Diffusion of Innovations

In Diffusion of Innovations, Everett Rogers explains how new ideas and technologies spread through society, with people adopting them at different stages. Looking at modern platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, we can see these stages play out clearly.

Early adopters are the people who jump on new technologies quickly. They’re usually excited by innovation, like staying ahead of the curve, and enjoy being the first to try things. For example: the early users of Facebook were mainly college students who saw it as a new, exclusive way to connect. These early adopters saw the potential in it before others did, and that social status of being "in the know" or "knowing it before it was cool" can be appealing.

Late adopters, on the other hand, are more hesitant. They wait until the technology is more established and widely accepted before giving it a try. This group often begrudgingly joins only when they feel left out or when it becomes necessary to stay connected. From my personal experience with these types of people, they usually feel like they've been missing out once they get used to it. For example, many people only joined Facebook years later when it became essential to keep up with family and friends, then they ended up becoming addicted to it too. Late adopters tend to be more cautious before jumping on the bandwagon, weighing the risks or waiting to see if the hype lasts.

Some people choose to opt out of technologies like social media altogether. This can be because of privacy concerns, the fear of becoming too dependent, a preference for face-to-face interaction, and much more. For example: people who avoid Facebook or Instagram might be uncomfortable with how these platforms collect data or the way they encourage constant engagement. For them, the negatives like privacy issues, mental health concerns, or time lost, heavily outweigh the benefits of staying connected or sharing moments online.

New technologies, like social media, spread because they offer clear benefits: faster, easier communication, and the ability to connect with more people. Early adopters get on board because they see these advantages, while others join later once they see their friends or coworkers using them. Platforms like TikTok, for example, exploded because they were easy to use, fun, and offered instant gratification through viral videos.

Every technology has its downsides however. Social media, for instance, can be addictive, cause anxiety, or compromise privacy. Someone who avoids social platforms might do so because they don’t want to deal with these issues, preferring in-person interactions or more private forms of communication. On the flip side, many people see the benefits of networking, staying in touch, or promoting their work as worth the downsides. Many people, of course, don't even think about the downsides.

When deciding whether to adopt a new technology, people weigh the benefits against the negatives. If the potential gain, like being more connected or staying updated on new stuff outweighs the risks, people are likely to join in. For others, like those who avoid social media, the potential harm (privacy loss, stress) outweighs the good, so they opt out.

In the end, whether someone is an early adopter, late adopter, or decides to opt out completely comes down to how they balance the positives and negatives in their own life. Each person’s decision reflects their unique priorities and comfort level with change.

Living in the Age of AI

    Imagine a world where your technology did things for you, we are getting close to that reality with every passing day but is that really a good thing? If everything were done for us, would we not just feel irrelevant, I mean we humans thrive for purpose and stand up to any challenge that comes our way? Technology is a tool for us to help us do certain tasks more easily, and with the rise of AI people have been cutting out the middleman in that relationship by letting technology do the work for you. There is a difference between doing the work and having people do it for you.  

 

    There are several machine/AI operated aspects that do come in handy but require a human aspect in order to function like autopilots in airplanes or cars sure they make life easier but they aren't perfect like they still need a human pilot to correct their errors, heck look at all the times where Tesla's autopilots got people to crash. AI has made several jobs harder when it comes to employment like journalism and art because there are many AI programs that can type an article for you in a matter of seconds with basic information, and for art you can just type in a prompt and the AI program will make a stellar art piece stealing other people's art to make an amalgamation of what you describe, no wonder digital artist hate AI. 

 

    AI has run rampant ruining things like contests and trolling. As an example, recently there was a Pokémon card art contest where half the entries were all made by one AI artist, which sucks because there were so many talented artists that entered that contest to have their art be turned into a Pokémon card 

 

    The evolution of AI is very scary recently there was someone that used AI to make music then released all of it on Spotify and they actually made money from it, which is awful because even though music has been iffy lately there was always a human element to music that made it stick but when you use AI that element is gone. Many people are starting to depend on AI too much to do tasks that they
can simply do themselves like writing a blog post (this blog post is not made by AI because then I would not tell you that if everyone depends on someone/something else to do the work for them then how would they learn? 

Com Tech Timeline of Video Games

 Physicist William Higinbotham was looking for a way to make science more engaging and from this the story  of video games begin. In the 1950, Higinbotham was working at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, when he noticed that the dis displays they used for their Open houses were kind of dull and unengaging for visitors. So he invented what is know as the first video game : Tennis for Two.

Tennis For Two  was interactive computer game that simulated a tennis match. The display was on a oscilloscope screen , allowing players to control the angle of their shots with a Knob and pressing a button would hit the ball over the net. Compared to today's standards, the concept of something like this was bigger than Fortnite. Giving them a glimpse of the potential of what little computer boxes can do than just science and military use.

Ralph Baer an engineer often referred to as the "Father of Video Games" is another Key figure in the history of Video games. In 1960s, he developed the the prototype for the first commercial home video game console called the "Brown Box" that will be eventually used for the Magnavox Odyssey, , released in 1972. Baer's idea was to create a new form of home entertainment that could be used with standard TVs. His invention would lay the foundation for for gaming consoles and change how we interact with the digital world.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, games like Pong, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man had captured the imagination of millions, leading to the rapid growth of the arcade gaming industry. These games brought new forms of social interaction, where players would compete for high scores, creating communities around arcades. Marking the beginning of a technological and cultural revolution.

As technology progressed, video games evolved from simple 8-bit graphics to complex, three-dimensional worlds with rich narratives and immersive soundtracks. The launch of home gaming consoles, like the Atari 2600 and later the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the 1980s, allowed players to enjoy games from the comfort of their homes, making gaming a mainstream entertainment medium. The accessibility and portability of consoles like the Game Boy further fueled the growth, making gaming a ubiquitous part of popular culture.

With the rise of the internet in the 1990s and 2000s, video games transformed into platforms for global connectivity and communication. Multiplayer games, such as World of Warcraft and Counter-Strike, allowed players to connect, collaborate, and compete across continents, breaking down geographical barriers. Online gaming communities began to form, fostering new friendships, and offering a sense of belonging to players worldwide.

The invention and evolution of video games have solved numerous challenges. They have enhanced cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and strategic planning, making them valuable tools in education and training. Simulations and serious games have been used in various fields, including military training, medical education, and even psychological therapy.

However, video games have not been without controversy. Concerns over addiction, violent content, and their potential impact on mental health have sparked debates among parents, educators, and policymakers. Studies have shown that excessive gaming can lead to negative consequences, such as decreased academic performance, social isolation, and even physical health issues.

Despite their challenges, video games have significantly shaped our world, transforming how we learn, communicate, and entertain ourselves. They have fostered innovation in graphics and artificial intelligence, influenced pop culture, and even provided a platform for creative expression. Video games have come a long way since Higinbotham’s Tennis for Two, evolving from a scientific curiosity to a $180 billion global industry that continues to shape the future of technology and society.

Privacy, Online & Off

Ever just open up a new app on your phone and it asks if you want your location tracked while using it, the first thing that you would probably ask yourself is why would they want my location but that's how things are these days. Technology both a blessing and a curse these days its amazing how I can catch up with my friends with the touch of a button but that can always be used against us. 

    People want to be left alone these days but in this current day and age someone will always want your information especially the technology you hold dear. Ever just talk about something or look something up then just get so many ads for that very thing well with technology companies always watch your every move and try to use the information that they gain from you against you for the money. 

    With every innovation the easier it is for companies to track your data without even trying heck even when you agree to the terms and conditions to certain things you are still not safe because companies think they are sneaky by trying to sneak some terms and conditions that can be used against the consumer and they agree to it because who reads the terms and conditions like they are usually 37 pages long so yeah.

    Recently Disney used their terms of service against someone that tried to sue them for their restaurants not taking the proper precautions for serving the guys wife that was allergic to nuts, she died. Unfortunately because the guy signed up for Disney Plus in 2019 and agreed to the terms of service that stated that they wouldn't be able to sue the company, he couldn't sue the company which is really scummy. 

Another scummy thing people use technology for is security cameras sure its cool have safety and have surveillance to see what can go wrong in your areas but there are some places where cameras shouldn't be. Many Air BnB home owners put hidden cameras in their house to see if the people renting the house are following the rules but many times the cameras are not stated in the listings or they are even put in private areas like the bathroom or bed room heck some of the owners sell their footage online like sex and people using the bathroom which is so wrong and illegal. Every advancement of technology comes with the risk of being spied on by smaller and more powerful cameras. 

    It's really easy to fake your identity online why do you think dating apps are a scam also people just try to scam other people these days why do you think all those hot moms want to get to know me in the area I mean there's a lot of me to go around but yeah its a scam. With the internet being filled with so many strangers its important to stay safe when using technology especially children because there are many creeps out their that will try to exploit your kids for their own creepy fantasy's. Even when these creeps get caught they don't get the right justice done to them the world is so unfair. So remember stranger danger. 

Eight Values of Free Expression

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a democratic society, ensuring not just the ability to speak freely but also the health and vibrancy of a nation's political, cultural, and social life. Among the eight values of free expression, one that resonates deeply with me is the Check on Governmental Power. The concept underscores the vital function of free speech and a free press in holding those in power accountable. In our current era of digital communication and global connectivity, this value feels particularly pertinent and personal. 
 

From the revelations of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, who exposed the extent of
government surveillance, to investigative journalism uncovering political scandals and corporate misconduct, the role of media and public discourse in challenging authority is undeniable. Social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook have amplified this function, enabling journalists and ordinary citizens to share information rapidly and broadly. The recent use of social media to document and highlight social injustices, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, exemplifies how free expression is a tool for accountability. 

 

Blasi argues that without the ability to freely criticize and question, government power tends toward abuse. History provides ample evidence of this. In authoritarian regimes where freedom of speech is curtailed, unchecked power often leads to human rights abuses and widespread corruption. The press and citizenry, when free to investigate and speak out, serve as crucial checks in the balance of power that underpins democracy. 

 

However, the mechanisms by which this watchdog role is carried out have evolved dramatically with technology, especially social media. Platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube have become arenas for public debate, advocacy, and whistleblowing. They empower individuals to act as citizen journalists, providing real-time reporting from virtually anywhere in the world. But these platforms also present challenges: misinformation, hate speech, and the risk of government and corporate surveillance have become more pronounced. 

 

Lee Bollinger’s perspective on the value of free speech in promoting tolerance suggests that exposure to different viewpoints, even those that are hateful or offensive, teaches society how to better navigate and respond to extreme ideas. Social media, for better or worse, is a crucible for this kind of exposure. Algorithms may amplify extreme content, but they also facilitate dialogues that can lead to greater understanding and societal learning. It can be argued that by engaging with diverse, often conflicting viewpoints, individuals become more tolerant of differences, thus fostering a more inclusive society. 

 

On one hand, digital platforms embody the Marketplace of Ideas theory espoused by John Milton in "Areopagites." Here, different viewpoints and ideas can clash openly, allowing truth to emerge stronger from the contest. On the other hand, the sheer volume and speed of information (and misinformation) challenge this ideal. How can we ensure that truth wins in a sea of competing narratives? 

 

Furthermore, the principle of Protecting Dissent becomes even more critical in the digital age. While mainstream media might overlook minority voices, social media platforms provide a space for them to be heard. This democratizes expression, allowing underrepresented groups to challenge prevailing norms and contribute to the broader societal discourse. 

 

For me, the Check on Governmental Power resonates most profoundly because it encapsulates why free speech is vital. Without the ability to question, challenge, and expose, we risk losing the very freedoms that define democratic life. In a world where information can be controlled or manipulated by those in power, maintaining the integrity of free speech, especially through modern technologies, is paramount.