40 Matching Annotations
  1. May 2024
    1. Jason Parham. There Is No Replacement for Black Twitter. Wired, November 2022. URL: https://www.wired.com/story/black-twitter-elon-musk/ (visited on 2023-12-10).

      This article talks about the unique cultural significance and impact of Black Twitter as a digital space for the Black community. It shows the platform's ability to amplify Black voices, discuss important issues, and create a sense of community through shared cultural references and humor. The article also raises concerns about the future of Black Twitter under the ownership of Elon Musk, suggesting that its cultural importance could diminish.

    1. If you could magically change anything about how social media sites operate as businesses, what would it be?

      If I could magically change how social media sites operate as businesses, I would shift their focus from maximizing profits for shareholders to prioritizing the well-being and privacy of their users. Additionally, I would promote transparency in content moderation and algorithmic processes, ensuring that users have a clear understanding of how their data is being used and how content is being curated. Ultimately, the goal would be to create social media platforms that prioritize ethical practices and user satisfaction over financial gain.

    1. Josh Constine and Kim-Mai Cutler. Why Facebook Dropped \$19B On WhatsApp: Reach Into Europe, Emerging Markets. TechCrunch, February 2014. URL: https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/19/facebook-whatsapp/ (visited on 2023-12-10).

      This article talks about the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook for $19 billion in 2014, which was a strategic move to secure a foothold in the international mobile messaging market. With WhatsApp's strong presence in Europe and India Facebook recognized that it was falling behind in the mobile messaging race. WhatsApp's focus on simplicity and speed resonated with users in these markets, where it had become the dominant messaging app. Facebook's own Messenger app, while successful in the U.S. and Canada, was behind internationally. By buying out WhatsApp, Facebook aimed to not only expand its user base but also to ensure its relevance in the rapidly evolving mobile landscape.

    1. What if social media sites were governed by their users instead of by shareholders (e.g., governed by the subjugated instead of the colonialists)?

      I think the shift of control to the users would likely lead to more user-centric policies and decisions, with a focus on privacy, transparency, and ethical practices. I think with users in control more people would take ownership of their digital spaces, creating a sense of belonging and engagement. On top of that I believe revenue may be more well distributed and be spread out to more users.

    1. Kif Leswing. Facebook says Apple iOS privacy change will result in \$10 billion revenue hit this year. CNBC, February 2022. URL: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/02/facebook-says-apple-ios-privacy-change-will-cost-10-billion-this-year.html (visited on 2023-12-10).

      This article discusses Facebook's acknowledgment that Apple's App Tracking Transparency feature will result in a $10 billion revenue decrease for the company in 2022. This highlights the significant impact of Apple's power and the control they have. The privacy change reduces the ability of companies targeting capabilities by limiting access they can track. The article also mentions Facebook's criticism of the feature, arguing that it will hurt small businesses reliant on digital advertising.

    1. In what ways do you see capitalism, socialism, and other funding models show up in the country you are from or are living in?

      In the United States, capitalism is the dominant economic system. It's run by private ownership of businesses, competitive markets, and the greed of money. Socialism, on the other hand, involves government ownership of businesses and resources, with decisions about production and pricing made by the government. I see capitalism all around me as I am a consumer of all these major corporations that run and control the economy of the united states. Other funding models, such as consumer and worker cooperatives, also exist, offering different forms of accountability and ownership structures but are not as prominent.

    1. Natasha Lomas. Meta urged to pay reparations for Facebook's role in Rohingya genocide. TechCrunch, September 2022. URL: https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/29/amnesty-report-facebook-rohingya-reparations/ (visited on 2023-12-10).

      This article accuses Meta of actively promoting violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar through its algorithms. The article states that despite acknowledging its role, Meta has resisted calls to pay reparations to Rohingya refugees and failed to provide an effective remedy. The report calls for Meta to adopt ongoing human rights due diligence, cease invasive data collection, and provide reparations to affected communities. It also advocates regulators to ban tracking-based targeted advertising and regulate content-shaping algorithms to prevent similar abuses in other regions.

    1. Pick a social media platform. In what ways does that platform make it difficult to repair or reconcile after public shaming?

      Twitter's design and culture can make it difficult to repair or reconcile after public shaming incidents because since every thing is in real-time and everything has viral potential it means that misinformation or negative narratives can spread rapidly, often before the accused has a chance to respond or clarify. Furthermore, the ability to be anonymous can make it difficult to identify and reach a compromise with the people behind the public humiliation.

    1. Casey Newton. Why social networks like Clubhouse need better blocking tools. The Verge, February 2021. URL: https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/10/22275568/blocking-clubhouse-block-party-social-networks (visited on 2023-12-10).

      This article talks about the importance of blocking features in social media platforms and their potential for improvement. It highlights the rise of platforms like Block Party and the unique blocking mechanics of Clubhouse. It raises the question about the effectiveness and inclusivity of existing blocking tools. The author gives a good understanding of the complexities surrounding online interactions and the need for innovative solutions to address harassment and promote healthier online environments.

    1. Do you believe crowd harassment is ever justified? { requestKernel: true, binderOptions: { repo: "binder-examples/jupyter-stacks-datascience", ref: "master", }, codeMirrorConfig: { theme: "abcdef", mode: "python" }, kernelOptions: { name: "python3", path: "./ch17_harassment" }, predefinedOutput: true } kernelName = 'python3'

      I strongly believe that crowd harassment is never justified. Regardless of the circumstances or disagreements involved, I don't think that targeting someone in a harmful way is ever justified. Crowd Harassment disregards the well-being and dignity of the person or group being targeted and can have effects on their mental health that can last forever.

  2. Apr 2024
    1. Adriana Diaz. Twitter tracks down mystery couple in viral proposal photos. New York Post, June 2021. URL: https://nypost.com/2021/06/24/twitter-tracks-down-mystery-couple-in-viral-proposal-photos/ (visited on 2023-12-08).

      The article talks about the power of social media in connecting people and spreading positivity. Photographer Valeria Contreras captured a heartwarming wedding proposal at San Francisco's Sutro Baths and turned to Twitter to find the couple. Within hours, the tweet went viral, and Contreras was able to connect with Ricky Johnson Jr. and Jazmine Winn. This story really shows the positive impact social media can have in bringing people together.

    1. What do you think a social media company’s responsibility is for the crowd actions taken by users on its platform?

      I believe social media companies have a responsibility for crowd actions on their platforms. I think they should enforce strict content moderation to prevent harmful content from spreading and make sure user safety is enforced by providing tools to report inappropriate behavior. I also think promoting digital literacy can also help users navigate online interactions responsibly.

    1. Brian Resnick. The 2018 Nobel Prize reminds us that women scientists too often go unrecognized. Vox, October 2018. URL: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/10/2/17929366/nobel-prize-physics-donna-strickland (visited on 2023-12-08).

      This article talks about the third woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018. Despite her significant contributions, she did not have a Wikipedia page until after winning the award, unlike her male collaborator. This shows the broader issue of women's visibility in science and the challenges they face in being recognized for their work. It also talks about the gender discrimination and harassment in STEM fields, calling for greater recognition of women's contributions and more representation on platforms like Wikipedia.

    1. What is your take on the ethical trade-offs of unpaid Reddit moderators? What do you think Reddit should do?

      I think yeah it does make sense for these moderators to get some compensation for all of the work they do. I agree that if they get paid money it could lead to power-tripping mods. I think Reddit could consider providing some form of compensation or support for moderators, such as access to premium features or resources to help them manage their communities more effectively. This could help alleviate some of the ethical concerns while still maintaining the community-driven nature of the platform.

    1. Elizabeth de Luna. The inside story of how Tumblr lost its way. Mashable, February 2022. URL: https://mashable.com/article/how-tumblr-lost-its-way (visited on 2023-12-08).

      This article discusses Tumblr's history, including its acquisition by Yahoo and later by Automattic. The story talks about the challenges faced by Tumblr, such as integration issues with acquiring companies and a lack of focus on its unique community and creative expression. Despite these challenges, the article remains optimistic about Tumblr's potential, especially among Gen Z users.

    1. How might content moderation rules be different if all racial groups had power to set the rules?

      If all racial groups had equal power to set content moderation rules, I think we would see a more inclusive and empathetic approach to rule-making. There would likely be a bigger emphasis on addressing hate speech, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes that disproportionately affect certain racial groups. The rules might be more sensitive to diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring that content moderation is fair and equitable for all racial groups. Also there might be a stronger focus on fostering understanding and solidarity among different racial groups, promoting a more harmonious and respectful online environment.

    1. Terry Gross. Director Bo Burnham On Growing Up With Anxiety — And An Audience. NPR, July 2018. URL: https://www.npr.org/2018/07/18/630069876/director-bo-burnham-on-growing-up-with-anxiety-and-an-audience (visited on 2023-12-08).

      Bo Burnham's interview reveals his empathy and insight into the creation of Eighth Grade. He talks about his personal struggles with anxiety as a young performer, which influenced the film's narrative and his desire to capture his childhood. Burnham's commitment to portraying the emotional experiences of teenagers is is really shown through his thoughtful storytelling and dedication to empowering young actors. His reflections on his early comedic material also showcase a profound understanding of personal growth and self-expression.

    1. How might the mental health of different people or groups be benefited by this social media site? List as many as you can think of (bullet points encouraged).
      • Community Support
      • Expression and Creativity
      • Positive Affirmations
      • Education and Awareness
      • Inspiration and Motivation
      • Self-Reflection
      • Relaxation
      • Seeking Help
      • Connecting with Experts.
    1. Ryan Broderick. Your Least Favorite Gross Viral Food Videos Are All Connected to This Guy. Eater, May 2021. URL: https://www.eater.com/2021/5/11/22430383/why-are-gross-viral-food-videos-popular-rick-lax-facebook-watch (visited on 2023-12-08).

      I found "Your Least Favorite Gross Viral Food Videos Are All Connected to This Guy" by Ryan Broderick to be an interesting article about the viral trend of bizarre cooking videos. The article reveals the connected network of creators behind these videos, mainly talking about Rick Lax. It is also interesting to see how these videos, often criticized for their content, have become so popular on social media platforms like Facebook. The article also touches on the controversy and criticism surrounding these videos, offering an insightful look into the world of viral internet trends and content creation.

    1. In what ways have you participated in helping content go viral?

      I think the main way I have participated in helping content go viral is simply interacting with posts, such as liking a post or commenting on a post. By doing this it helps tell the algorithm that it is a good post and will then share it with more people and help increase the virality of it. Another way I have participated in helping content go viral is by sharing posts. Not only does this tell the algorithm i liked the content but it also shows it to my friends who can then further interact and share it with more people which increases the virality of it.

    1. Kashmir Hill. How Target Figured Out A Teen Girl Was Pregnant Before Her Father Did. Forbes, February 2012. URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/02/16/how-target-figured-out-a-teen-girl-was-pregnant-before-her-father-did/ (visited on 2023-12-07).

      Reading about Target's data mining strategies was eye-opening. The article explains how the company used seemingly innocuous purchases to predict life events like pregnancy, often before the individuals themselves were aware. The story about Target sending baby-related coupons to a teenage girl before her father knew about her pregnancy was both amusing and slightly unsettling.

    1. What experiences do you have of social media sites making particularly good recommendations for you?

      I feel like I am so used to these social media sites providing good recommendations that I don't even realized at times when I am receiving user focused content. One social media site that I think is the best at giving me good recommendations is the tik tok for you page algorithm. I have used tik tok so much that they have now been able to curate videos that they know I will like and keep me watching videos for hours. Another site that does a good job with good recommendation is instagram ads. I find they do a really good job at tracking my browsing cookies and provide me with ads that really interest me or websites that I have visited.

    1. Alannah Oleson. Beyond “Average” Users: Building Inclusive Design Skills with the CIDER Technique. Bits and Behavior, October 2022. URL: https://medium.com/bits-and-behavior/beyond-average-users-building-inclusive-design-skills-with-the-cider-technique-413969544e6d (visited on 2023-12-07).

      This article talks about inclusive design through a technique called CIDER. Its main goals are to challenge presumptions about users and come up with solutions for enhancing inclusivity in technology. By employing this method, students can build practical skills to make technology more accessible and acquire confidence in practicing inclusive design. The CIDER technique is a useful addition to any design curriculum because it has been demonstrated to be effective in increasing learners' understanding of design bias and inclusivity.

    1. 10.5.1. Critique (3-5 minutes, by yourself):# What assumptions do the site and your device make about individuals or groups using social media, which might not be true or might cause problems? List as many as you can think of (bullet points encouraged).

      As I navigate Instagram, I see that it assumes all users have typical physical, visual, auditory, and cognitive abilities, as well as defaulted to english and assumes that the user has proficiency in english. This makes it hard for anyone who has a severe visual disability and cannot make out the visuals of the navigation bar or photos. Also there were many videos on page and assumes that you have strong/fast enough internet connect to render and play the videos.

    1. Jacob Kastrenakes. Facebook stored millions of Instagram passwords in plain text. The Verge, April 2019. URL: https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/18/18485599/facebook-instagram-passwords-plain-text-millions-users (visited on 2023-12-06).

      This article sheds light on a concerning privacy breach involving Facebook and Instagram passwords. To me it's troubling to learn that paswords were stored in plain text, potentially exposing them to unauthorized access. I think it does a good job raising the question about the security practices of these platforms and the extent of the issue. The fact that this vulnerability went unnoticed for so long is worrying. To me it reminds me to stay vigilant about my online security and consider updating my passwords regularly.

    1. What are your biggest concerns around privacy on social media?

      My biggest concern with privacy on social media is that people will impersonate me with all they data they have of me. I think to me I am not too concerned if a company know that I am looking for a specific product but it is concerning that if they can track that then there might be some more sensitive information they can track on me too. I think especially in this new era of AI and deepfakes I am really scared that someone will be able to create a whole digital clone of me and do malicious activities with that.

    1. Christie Aschwanden. Science Isn’t Broken. FiveThirtyEight, August 2015. URL: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/science-isnt-broken/ (visited on 2023-12-05).

      The source "Science Isn't Broken" by Christie Aschwanden, talked about various challenges and issues in the scientific community. I felt like she did a good job highlighting instances of fraud and misconduct, such as researchers rubber-stamping their own work and journals accepting papers with questionable content. The article also touches on the limitations of p-values and the tendency for researchers to manipulate variables to achieve desired results, a practice known as p-hacking, which I found very interesting and did not know was a thing. Despite these challenges, the article emphasized that science is a rigorous process and the best tool we have for reaching the truth.

    1. Looking at my personalized ads on Google I looked at all of the information they had on me for ads and surprisingly it was all correct. While I don't feel too uncomfortable with the information I saw they had on me, I find it a little scary that they were able to gather all of that information without me knowing. With that being said it is scary to think how much more information they may have on me that they are not showing or have collected. Looking at y Twitter and Facebook ad information it was the same story as the google ad profile where all the information they had on me was correct and surprisingly specific.

    1. Quinn Norton. Anonymous 101: Introduction to the Lulz. Wired, November 2011. URL: https://www.wired.com/2011/11/anonymous-101/ (visited on 2023-12-05).

      The Wired article "Anonymous 101: Introduction to the Lulz" provides an interesting look into the world of Anonymous and its motivations. The article dives into the culture of Anonymous, describing it as a nascent and small culture with its own aesthetics, values, art, literature, social norms, and dialectic language. It explores the concept of the "lulz," which is central to Anonymous's activities and is described as laughter with pain in it, forcing consideration of injustice and hypocrisy. The article also does a good job at discussing the origins of Anonymous on the 4chan /b/ board and its evolution into a culture capable of coordinated actions like protests and hacking attacks.

    1. If the immediate goal of the action of trolling is to cause disruption or provoke emotional reactions, what is it that makes people want to do this disruption or provoking of emotional reactions?

      I think people troll to cause disruption or provoke emotional reactions because it gives them a sense of power or control. It's like they're seeking attention or trying to feel important in some way. I think this can happen if they're frustrated with something in their own lives and trolling is a way for them to let out their anger. I also think that the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for people to do things they wouldn't normally do in person.

    1. Zoe Schiffer. She created a fake Twitter persona — then she killed it with COVID-19. The Verge, September 2020. URL: https://www.theverge.com/21419820/fake-twitter-persona-covid-death-munchausen-metoostem-co-founder (visited on 2023-11-24).

      This article by Zoe Schiffer talks about the complex and troubling phenomenon of creating fake personas on social media, particularly in the case of @Sciencing_Bi. This story shows the potential dangers of such behavior, not only in terms of deceiving others but also in potentially harming oneself. The article also touches on the broader implications of Munchausen by internet, highlighting the ease with which individuals can construct elaborate falsehoods online and the challenges in detecting them.

    1. How do you think about the authenticity of the Tweets that come from Trump himself? Do you think it matters which human typed the Tweet? Does the emotional expression (e.g., anger) of the Tweet change your view of authenticity?

      I think the authenticity of the Tweets from Trump himself can be viewed in different ways. On one hand, knowing that the tweets from his Android phone were likely written by him personally might lead some people to see them as more authentic in terms of reflecting his true thoughts and emotions. On the other hand, the fact that there was a noticeable difference in tone between the Android and iPhone tweets suggests that there may have been some level of strategy or curation behind the tweets, even those coming directly from Trump. So, while the tweets may have been authentic expressions of Trump's views, they may also have been tailored to fit a certain image or narrative. I do think it matters which human typed the Tweet, especially when considering the context of the tweet and its potential impact. The emotional expression, such as anger, can certainly change my view of authenticity, as it may indicate a more spontaneous or unfiltered response. However, as mentioned earlier, the presence of a particular emotion in a tweet does not necessarily guarantee its authenticity, as it could still be part of a calculated strategy.

    1. Federal Trade Commission. FTC Alleges Facebook Resorted to Illegal Buy-or-Bury Scheme to Crush Competition After String of Failed Attempts to Innovate. August 2021. URL: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/08/ftc-alleges-facebook-resorted-illegal-buy-or-bury-scheme-crush-competition-after-string-failed (visited on 2023-11-24).

      This source provides an overview of the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on college students. It highlights many ways in which social media can influence mental well-being, including increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The page also discusses the role of social media in making social connections among college students, emphasizing its potential to facilitate communication and maintain relationships, especially with friends who are geographically distant.

    1. What are some ways someone might do your use case on the platform? What (if anything) about the social media platform’s design helps someone perform the use case? What (if anything) about the social media platform’s design makes it difficult for someone perform the use case?

      The social media platform I chose was Instagram. Some ways to share on the platform is to post photos to their feed or stories. Another way you can share is by sending posts to other users through direct messages. Some of the design benefits that instagram uses is its visual focus and grid layout to enhance the presentation of photos. A design challenge of instagram is the square aspect ratio of photos and the for you page feed, which could affect the visibility of posts.

    1. Shannon Sullivan and Nancy Tuana. Race and Epistemologies of Ignorance. State University of New York Press, Albany, 2007. ISBN 978-0-7914-8003-8. URL: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/163/monograph/book/5200 (visited on 2024-04-01).

      I read "Epistemic Injustice: Power and the Ethics of Knowing" by Miranda Fricker which explored how power dynamics can lead to systematic wrongs in our understanding and recognition of knowledge. Fricker identifies two main forms of epistemic injustice: testimonial injustice, which is where someone's testimony is not given the credibility it deserves due to prejudices, and hermeneutical injustice, which is where individuals are unable to articulate their experiences because there are no existing concepts to capture their perspective. It would be interesting to see ho how these injustices can manifest in different contexts, such as race, gender, and class.

    1. Can you think of an example of pernicious ignorance in social media interaction? What’s something that we might often prefer to overlook when deciding what is important?

      One example I could think of pernicious ignorance in social media interaction could be the spread of misinformation or fake news. Fake news is something people often overlook and don't take the time to check the source or credibility of the information. I fell like this is especially when the information aligns with their preconceived view which is why there are so many people that are on far opposite sides. This can lead to the perpetuation of false information, which can have serious consequences in shaping public opinion, influencing decision-making, and even impacting societal issues.

  3. Mar 2024
    1. Variables: Save information for later

      I found the explanation of variables in programming to be really helpful. The analogy of bowls in cooking made it easier to understand how information is stored and manipulated in a computer program. Just like you use different bowls for different mixtures in cooking, variables in programming hold different types of information that can be used later in the program. This comparison helped me grasp the concept of variables and their importance in programming. It's fascinating to see how programming concepts can be explained using everyday examples like cooking.

    1. 3.4.1. A Protesting Donkey?

      The example of using a donkey as a form of protest in Oman presents a fascinating case study in the realm of symbolic activism. I found it to be good at underscoring the power of creative expression in challenging authority while also highlighting the ethical complexities that arise when non-human entities are used to convey political messages. This example prompts reflection on the role of intentionality in activism and the potential disconnect between the intentions of activists and the actions of the symbols they employ. It also draws parallels to contemporary issues surrounding the use of bots in social media, where the actions of automated programs may not always align with the intentions of their creators or operators, leading to ethical dilemmas and questions about the nature of agency in digital spaces.

    1. It might help to think about ethical frameworks as tools for seeing inside of a situation. In medicine, when doctors need to see what’s going on inside someone’s body, they have many different tools for looking in, depending on what they need to know. An x-ray, an ultra-sound, and an MRI all show different information about what’s happening inside the body. A doctor chooses what tool to use based on what she needs to know. An x-ray is great for seeing what’s happening with bones, but isn’t particularly helpful for seeing how a fetus’s development is progressing.

      One aspect of this chapter that particularly resonates with me is the analogy between ethics and tools for seeing inside a situation, such as in medicine. Just like doctors use different tools like x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs to see different aspects of a patient's body, we can use different ethical frameworks to understand different facets of a moral decision.

      This analogy makes me reflect on how important it is to have a variety of ethical tools at our disposal, especially in complex situations like those involving social media and automation. Just as a doctor wouldn't rely on a single tool to diagnose a patient, we shouldn't rely on just one ethical framework to guide our actions. By using multiple frameworks, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the moral implications of our choices and make more informed decisions.

    1. Taoism

      Learning about Taoism's ethical approach was a really interesting perspective. The concept of embracing spontaneity and aligning with natural cycles resonates deeply with me. It reminds me of times when I've tried to force outcomes in my life, only to face unexpected challenges. The analogy of water cutting through rock over time illustrates the power of patience and persistence. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to achieve our goals is to flow with the natural course of events, rather than resisting or trying to control them.