Blog Post #11: Presentation Reflection #2

 

The presentation on "Confirmation Bias" taught me a lot about how we tend to seek out information that supports what we already believe. The team explained that this bias can make us ignore or dismiss facts that contradict our views, which can lead to flawed decision-making.

It made me realize how much we’re all influenced by this bias, especially when it comes to news and social media. I’ll be more conscious about challenging my own beliefs and trying to consider other perspectives moving forward.

Blog Post #9: Exploring the Illusory Truth Effect

 

In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with information through the media and social platforms. The Illusory Truth Effect is a concept that explains why repeated exposure to information can make us believe it’s true, even when it isn’t. This is particularly important to understand in a time when fake news, misinformation, and biased reports are everywhere.

What is the Illusory Truth Effect?

The Illusory Truth Effect is when we start to believe something is true simply because we hear it over and over again. It doesn’t matter if the information is false or misleading—the more often we hear it, the more familiar it becomes, and we are more likely to accept it as fact. This is a huge issue in today’s media landscape, where misinformation spreads easily, especially on social media.

Why Is It Dangerous?

The Illusory Truth Effect is dangerous because it makes it easy for fake news to spread. Even if we doubt something at first, hearing it repeatedly can change how we see it. This effect can lead to false stories or hoaxes being accepted by the public, as we’ve seen with many viral rumors or conspiracies online. It also plays into the divide we see in society today. If someone hears a story that fits with their beliefs and hears it repeatedly, they are more likely to believe it and dismiss anything that contradicts it. This leads to polarization, where people live in echo chambers, only hearing what supports their views.

This effect doesn’t just impact our beliefs—it also impacts how companies and politicians use repetition in ads and campaigns. Repeated slogans or messages can influence us without us even realizing it, shaping how we vote or what we buy.

How It Affects Society

The Illusory Truth Effect can harm society by spreading misinformation that influences important decisions like voting or purchasing. In a democracy, we need to make decisions based on facts, but when false information is accepted as truth, it weakens our ability to make informed choices. This harms trust in the media, the government, and other institutions that we rely on for accurate information.

It also affects people differently. Older generations, who may not be as familiar with social media, can be more influenced by traditional media. Meanwhile, younger people are exposed to a wider range of information, but that also means they’re more likely to encounter fake news. For marginalized groups, the Illusory Truth Effect can be even more damaging, as false stereotypes about them can spread, leading to discrimination or violence.

Personal Impact

On a personal level, I can see how the Illusory Truth Effect influences how I process information. It’s easy to start believing something just because I hear it often, especially with social media constantly updating news and opinions. This is why it’s so important to be critical of what we see and hear and to check facts before accepting something as true. I also think about how my friends and family, especially those who aren’t as careful online, might be influenced by this bias.

Conclusion: What Can We Do?

To fight the Illusory Truth Effect, we need to become more careful about what we believe and share. We should always check multiple sources to verify information before accepting it as truth. It's also important to educate others about how repetition can trick us into believing false information. By doing this, we can reduce the impact of misinformation and help people make more informed decisions.

As we continue navigating the digital world, we must stay aware of how easy it is to be influenced by the Illusory Truth Effect. Understanding how repetition shapes our beliefs can help us protect ourselves and society from harmful misinformation.

Blog Post #5: Privacy in the Digital Age

 

After watching the TED Talks on privacy, I realized just how much of our personal information is being collected without us knowing. From social media to shopping online, companies track what we do and use it to target ads or even change our opinions. This made me worried about how little control we actually have over our own data.

This affects me, my friends, and my family, especially since many of us share a lot online. Older family members may not even know how vulnerable they are to things like scams. My generation often doesn’t think much about privacy, but we should be more careful.

The government should make stronger rules to protect our data. Companies should be required to tell us what they collect and how they use it. On our side, we need to be smarter about what we share and how we protect our information—like using privacy settings and not sharing too much online.

We all need to take responsibility for our own privacy in today’s digital world.

Blog post #10: In The Age of AI Reflection

After watching the video, I was both amazed and a little worried about how quickly artificial intelligence  is developing. AI is becoming stronger, able to make decisions, analyze tons of data, and even copy human creativity. While these changes have some benefits, they also bring up serious concerns about ethics, privacy, and security.

The Good Side of AI

One of the best things about AI is how it makes life easier. From automating boring tasks to improving healthcare and making business processes smoother, AI is helping make the world more efficient. AI can help detect diseases earlier, improve customer service, and even predict weather patterns more accurately. The potential for AI to solve problems humans struggle with is really exciting.

Privacy: A Double-Edged Sword

But the more AI grows, the more data it collects. This brings up big privacy issues. On one hand, AI can make things personal, like recommending movies or news based on what we like. But on the other hand, it means that companies and governments have access to a lot of personal information. There’s a real risk of surveillance, data breaches, or misuse of our data.

AI and National Security

AI also plays a big role in national security. It can help detect cyber threats, strengthen defense systems, and even predict possible conflicts. But it can also be used as a weapon. Autonomous weapons and AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming bigger threats. If the wrong people get control of AI, it could be used for spying, hacking, or even warfare with little human involvement, which is pretty scary.

Online Security and Identity Theft

AI can both protect and threaten online security. It helps detect fraud, prevent cyberattacks, and improve encryption. But AI is also being used by hackers to make deepfakes, crack passwords, and steal identities. As AI-generated content gets better, it’s harder to tell what’s real or fake. This could lead to serious security problems and spread misinformation online.

Final Thoughts

This video made me think a lot about how AI is changing our world. While it has the power to improve lives, it also comes with some big risks. The challenge now is to find a balance—using AI for good while making sure we have strong rules in place to protect privacy, security, and ethics. The real question is, are we ready to handle the responsibility of such a powerful tool?

Blog post #8: How Smartphones Spread

 

Early Adopters and Why Smartphones Spread Fast

When smartphones first came out, they were expensive and had limited features. Innovators—people who love new technology—were the first to try them. Early adopters, like business professionals and tech-savvy users, saw their potential and started using them too. As smartphones got better and cheaper, more people joined in. The early majority followed because smartphones made life easier with internet access, apps, and communication tools.

Businesses and social media also played a big role in spreading smartphones. Once people saw their friends, family, and coworkers using them, they felt pressured to get one too.

Late Adopters and Non-Adopters

Some people waited longer to get smartphones. The late majority joined in only after prices dropped and smartphones became essential for work and daily life. Laggards, on the other hand, were either unsure about smartphones, didn’t think they needed one, or preferred using older technology. Some avoided smartphones because of cost, age, or personal beliefs.

Downsides of Smartphones

While smartphones are useful, they also have drawbacks. Many worry about privacy, addiction, and how too much screen time affects mental health. Social media, which is a big part of smartphone culture, can spread misinformation and cause stress. That’s why some people choose to stay off platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Is It Worth It?

For those who don’t use smartphones or social media, there are both pros and cons. They might miss out on fast communication, networking, and entertainment, but they also avoid distractions and privacy risks. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether the benefits outweigh the downsides.

New technology always comes with trade-offs. The smartphone is a great example of how innovations spread and how people decide whether or not to adopt them. Some jump in early, while others take their time or stay out completely. In the end, it’s all about what works best for each person.

Blog post #7: Why Are Antiwar Voices So Hard to Find?

The United States is involved in military operations across the globe, yet strong antiwar perspectives are rarely found in mainstream media. Why is that?

Websites like Antiwar.com and The American Conservative provide passionate arguments against war, challenging its justifications and exposing its costs. But you’ve probably never heard of these sites. Why?

One reason is that mainstream media relies on advertising from defense contractors and industries benefiting from war, creating a bias toward interventionist policies. War is often framed as necessary for national security or humanitarian efforts, while those who oppose it are sidelined or dismissed as unpatriotic.

Additionally, the military-industrial complex has deep ties to both government and media, influencing coverage to favor interventionist narratives. Politicians and defense experts who support military action frequently appear on major news networks, while those advocating for diplomacy or non-intervention are rarely given the same platform. This imbalance skews public perception, making war seem like the default response to global conflicts.

As a result, antiwar voices remain obscure, making it necessary to seek them out. But should they be? A truly informed public requires diverse perspectives. The next time a military conflict arises, ask yourself: Are you hearing the full story, or just the one that benefits those in power? Expanding the conversation to include antiwar viewpoints is crucial if we want to challenge the status quo and push for a more balanced discussion on U.S. foreign policy.

Blog post #6: in class presentation's

 

AI Image Generation: Creativity with a Click

My classmate Preston introduced us to the world of AI-generated images, explaining how pre-trained models can create unique artwork based on input samples. By analyzing thousands of images, AI can mimic different artistic styles or generate entirely new pieces. The potential applications of this technology are vast, from digital art and design to marketing and even film production. It’s incredible to think about how AI is shaping the creative world.

3D Printing: The Future of Manufacturing

Antonio’s presentation on 3D printing left a strong impression. He highlighted how this technology is revolutionizing industries, from printing human organs for medical use to creating construction materials for houses. The speed and precision of modern 3D printers are mind-blowing, making it clear that this innovation is reshaping how we manufacture everything from prosthetics to aerospace components.

The Evolution of Pens: More Than Just a Writing Tool

Emerson took us on a journey through the evolution of writing instruments, from quills and dip pens to the modern ballpoint. One of the most intriguing aspects was learning about the Fisher Space Pen—engineered to write in zero gravity, extreme temperatures, and even underwater. It’s a great reminder that even everyday objects have fascinating histories behind them.

Takeaways

Hearing about the origins and impact of these technologies was both insightful and inspiring. It’s easy to take modern tools for granted, but understanding their development makes us appreciate them even more. From AI creativity to space-ready pens, today’s class was a great reminder of how innovation continues to shape our world.