant technological advancements in communication history. Although it started as an expensive and exclusive invention, it quickly gained popularity and became an essential tool for individuals and businesses. By examining the telephone’s adoption through Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory, we can trace its journey from an elite innovation to a household necessity.

Contrary to popular belief, the foundation of telephone technology was built by multiple inventors. Antonio Meucci was the first to develop a prototype, but Alexander Graham Bell is widely credited with its invention. Elisha Gray was a competitor to Bell but did not achieve the same level of recognition. Initially, the telephone was designed to enhance the capabilities of the telegraph, and each of these pioneers played a role in making that vision a reality.

At first, only a small group saw the telephone’s potential. Due to its high cost, the telephone was primarily used by wealthy individuals and large corporations. Direct lines were set up between specific locations for communication, but long-distance and international calls were not yet possible. The first telephone line was established in 1878, but the technology had still not yet reached the general public.

Widespread adoption of the telephone accelerated with the introduction of the “transcontinental” telephone line. This innovation allowed people across the United States to connect more easily, increasing the telephone’s appeal (1915). Although still expensive, it became more accessible to a broader audience.

World War I played a huge role in further expanding telephone usage. During the war, the U.S. government took control of telephone and telegraph lines, placing them under the direction of the U.S. Post Office. By 1919, the telephone had become a key communication tool, and its popularity excelled throughout the 1920s, when it became a standard feature in homes and businesses.

Despite its widespread adoption, some people resisted the transition to telephone use. Many could not afford the technology or did not see a need for it. However, throughout the 20th century, the telephone continued to grow in popularity until it became a staple in most American households.

The rise of mobile technology ultimately led to the decline of landline telephones. As cell phones became more affordable and convenient, people gradually abandoned traditional telephones. By 2022, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 29% of homes still had a landline, an extreme contrast to the 90% recorded in 2004. While the telephone had few disadvantages aside from its initial cost, its impact on communication was revolutionary. The desire to stay connected drove its popularity, and its benefits far outweighed any drawbacks. Although newer technologies have replaced landlines, the telephone remains one of the most important communication innovations in history

Blog Post #7 Anti War

     

After looking over this content, I am faced with the question, are we really getting the full truth from the government? or just the version they want us to believe? After spending some time exploring The American Conservative and Antiwar.com, it became clear to me that there’s a whole world of government-related information out there that rarely makes it into mainstream news. The major media outlets we rely on leave out antiwar perspectives, making it harder for people to see the full picture.

    The websites I explored for the first time, ANTIWAR.COM and The American Conservative, exposed me to a wider range of perspectives that I hadn’t encountered before. It was eye-opening to see how many people actively use their voices to protest against war.

    One particular article stood out to me, that being, Whatever Happened to the Antiwar Left? The first sentence alone caught my attention… “On Feb. 15, 2003, 14 million people poured into the streets of 800 cities worldwide to oppose the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.” 14 million people. This wasn’t just a small group of activists; this was one of the largest protests in our human history. Despite its significance, events like these don’t always get the attention they deserve in mainstream media. It made me realize just how much information isn’t being censored. But why? War is bad let alone expensive. I’ll never understand why people would prefer war over alternate resolutions. These protestors should’ve been the main topic on the news. 

    The government has one of the biggest influences over what information is easily accessible, and antiwar viewpoints are often pushed aside because they challenge the mainstream narrative. They’re not completely erased—so it’s not outright “censorship”—but they’re buried beneath sources that align more with government-friendly viewpoints. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a way of shaping public opinion, making sure that the loudest voices are the ones that support the status quo.

    Unfortunately this isn't new (and in my opinion will never end). Antiwar sentiment in the U.S. has a long history, dating back to the Progressive Era of the early 1900s. When America entered WWI, not everyone was on board. Protests and riots broke out as many people voiced their disapproval. Among the most vocal were immigrants from Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, who were often labeled as "unpatriotic" just for disagreeing with the war (Why it is considered unpatriotic to not want your fellow citizens to get blown up is beyond me). Their concerns weren’t always about loyalty—they simply did not believe the war was justified. But back then, and still now, going against the official narrative came with consequences.

    Before this, I hadn’t realized just how strong today’s antiwar voices are—or how long they’ve been fighting to be heard. It’s no secret that the government has a say in what information reaches us, but it feels like antiwar perspectives are especially sidelined. The more I looked into it, the more it became clear. The government isn’t just presenting information, it’s curating what we see, making sure that certain viewpoints are harder to find. This is why it’s so important to seek out different sources. If we rely only on mainstream media, we risk seeing only one side of the story, especially with the way algorithms are tailored today. Websites like Antiwar.com and The American Conservative offer perspectives that challenge the dominant narrative, and while they may not always be completely unbiased, they at least provide alternative viewpoints. That said, not every independent site is reliable—some push conspiracy theories and misinformation—so it’s just as important to fact-check and think critically about where our news is coming from.

    At times, I feel like people are afraid to face the truth about what’s really happening in the world. It’s easy to skim the first article we see, take it at face value, and move on. But that can lead to a lot of misinformation, conflict, and misunderstanding. We have to be smarter about how we consume news, making sure we’re staying informed with accurate facts rather than blindly accepting whatever is put in front of us.

    In a world flooded with information, it’s up to us to filter through the noise and find what’s real. Not everything will be on the front page of a major news site, and not every alternative source is credible—but the key is to think critically, check multiple perspectives, and question narratives rather than just accepting them. The truth is out there, but we have to be willing to look for it.

Blog Post #6 EOTO1 React

 Blog Post #6    Write a regular short post about a technology that you learned about from someone else.

Ella’s presentation helped me understand the key differences between DVDs and CDs. Before her presentation, I thought they were the same thing. She explained that both are optical discs used for storing data, they serve different purposes. CDs primarily store audio files and have a maximum capacity of around 700 MB. DVDs can store more data (4.7 GB to 17 GB)making them best for video storage. Ella also demonstrated how DVDs use a smaller wavelength laser than CDs, allowing them to store more information in the same physical space somehow. The science of it is nuts to me. She also explained that DVDs have multiple layers of data, while CDs have only one layer. By the end of her presentation, I had a clear understanding of why DVDs are preferred for movies and large files, whereas CDs are mainly used for music and smaller data storage. Before this, I truly could not have told you the difference!

Blog Post #5 Ted Talks (PRIVACY)

    Let’s begin by looking at the dangers of mass surveillance. Catherine Crump shared something pretty alarming that most people probably don’t know about. She pointed out that the government has a massive database storing people’s location information, just in case they ever need it. This is hard to grasp because it means we’re being tracked without any real reason. If the government has access to this data, they can know where we are and what we’re doing, building profiles of us, even if we haven’t done anything wrong. Obviously this is a huge privacy violation, especially for those who are just going about their daily lives, completely innocent. We should be able to go about our day without feeling like we’re being watched. Having this kind of information stored is also risky because it could be hacked, putting our personal details and security out there for the wrong people to find.

    I also want to talk about the potential problems with electronic tattoos. This is becoming a big issue for newer generations. Younger generations don’t always think about the digital footprint they’re leaving when they post online. What many people don’t realize is that once something is online, it's online; point blank period. Enriquez made a key point that once you share something, it’s like getting a permanent tattoo on the internet, even if you think you're deleting it.

    Next, I want to dive into some eye-opening facts from Soghoian’s TED talk discussing phone surveillance. He explained some things that really surprised me, especially how phones were set up to be tapped right from the start. Everyone uses their phones every day for calls, texting, or social media. The scary part is that some phone providers can listen in on calls, meaning anyone could be eavesdropping. This is a huge violation. Sensitive information could be picked up, and this opens the door for the government, hackers, or other groups to track us. Even the smallest detail, like an address or a name, can be used to find us. The government shouldn’t be allowed to spy on our calls, no matter what. Our reality is that we are under 24/7 surveillance, and it’s making us unsafe.

Blog Post #4: Bluetooth!

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As we know, Bluetooth technology has been one of the most significant inventions in wireless communication. It helped bridge the gap between devices and simplified how we connect. Whether you're connecting your phone to a speaker, syncing your smartwatch with your phone, or using Bluetooth headphones, the use of Bluetooth in everyday life is undeniable. But how did this wireless revolution begin, and who was behind it? Bluetooth was invented in 1994 by a group of engineers at a Swedish telecommunications company, Ericsson. The primary inventor was Jaap Haartsen. He was working on a solution to connect devices without using wires or large cables.           

FUN FACT: The initial idea behind Bluetooth was inspired by the Viking king, Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson who united Denmark and Norway in the 10th century. The wireless technology aimed to unite different devices in the same way. I didn't believe this at first until further research and didn't even include it in my initial presentation. I think this is so funny. 

Although Ericsson invented Bluetooth, they knew it needed to become a universal standard. In 1998, Ericsson partnered with IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba to form the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Their goal was to ensure that Bluetooth worked across different brands and industries. The first Bluetooth (1.0) was released in 1999, and the technology quickly gained popularity. Bluetooth became a game-changer in how we interact with technology, from wireless headsets to printers, and even smart home systems.

The development of Bluetooth paired with the rise of smartphones, further fueling the demand for wireless accessories, such as earphones, keyboards, and speakers, watches etc. That being said, Bluetooth paved the way for Wi-Fi, NFC (Near Field Communication), and even 5G, all of which further expanded the possibilities of wireless communication. It also introduced the concept of IoT(Internet of Things), where everyday objects like refrigerators, thermostats, and cars can now communicate and interact with each other wirelessly.

Even though Bluetooth has had a wildly positive impact on communication and connectivity, it has its negatives too. One notable issue is the security concerns. Early versions of Bluetooth were susceptible to hacks, such as “bluejacking” and “bluesnarfing,”(names I also think are funny) where hackers could access data from Bluetooth devices without consent. To add to that, people can airdrop you anything at any time if you aren't careful about the setting you use. Bluetooth also contributed to a world that increasingly relies on multiple wireless devices, leading to concerns over electromagnetic radiation and its potential effects on health. I remember my freshman year of highschool where there was this big conspiracy about airpods causing brain issues. While most studies have shown that Bluetooth emits very low levels of radiation, the rise in wireless technology has sparked debates about long-term exposure/ risks.

Bluetooth has undoubtedly revolutionized communication, connecting devices in ways that were once thought impossible. What started as a solution to untangle cables has evolved into an essential part of our daily lives. While the invention of Bluetooth has brought about some challenges, mostly in terms of security, its contributions to the modern world are undeniable. Bluetooth has completely transformed how we communicate, and has truly changed the world in ways we continue to benefit from.