36 Matching Annotations
  1. May 2024
    1. When we sent this data to the telco they said the data was useless. They switched their request and said they want to be able to tell how many of our users are entering their competitors’ stores.

      I think This experience from Steve Krenzel's experience at Twitter starkly illustrates the ethical dilemmas and pressures tech workers may face, especially from powerful stakeholders with specific, often intrusive data requests. It's a vivid example of how the quest for profit can sometimes push companies to consider overstepping privacy boundaries. This situation sparks a critical question: how can tech companies balance corporate demands and profit motives with ethical practices and respect for user privacy?

    1. xkcd comics. 1227: The Pace of Modern Life - explain xkcd. June 2013. URL: https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php/1227:_The_Pace_of_Modern_Life (visited on 2023-12-10).

      This comic wittily illustrates how complaints about the frenetic pace of life aren't a modern phenomenon at all, but rather a constant through history. It is amusing yet enlightening to see how historical figures also grappled with issues of technological advancements and social changes—issues we often consider uniquely modern. This serves as a gentle reminder that perhaps our struggles with balancing life's demands are not as unprecedented as we might think, which personally brings a comforting perspective when feeling overwhelmed by the modern world.

    1. Colonialism [t1] is when one group or country subjugates another group, often imposing laws, religion, culture, and languages on that group, and taking resources from them

      This definition really unsettles me, highlighting the damaging effects of colonialism justified by the supposed superiority of the colonizer. It's a stark reminder of the importance of critically examining our history and its ongoing impacts today.

    1. Wage labour. December 2023. Page Version ID: 1189277809. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wage_labour&oldid=1189277809 (visited on 2023-12-10).

      In the source about "Wage labour", it explained how wage labor is fundamentally defined by the exchange of labor for monetary compensation. This concept is essential for understanding the power dynamics between employers and employees and the structure of modern economies.

    1. For an example of public shaming, we can look at late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel’s annual Halloween prank, where he has parents film their children as they tell the parents tell the children that the parents ate all the kids’ Halloween candy.

      Jimmy Kimmel's prank, as mentioned, is widely perceived as humorous by some, yet it arguably crosses ethical boundaries by exploiting children's genuine emotions for laughs. Where should we draw the line between entertainment and the potential emotional harm to individuals, especially children, in such widely broadcast pranks? This example forces us to reflect on the broader implications of our consumption choices and the content we support as an audience.

    1. Seth Meyers. Jimmy Kimmel's Halloween Candy Prank: Harmful Parenting? Psychology Today, October 2017. URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-is-2020/201710/jimmy-kimmels-halloween-candy-prank-harmful-parenting (visited on 2023-12-10).

      My emotional reactions to such topics are mixed, but it's fascinating to think about whether these seemingly innocuous pranks by popular media figures could have deeper psychological effects on children. This leads me to ponder further: Are these pranks merely harmless fun, or might they contribute to long-term issues in trust and honesty between parents and children?

    1. Black women were disproportionately targeted, being 84% more likely than white women to be mentioned in abusive or problematic tweets.

      To be honest, when reading online, we can feel some bias in comments about race, but I did not expect that the data would be so different. This shows that black women have been smeared by various negative and false rumors on the Internet all year round, and have been made assumptions by netizens with stereotypes. I think they have suffered from such painful misunderstandings for a long time, and they are treated so badly on the virtual network. Will the reality be even more tragic?

    1. Emiliano De Cristofaro. 4chan raids: how one dark corner of the internet is spreading its shadows. The Conversation, November 2016. URL: http://theconversation.com/4chan-raids-how-one-dark-corner-of-the-internet-is-spreading-its-shadows-68394 (visited on 2023-12-10).

      As I read Emiliano De Cristofaro's article on the influence of 4chan on internet culture and social behavior, I was struck by the crucial examination it offers into how unregulated spaces can foster toxic communities that impact wider social and political attitudes. While the insights provided are invaluable, I believe the article could have delved deeper into the mechanisms through which these communities exert influence beyond the digital realm, especially in shaping real-world events and policies.

    1. Humans have always collaborated on tasks, and crowds have been enlisted in performing tasks long before the internet existed [p4].

      This sentence succinctly captures the essence of human collaboration, emphasizing its long history predating the internet. It underscores the natural human propensity for collective action and shared endeavor, which has only been amplified and diversified by digital platforms.

    1. WIRED. How to Not Embarrass Yourself in Front of the Robot at Work. September 2015. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho1RDiZ5Xew (visited on 2023-12-08).

      It's fascinating to see how the video anticipates the social dynamics and potential awkwardness that can arise as workplaces become more technologically integrated. Relating this to my own experiences, the growing presence of AI in both customer service and collaborative tools has indeed led to new etiquette and interaction protocols, mirroring some scenarios described in the video.

    1. If you are running your own site and suddenly realize you have a moderation problem you might have some of your current staff (possibly just yourself) start handling moderation. As moderation is a very complicated and tricky thing to do effectively, untrained moderators are likely to make decisions they (or other users) regret.

      It underscores a common pitfall: hastily assigning moderation tasks to untrained staff can lead to inconsistent and sometimes legally problematic decisions. This scenario prompts a crucial reflection on the need for adequate training and clear guidelines in content moderation, not just as a reactive measure but as a proactive strategy. In practice, implementing a structured moderation protocol early on, even in smaller operations, can mitigate risks and enhance user trust and safety on the platform.

    1. Sarah T. Roberts. Behind the Screen. Yale University Press, September 2021. URL: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/9780300261479/behind-the-screen (visited on 2023-12-08).

      Interacting with individuals across various professional backgrounds, especially in technology and digital content management, has revealed how exposure to negative and sometimes traumatic content can profoundly affect mental health. This observation highlights the necessity for strong support systems and mental health resources for moderators. Their well-being is crucial not only for their personal health but also for maintaining the integrity and ethical operation of digital platforms. "Behind the Screen" by Sarah T. Roberts serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden human costs embedded in our digital environments.

    1. People historically came to cosmetic surgeons with photos of celebrities whose features they hoped to emulate. Now, they’re coming with edited selfies. They want to bring to life the version of themselves that they curate through apps like FaceTune and Snapchat.

      I found this observation from the chapter underscores a significant shift in self-perception influenced by technology. The move from idolizing celebrities to an obsession with personal, digitally altered images reflects a deeper change in our cultural values. It suggests a growing focus on personal control over one’s image and perhaps an increasing pressure to achieve unattainable standards of perfection.

    1. Anya Kamenetz. Selfies, Filters, and Snapchat Dysmorphia: How Photo-Editing Harms Body Image. Psychology Today, February 2020. URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202002/selfies-filters-and-snapchat-dysmorphia-how-photo-editing-harms-body-image (visited on 2023-12-08).

      As someone deeply interested in the impacts of technology on mental health, I found Anya Kamenetz’s discussion on photo-editing and its psychological effects profoundly relevant. The connection between technology and mental health underscores the need for digital literacy that emphasizes the psychological impacts of these technologies.

    1. Dawkins then took this idea of the evolution of information and applied it to culture, coining the term “meme” (intended to sound like “gene” [l4]).

      What's intriguing here is the implication that, just as not all genetic mutations are beneficial, not all cultural innovations are beneficial or sustainable in the long run. This raises an important question: In the vast and rapid spread of memes and information in today's digital age, how can we differentiate between culturally beneficial ideas and those that are merely viral without substantive benefit?

    1. Tom Standage. Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years. Bloomsbury USA, New York, 1st edition edition, October 2013. ISBN 978-1-62040-283-2.

      Tom Standage's "Writing on the Wall" presents an intriguing historical perspective on social media, tracing communication from the ancient Roman practice of writing on walls to the modern digital landscape. This historical context is particularly useful in understanding the ongoing impact of social media on society. By realizing that the desire to share and disseminate information publicly is not a new phenomenon, we can better analyze current digital trends and predict future developments. It is insightful to consider how past communication methods have shaped, and continue to influence, the evolution of social media platforms.

  2. Apr 2024
    1. Recommendation algorithms can make this even works. For example: At one point, Facebook counted the default “like” reaction less than the “anger” reaction, which amplified negative content [k17].

      This particular instance of algorithmic influence on user interaction with content is both compelling and distressing. It highlights how social media platforms, while engineered to engage users, may inadvertently prioritize divisive content.

    1. Elon Musk [@elonmusk]. Trashing accounts that you hate will cause our algorithm to show you more of those accounts, as it is keying off of your interactions. Basically saying if you love trashing *that* account, then you will probably also love trashing *this* account. Not actually wrong lol. January 2023. URL: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1615194151737520128 (visited on 2023-12-07).

      Musk suggests that negative interactions may inadvertently tailor a user's social media experience. This ties into broader discussions on the feedback loops created by algorithmic content delivery. It's fascinating, yet somewhat alarming, how these mechanisms can amplify certain types of engagement, potentially creating an echo chamber effect. It makes me wonder about the long-term implications of such design choices on public discourse and individual well-being. Have the authors of this chapter considered the psychological impacts of this feature, and if so, how do they propose users manage or mitigate such effects?

    1. Most humans are trichromats, meaning they can see three base colors (red, green, and blue), along with all combinations of those three colors. Human societies often assume that people will be trichromats. So people who can’t see as many colors are considered to be color blind [j2], a disability

      This quote highlights the societal construction of disability, not merely as a biological fact, but as a result of the assumptions and structures of society. It reflects the argument that disability is context-dependent, a notion that challenges the dominant narrative of disability as a fixed individual deficit. It prompts me to consider the fluidity of disability across different contexts and cultures. This is exemplified by the societal approach to color vision; while color blindness is seen as a deficiency in one setting, it might not be relevant in another, where color discrimination isn’t necessary.

    1. Neurodiversity. November 2023. Page Version ID: 1187185735. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neurodiversity&oldid=1187185735#Neurotypical (visited on 2023-12-07).

      It's refreshing to see neurodiversity being discussed in this chapter. The Wikipedia page on neurodiversity provides a broad overview, highlighting the inherent value in neurological differences. However, what I find particularly compelling is how this concept challenges the prevailing notions of 'normal' cognitive functioning. It would be interesting to explore how this inclusive approach could be further integrated into workplace policies or educational strategies to better accommodate and value neurodiverse individuals.

    1. When we use social media platforms though, we at least partially give up some of our privacy.

      I agree with this statement. It's an uncomfortable truth that the platforms facilitating our desire for connection and community also necessitate a surrender of privacy to varying degrees. In my experience, this trade-off is often overlooked or misunderstood by users. It's not uncommon for people to be surprised when they learn the extent to which their data is accessed and used by social media companies. This highlights the need for greater transparency from these companies and a more robust public dialogue about the nature of digital consent.

    1. i8 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).

      It's concerning to see such a significant oversight by a major technology company when it comes to password security. As someone with a vested interest in digital privacy and security, it's alarming to read that Instagram passwords were stored in plain text. This incident underscores the importance of stringent security measures and regular audits to ensure that user data is protected adequately. It's a potent reminder of why we must advocate for robust encryption practices and hold digital entities accountable for the data they steward.

    1. Social Media platforms use the data they collect on users and infer about users to increase their power and increase their profits.

      I agree with this statement and feel deeply concerned. When we use most social media platforms, they usually select user preference content for us when registering an account in order to push content to users that they are more interested in. And this is actually a way to obtain information and find ways to attract the user's attention. Moreover, as we use the software, we are also using different algorithms to infer how our interests have changed. At the same time, we may also cooperate with shopping software to directly push the items of interest we just mentioned in the video or forum social media so that we can purchase them. I think it’s a bit scary how much big data knows about us.

    1. Catherine Stinson. The Dark Past of Algorithms That Associate Appearance and Criminality. American Scientist, January 2021. URL: https://www.americanscientist.org/article/the-dark-past-of-algorithms-that-associate-appearance-and-criminality (visited on 2023-12-05).

      Stinson’s article 'The Dark Past of Algorithms That Associate Appearance and Criminality' raises critical ethical questions that resonate deeply with my personal concerns about the direction of AI research and application. It's disconcerting to think about how historical biases can be embedded into modern technology, potentially affecting the lives of many under the guise of objectivity. Her discussion on the implications of such algorithms provides a sobering reminder that 'neutral' technology can perpetuate social injustices.

    1. Feeling Powerful: Trolling sometimes gives trolls a feeling of empowerment when they successfully cause disruption or cause pain.**

      The concept of empowerment derived from trolling is a fascinating and disturbing reflection of human psychology. It's intriguing to consider that the anonymity of the internet can provide a space for individuals to feel a sense of accomplishment through negative actions, such as causing disruption or pain to others. This could be reflective of a deeper sense of powerlessness or frustration in other areas of life.

    1. Is It Funny or Offensive? Comedian Impersonates FBI on Twitter, Makes MLK Assassination Joke. January 2020. URL: https://isitfunnyoroffensive.com/comedian-impersonates-fbi-on-twitter-makes-mlk-assassination-joke/ (visited on 2023-12-05).

      While satire has long been used as a tool for social commentary and criticism, it is crucial that creators remain sensitive to the historical context and potential impact on affected communities. The impersonation of an FBI agent to make a joke about such a pivotal and grave event as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. seems to disregard the profound implications and could be seen as tasteless by those who understand the deep resonance of MLK's legacy.

    1. Many users were upset that what they had been watching wasn’t authentic.

      My take is that the lonelygirl15 phenomenon was a watershed moment that forced audiences and creators alike to reevaluate the nature of authenticity and storytelling on digital platforms. It underscores the importance of clear boundaries and communication between content creators and their audience, especially as digital media evolves to become an even more integral part of our daily lives.Moreover, the reaction to lonelygirl15's unmasking as a fictional series — continued growth in popularity despite initial outrage — suggests a complex relationship between viewers and content creators. It implies that while authenticity is highly valued, compelling storytelling can transcend the initial need for genuineness, provided it engages the audience in meaningful ways. This incident serves as a reminder of the power of narrative and the evolving expectations of digital media consumers.

    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 presents a deeply intriguing and somewhat disturbing exploration of the complexities surrounding digital personas and the impact of misinformation in the age of social media. The act of creating a fake Twitter persona only to later announce its death from COVID-19 raises significant ethical questions about the use of social platforms and the responsibilities of those who wield influence within them. My emotional reaction to this story is a mixture of fascination and unease, as it underscores the ease with which fiction can be woven into the fabric of our digital lives, often with real-world consequences. This incident not only highlights the potential for manipulation inherent in social media but also serves as a cautionary tale about the blurred lines between reality and fabrication in our increasingly online existence. It prompts me to question: Where should we draw the line in the creation of digital identities, and what measures can be put in place to prevent the spread of harmful falsehoods?

    1. Before this centralization of media in the 1900s, newspapers and pamphlets were full of rumors and conspiracy theories [e2]. And now as the internet and social media have taken off in the early 2000s, we are again in a world full of rumors and conspiracy theories.

      Reflecting on the chapter’s observation that “newspapers and pamphlets were full of rumors and conspiracy theories” before the centralization of media, it’s fascinating yet concerning to see how this pattern has re-emerged with the advent of internet and social media. It highlights a persistent aspect of human nature: our tendency to spread and consume sensational information. This prompts me to ponder on the responsibility of media literacy education in breaking this cycle. How can we better equip society to navigate the vast sea of information available today?

    1. Mark R. Cheathem. Conspiracy Theories Abounded in 19th-Century American Politics. URL: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/conspiracy-theories-abounded-19th-century-american-politics-180971940/ (visited on 2023-11-24).

      The prevalence of conspiracy theories in 19th-century American politics, as explored by Mark R. Cheatham, provides a fascinating context to the current dynamics of misinformation and its impact on political discourse. It’s both enlightening and somewhat disconcerting to realize that the phenomenon of conspiracy theories shaping public opinion is not a new development. Personally, this source evokes a mixed emotional reaction; on one hand, it’s reassuring to know that our society has navigated through such murky waters before, but on the other hand, it's disheartening to see the persistence of these divisive narratives. In reflecting on the chapter’s content, I’m curious about the parallels between the mediums used to spread conspiracy theories in the 19th century and those used today. How did the technological limitations of the time influence the reach and reception of such theories compared to the instantaneous, widespread dissemination possible in our current digital age?

    1. This can be especially important when there is a strong social trend to overlook certain data. Such trends, which philosophers call ‘pernicious ignorance’, enable us to overlook inconvenient bits of data to make our utility calculus easier or more likely to turn out in favor of a preferred course of action.

      I find it particularly resonant with the phenomenon of confirmation bias in the digital age. Confirmation bias is where people favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs or values, ignoring contrary information. In the context of social media, this bias is exacerbated by algorithms that curate content to match our likes and interests, creating an echo chamber effect. Such selective exposure can lead to a form of 'pernicious ignorance' as it intentionally or unintentionally dismisses data that could be crucial for a well-rounded understanding of a topic. This results in a utility calculus that’s skewed towards what we already believe or want to happen, rather than what might be ethically optimal for the majority.

    1. Julia Evans. Examples of floating point problems. January 2023. URL: https://jvns.ca/blog/2023/01/13/examples-of-floating-point-problems/ (visited on 2023-11-24).

      The source talks about a common problem in computer programming when dealing with numbers that have decimals. When computers handle these numbers, sometimes they make small mistakes. Julia Evans probably gives examples where these tiny mistakes can add up and cause bigger problems, like giving the wrong answers in math problems or comparing two numbers that should be the same but the computer thinks they're different. It’s important for people who write computer programs to know about these issues so they can make sure their programs work right and don't give people the wrong information when they're doing calculations with these kinds of numbers.

    1. Bots, on the other hand, will do actions through social media accounts and can appear to be like any other user. The bot might be the only thing posting to the account, or human users might sometimes use a bot to post for them.

      From a personal perspective, the experience of interacting with what one believes to be a person when it is actually a bot can be unsettling. It challenges the notion of genuine human connection that social media purports to foster. Moreover, the concept of bots as agents that can act autonomously or as tools directed by humans blurs the line between creator and creation, posing questions about responsibility and agency.

      It’s important for users to be educated about the presence and influence of bots to navigate social media with a critical eye. How do we then equip users to discern and critically engage with bot-driven content? This is a fundamental question for digital literacy in our age.

    1. Steven Tweedie. This disturbing image of a Chinese worker with close to 100 iPhones reveals how App Store rankings can be manipulated. February 2015. URL: https://www.businessinsider.com/photo-shows-how-fake-app-store-rankings-are-made-2015-2 (visited on 2024-03-07).

      This source provides a stark visualization of the lengths to which individuals or companies will go to manipulate digital systems for profit or influence. It’s troubling to see such concrete evidence of manipulation, which undermines the credibility of platforms many users trust. This visual account is a powerful reminder of the importance of digital literacy and the need for consumers to approach digital content with a healthy dose of skepticism.

  3. Mar 2024
    1. Have you ever paused to decide what to do in a situation, and found yourself wondering what would be the ‘right’ thing to do? Or perhaps you might think, as a good person, how should I handle this situation?

      Yes, I have had these stop-and-think situations. For example, I saw news on TV about the conflict between ethics and law: a father's daughter was raped by a scumbag, and the injury was so serious that her lower body was ruptured and she was unable to have children. However, the boy was a minor, so the court did not impose excessive punishment, and he even returned to school after a period of time. In order to avenge his daughter, the father beat the boy into a disability. I would think that from a legal perspective, this father has reached an age where he needs to bear the consequences of his actions, and he will be punished by law. But, morally speaking, do I support this behavior? Yes, I support that as a good person. Because the law cannot protect this poor father and daughter, they can only deal with it in their own way. Morality is complex, it is based on human emotions, so it is most definable.

    1. Confucianism

      In Confucianism, the path to becoming an exemplary person involves:

      Educational Cultivation: Engaging deeply with a broad education in moral philosophy, history, literature, and the arts to develop empathy, wisdom, and ethical insight.

      Self-Reflection and Rectification: Continuously aligning one’s inner thoughts and actions with Confucian virtues through self-reflection, emphasizing moral self-improvement as a lifelong process.

      Community Engagement: Actively contributing to and participating in community life, extending beyond the family to broader society, thereby reinforcing the link between individual virtues and societal well-being.

      Harmony with Nature: Embracing a respectful and sustainable relationship with the natural world, recognizing the interdependence of all life.

      Rituals and Ceremonies: Participating in rituals and ceremonies to internalize respect, humility, and reverence, using these practices to remind oneself of duties and social connections.

      This multifaceted approach not only fosters personal virtue but also encourages a deep engagement with community and nature, contributing to the creation of a harmonious society.