Eight Values of Free Expression

There were two values of free expression that really stood out to me amongst all 8. Participation in Self-Government and Check Governmental Power.  

First off, Participation in Self-Government- Americans need to be informed. It’s so important that the public knows in depth what candidates are truly promoting and working for. Plus, this free expression allows citizens to openly criticize government officials or question people in power. This type of open discussion whether its online or through debates or just general conversation helps people become more knowledgeable and aware of the issues and what the candidates are attempting to resolve or change. Free speech is intertwined so tightly with ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, besides, this also holds a lot of weight when it comes to needing the consent of the governed. The reason believes this expression stood out to me so heavily is because I believe so strongly in being informed and properly understanding what people are standing for. If politicians weren’t allowed to run campaigns and put out advertisements or promote themselves, we wouldn’t know their policies, who they’re for and not, what type of people would endorse them, and so on and so forth. This is crucial to the democracy of our country because the people are our country- if they don’t have say who will? We can’t truly govern ourselves if we don’t have a say. We simply wouldn’t even know what we were voting for. And obviously, if we’re not in the know, who knows what kind of person could end up sitting in that chair.  

Which wraps into my next value of free expression, Checking Governmental Power. I think this stood out to me especially hard due to the happenings of the US Government and just state of the US in general as of right now (and those in any sort of power, Epstein files etc.) As I said prior, this allows the citizens of the US to openly criticize and call out government officials. We need to be able to expose corruption and abuse of power throughout our government and shouldn’t be silenced when trying to do so. Many people, once in a position of power, use that to silence those below them and use their position to their own benefit. These types of people need to be held accountable and that’s what the American people are here for. Nobody is above the law. The United States of America is a democracy, through that we can openly condemn government officials to prevent the rise of authoritarianism. Once again, the people are our country. We are allowed to challenge and debate, allowed to publicly scrutinize, we’re allowed to protest, the press is allowed to hold leaders accountable face to face; because we’re a democracy. I think this is especially important nowadays, and people should continue to do so and press the government into telling the truth and nothing but the truth. Ultimately, these free expressions stood out to me because they both check governmental power and empower citizens to actively participate in self-government, ensuring that democracy remains accountable, informed, and this country truly driven by the people. 

How will AI affect my future??

Personally, I don't love AI, sure it's helpful from time to time, but the increase of its use in our daily lives is starting to concern me a little bit. Not only that but during 46:41-47-09 from our documentary, Kai-Fu Lee talks about how white-collar jobs will be easier to take because "they're a pure quantitative analytical process." As someone who is wanting to go into a Communications based career (not so certain on exactly which one yet, don't mind me) I'm still a little concerned on how much this will truly impact me. After doing a little searching I came across this article by a University of Florida online graduate student, Evan Krupp titled "The Impact of AI on Global Strategic Communication" and got some interesting insight. 

"One of the most powerful applications of Ai in communication is audience segmentation and targeting. By analysing large datasets from social media and web traffic, AI can identify distinct audience segments based on behavior, preferences, and demographics." Kropp explains. I know my position will have something to do with audience analysing and research, which now has the potential to be taken over by AI. He also talks about how AI is improving in other areas like visual recognition, video analysis and media monitoring. All of which I would be using on a day to day basis with my career. Reiterating the fact that I don't know 100% what it is I want to pursue a career in, I hope that whatever it may end up, they had figured out a way to maybe even balance the work by then. Between AI and humans that is- because inevitably it's not going anywhere but neither are we. 

Digital Age Privacy Ted Talks

Listening to all 5 of these Ted Talks scared me in different ways. Whether it was the wire tapping into direct messaging and phone calls, or the license snapshot log around different towns tracking where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing. All in all, I don’t feel like my life is very private anymore, and that concerns me. I understand the government tracking some of your data in a sense, but I wasn’t aware of the depths they could go. And yes, these issues affect me directly and they affect you too. 

    Not only do I have my license and my own vehicle but am also an avid social media and phone user, as are many of my peers and family- which frankly concerns me for them as well. Our lives should be and feel protected by the government, not invaded and accessible. Not to mention the direction in which technology is heading, the facial recognition software is only going to improve from here with the way AI is completely taking over. Deepfakes, AI content of celebrities on social media, AI made videos, AI remakes- they're affecting everyone around us.  

    This leads me into the next big topic that scared me digital domestic violence. Which happens far more often than you would think, as Darieth Chisolm emphasised that “under 30 1 in 10” women experience it. I had never been able to put an official title or name to those behaviours and situations, but having seen this happen in real life to personal friends of mine, far too often, for far too many years, far too many times- I now can. It’s such an impactful and devastating incident that can ruin lives and careers and, in my opinion, needs to be taking far more seriously with the way things are advancing.

    What the government should truly be monitoring and protecting are its citizens against online trolls as such and truly cracking down on those who are pursuing it. With AI now it’s getting harder to protect yourself from things like screenshots, photoshop and blackmail and that should be something the government stays on top of. Bigger punishments and better monitoring.  

My Top 5 News Sources

My Top 5 News Sources

#1: CNN

Lately I've been making sure to keep up with the current events; doing so through news sources like CNN. Whether it's through social media or on the TV in the morning, I am able to get updates and information on a multitude of different events happening around the world. Whether uplifting or devastating this new channel allows me and other viewers to stay informed. 

#2: Instagram

Social media has become practically integrated into all of our daily lives, including mine. Regardless if I'm using it for my own entertainment or something specific I can still keep up with current news or events. Companies and networks have also become victims of social media as it shapes their public perception and influences consumer behaviour. Meaning different news outlets and channels have created their own accounts and are outputting constant updates. This grants me even more access anywhere I am, specifically when I'm not near a TV. There's a variety of credible news sources I'm able to be notified through, also granting me the opportunity to see both sides of the matter and truly comprehend. 

#3: Parents/Family Members

Family dinner is a must in my house, and with 6 different people sitting at the table, it leaves a lot of room for differing opinions, updates, and discussions. My dad and I constantly help each other stay current and up to date with the happenings of the world through articles and phone calls. Discussing the latest credible information and informing each other. Again this often happens at the dinner table too along with stories about our days and events in the future. My parents have always encouraged being knowledgable about the world and its details and continue to do so. 

#4: Word of Mouth

I'm constantly on the go and that provides the opportunity to speak with a range of different people, all from which I can learn something new from. Whether it be friends, peers or teachers, I learn new news from conversations and discussions and then am able to go into further detail on my own. It could be breaking news or a new overly-consumed unboxing toy, these conversations give me new perspectives that I can think about and share. These type of daily interactions keep me curious about the ongoings on the world. Most importantly, they help me understand different viewpoints and actually stay connected to the world around me. 

#5: Podcasts

Although I've just truly gotten into listening to podcasts I've honestly come to love them and what they bring to the table. This is teetering more on the pop culture news side of sources granted those of the types I choose to listen to, however they still keep me updated and interested. I chose to represent this source by The Brooks Report with Brittany Broski who's been on the uprise since her trying kombucha clip had gone viral. She gives in depth reviews and updates and details on the new movies, shows, celeb drama and much more. It's a lighthearted, funny way to intake information and keep up news and events. 

Overall it's an entertaining and engaging way for me to stay informed while also enjoying a good laugh.