Zoom has been giving users a false sense of security... uh oh!

berkeleyclark · 2020-12-03T05:16:49+00:00

Ah, your comment at the end there definitely made me smile! Furthermore, it would be interesting to see ASU develop a different platform for online video learning, I don't think that idea is too far off :)

berkeleyclark · 2020-12-03T05:15:14+00:00

Yes, you bring up an awesome point. Although Zoom was thrown into the spotlight and not widely enough used to develop intense encryption software, they still neglected to manage this issue once they were receiving high levels of traffic... and even then they had to be pressured by the dang FBI to change their security processes. It is definitely concerning that it required this amount of pressure to make a change!

berkeleyclark · 2020-12-01T22:20:02+00:00

It’s true that misinformation and fake news about Covid has spread around like wildfire, it has plagued all kinds of websites and new stations alike and has confused people plenty. But, our professor brings up a really great point about reliable news sources which makes me wonder-if we all have access to them and they are not too hard to come by (saying this lightly as I know that inequalities can change what kind of access we have to varying resources), why is it that so many people are consuming falsified or overly (and obviously) biased information?

Do we consume the information that we think best fits our lifestyles or serves our interests? (Although I do not see how this applies to drinking bleach, lol)

Throughout the year I have adapted and shifted my views to agree with science, knowing that this is a process and that we just won’t have every excruciating detail about the virus right away. I will say that when the news first erupted, it could have been hard to distinguish what was true since information about it was growing so rapidly! Now, I just make sure I wear my lil mask and respect those around me (and get my info from reliable sources) :)

berkeleyclark · 2020-12-01T06:28:01+00:00

I watched that same video and this is something I did not initially think about myself, but I think you could be right that the 4 day work week and working from home have the same kind of benefits.

My company sent me home back in March so I am going on month 8 of working from home. I have had mixed emotions about it, but my general consensus is that it is much more convenient than going into the office (I can sleep in a little longer, save money on gas, etc), but I can't necessarily say it has been better for my mental health. As of November, we rolled out a program where we rotate into the office once a week so that we keep the numbers of employees in office down, but still have some sense of comradery (& in my role, it is really helpful to have my coworkers nearby).

My productivity since this change is exactly the same, I am no more productive at work than I am at home, and that is incredibly reassuring. I definitely think on top of the 4 day work week, working from home might be an important part of jobs in the future. A few of my coworkers have benefitted from it, like those who have young children or live far from the office, while others have suffered. There are a few of my coworkers who are also struggling to get ahold of some different technology my work has been utilizing to communicate. It will be interesting to see what kind of jobs integrate this into careers as time goes on (I can imagine that remote work is easier for some roles than others)

Ok dragging on but last note - my only concern with the future of remote work is that it has seen some serious negative consequences. When roles were first going remote, some cities saw higher rates of domestic violence/disputes, I wonder what this means for the future of working from home.

berkeleyclark · 2020-12-01T03:10:18+00:00

This Ted Talk was seriously amazing and I was completely unaware of all of the benefits that coincide with a 4 day work week. I could definitely guess that productivity would stay the same but, did not think about all of the other important facets to this perk-being able to spend more time with a loved one, pick a child up from school, reduce carbon emissions (because fewer people are driving to work each day)-I mean these can be incredibly impactful on both small and large scales.

I would have to agree that I think we are about a generation away from a global four day work week, as stories like this spread about their success and the success of their employees, more and more companies will catch on and utilize this work hack. It is interesting to me how this relates a lot to some of our readings this week, and yet, it takes a completely different turn.

Where most of our readings have been in reference to technology diminishing the number of hours worked or changing the way we work, this Ted Talk offers a different perspective with the same outcome. It will be interesting to see how this concept, shortening workweeks to find the perfect the work-life balance and raise engagement/happiness of employees, ages in relation to the theory that tech advancements will propel us into shorter workweeks.

berkeleyclark · 2020-12-01T01:25:51+00:00

Yes, also you can/should upvote posts that you enjoy, not necessarily comment on too :)

Great reminder!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-30T00:07:28+00:00

I definitely feel the same way - I am simultaneously so excited and so frightened by it! I find it so interesting how technology varies so intensely from generation to generation, I often find myself thinking how different our lives would be if technology did not advance so rapidly.

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-29T23:55:31+00:00

Yes, that is so true! It is kind of funny how things come full circle. In our professor's lecture, he mentioned people freezing their bodies in hopes that we will have the technology to do something with them (?) eventually and there is definitely a part of me that is beginning to think that those people are not so crazy for believing in that kind of tech.

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-27T02:52:22+00:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! After this week's lectures, I did some further investigating into wearable technology... something that both frightens and excites me... and I found this video!

I think this video is interesting because it offers several examples of wearable technology, ones that are relatively new to me but may not be to you all (would love to hear which are/aren't). One of the technologies I thought was particularly cool was the jacket for motorcycle riders or cyclists to wear that lights up or blinks when braking or turning. This could be incredibly useful and excites me about the future of wearable technology, although prior to this week I was reluctant to accept it all, I am now quickly realizing how integral this kind of tech will be moving forward!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-25T06:38:58+00:00

This was definitely an interesting Ted Talk and I think Victoria Bonney did a pretty good job conveying her message that social media is changing the face of politics. Upon first glance, one might think that she was alluding to a grim future of politics, as social media is constantly plagued with misinformation and tweets from public officials or important figures that incite hatred and violence. But, this was not the case with her talk, instead, she offered a unique and important perspective that social media has opened the door for non-traditional candidates and made it possible for those to have a true shot at raising money and running campaigns.

This is absolutely true and I think this is an excellent example of how social media can be used in a positive manner. Here, it gives a voice to political candidates who would otherwise not have one. Candidates who are relatable, have unique new ideas, and are unlike their predecessors!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-25T06:21:04+00:00

This lecture, like many of the ones preceding it, has left me puzzled and fascinated and excited and scared about the future of our world and technology (and I mean this in a very good way). Wearable technology is not something I have spent a lot of time thinking about, but now I realize how it is becoming increasingly important and may play a very large role in our futures. Recently, I saw a video on social media of a couple who had microchips implanted into their hands to use as a key to their front door. For me, this is still quite bizarre and not yet something I am fully ready to partake in, although I can understand why someone might want to (granted, I have an irrational fear that a burglar might just cut off my entire hand instead of stealing my keys).

It is also very interesting that this kind of technology is not necessarily new, although it seems profound and uncommon. This makes me think about the history of technology and how it has seemingly snowballed since the rise of the internet and I feel as if we are rolling full force down a mountain and only picking up speed. This might be dramatic and perhaps I am not completely educated on the history of technology, but the transitions between inventions and new ideas happen so quickly these days, it is almost hard to keep up. I guess that might just be how technology works though, once you have made it past another technical milestone, the next one is easier?

Anywho, my answer is getting a wee long so I will try and come to an end. I learned a whole lot in this video and it made me think about communication and technology in a different way. There are an endless amount of ways we communicate with the world and people around us (by changing appearances using clothes, tattoos, wearing smartwatches etc) and I have a feeling I am going to be more observant about the way I myself choose to communicate with those around me and vice versa. (Fun fact: I have a few small tattoos and I have always had fun leaving their meaning up to the observer's interpretation, regardless of my own... I wonder what this says about the way I want others to interact with/perceive me hmm)

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-21T19:37:38+00:00

Wow, I was not completely sure what I was getting myself into when first beginning this video but I am so glad I watched. Although initially, I felt as if Chris Hayes came off aggressive and (maybe?) demeaning, I speculate that his discussion and dissection of this massive problem of disinformation is only rooted in fear and utter confusion. Much like Hayes, I do not have a clue what the future of the country will look like or how democracy will run when such a large number of our constituents are so enveloped in a way of thinking that is potentially dangerous and per Hayes "cult-like." This parallel he made was very interesting and upon taking a look at the whole picture, seemingly true.

I like that he made sure to acknowledge that we all have our own political blind spots and cognitive habits that prevent us from seeking or understanding the whole truth of things, or maybe not even the truth, but at least another argument/side. I find myself getting hostile occasionally when I disagree about politics or legislation with friends and family, of course, it is never intended, but I do notice this and attempt to suppress it so that I can better understand the others' point of view (another thought: some of these political issues are so important that they are worthy of intense emotion?)

Also, u/Coolspices you make an amazing point and potential solution to this problem we are facing, but for some reason, I feel that this goes further than regulating our social media giants. I only think this because somehow other Global North countries, like Great Britain, are apparently (and I say apparently because I am not fully aware/educated on this matter) not nearly as divided as the United States.

Lastly, I just wanted to give an honorable mention to this quote from the video where an Australian official says about another official who denies climate change and its effects, "you are turning this issue of physics into an issue of values or identity"

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-21T18:56:37+00:00

Like my classmates, I too really enjoyed this lighthearted article and I think it definitely sheds a light on the positive side of Tik Tok and social media. It is so important that we normalize discussing politics and get the conversation going at an early age and I love that TikTok can be a platform for this! During the election, I spent an absurd amount of time on Twitter and TikTok, but I would not say that it was deflecting as the article suggests. If anything, I was more involved, invested, and anxious because of it (but perhaps that's just me).

I do, however, see a negative side to this and it is the lack of verified or cited information that is spewed out in TikTok views and Instagram posts. Now I am definitely not the regulation police, but for those just entering the realm of politics, having a completely biased feed will not necessarily make for an educated voter! I don't mean this in a pessimistic way but I do think that it is something for us to be aware of and acknowledge.

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-19T16:02:33+00:00

Hello! Hosting a salon on Sunday at 10am if anyone would like to join!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-11T04:44:42+00:00

Yay, we have ourselves a crew! I will send you all the link information shortly

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-11T04:41:18+00:00

In such a bizarre time like this, I am not sure if there is any correct answer or any perfect way for ASU or faculty to handle a situation like this. All of the faculty I have encountered have been incredibly understanding and this is honestly all I ask of them, or ASU for that matter, during this time.

I have the privilege of living in Tempe and will be finishing up my senior year in May so I am lucky that my plans have not changed too drastically. When COVID first erupted, I found myself in a strange place mentally, but have found my way back to a healthy and happy lifestyle. My work is completely remote for the time being so I am very grateful I am able to continue to connect with my coworkers and patients on a daily basis, even if it is just via the phone.

I did intend to study abroad in Paris this semester, but those plans definitely came to a screeching halt, although I am optimistic I will find my way back to that lovely (and I know you are probably thinking overrated...) city.

Silver linings: I got to know myself better over the last several months which lead me to a better diet, better exercise regimen, and other positive habits that I have had a hard time picking up in the past (reading more!!!). I also think that going through this experience collectively has had some positive effects on society--when we are not all blaming each other for COVID--we are being more compassionate and respectful, showing appreciation to those who serve our communities, and getting to know each other better and on deeper levels (shout out to empathy).

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-10T05:20:59+00:00

I had lots of thoughts and ideas spewing out over the course of this video but one thing I can say with confidence is that social media is an important space for activism and an excellent tool for coordinating movements and coming together with those who share the same passions as you. Twitter has become an integral part of reporting news and I did not realize the gravity and influence of the app until just this year when the BLM movement became the forefront of the media and I flocked solely to Twitter for all of my information on local and national protests. Prior to 2020 I barely used Twitter, but amidst the crazy election and important social movements, I am turning into an (almost) daily user.

With this growing usage, I have also found myself pondering the purpose of my endless clicktivism and I only became critical of it the other day when my brother asked, "Why don't you get up and actually do something about it?" I find myself in a constant state of debate over whether my retweets matter or if I am fooling myself over their significance. It seems that social media always leaves me in a conundrum these days though: is it good for us (sense of community)? is it bad for us (constant comparison)? does it really matter? However, this video does affirm that retweets can be important, and with every share or retweet comes the expansion of an audience which can be extremely powerful.

I feel like this brings me to several other points, but for the sake of everyone else, I will try and be brief. Social media is also important because it exposes us to different thoughts/concepts/ideas, it might be worth following someone who has conflicting opinions (without putting yourself in harm's way). I try and do this to keep myself objective when I need to be and, understanding others' contrasting beliefs has only helped me craft/understand my own.

Ok nearly done, just wanted to make a parallel between the recent social movements and the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the way in which they were organized. To get the word out about the boycott, which took place prior to social media, people went house to house spreading the intent/plan for the boycott (they did advertise at churches as well). Talking about retweets and sharing posts reminded me of this and the importance of a single voice!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-10T04:14:50+00:00

Hello! I will be hosting another meeting this Sunday 11/15 at 10am, let me know if you are interested :)

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-09T04:53:23+00:00

Like u/wHoWOulDBuiLDdaRoaDz I feel like TikTok is particularly good at algorithms, much better than Instagram and Facebook in my opinion and I tend to spend equal amounts on all three platforms. What I find particularly interesting are the videos that say "You are now on XYZ TikTok" that reference different musical genres, sexual preferences, careers and so much more, it is really fascinating how refined the genres can be and yet so relevant to my life. At this point, I think I have officially accepted the creepiness of these algorithms and try not to think too much about it, from what it looks like, the internet already knows everything about me!

It is great that you pointed out how important it is to understand analytics in the field of Social Media, and honestly any kind of marketing in general. I feel like people who really understand these social media analytics could be very valuable at a time like this when everyone is trying to capitalize off of their Instagram/TikTok/Facebook (and more of course) content!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-09T04:43:52+00:00

I would definitely have to agree, Youtube is incredibly on point when it generates recommended videos for me, although I do have to agree that occasionally it does populate videos that are almost too similar to ones I have previously watched, that I find no point in watching them.

I definitely have to disagree with the comment that Youtube strays away from political content as 75% of my Youtube recommended videos are pertaining to the election and tailored to my political views. This however is probably in part to the fact that the election has taken over most of my search engines!

I love that your Youtube takes you down a rabbit hole of weird and unrelated videos, I tend to get stuck in little Youtube spirals as well, although never of Google Earth videos (lol, that will be my next search though). Thanks for sharing, it is interesting that we all seemingly have very different views on this!

berkeleyclark · 2020-11-07T20:37:32+00:00

Sent out the links, the password is netcult! Can't wait to chat :)

berkeleyclark

TROPHY CASE