22 Matching Annotations
  1. Last 7 days
    1. Taylor Lorenz. Elon Musk: Memelord or Meme Lifter? The New York Times, May 2021. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/style/elon-musk-memes.html (visited on 2023-12-08).

      The article delves into Elon Musk's love for memes, which has landed him in hot water for frequently reposting them without acknowledging their creators. Comedians and content creators who view memes as valuable intellectual property, have been angered by the lack of credit given on their work. As a result, many creators have demanded payment for their work, while others have explored selling NFTs. Through Musk's example, the author emphasizes how, in today's digital world, the significance of attribution and citation has diminished.

    1. 12.5.3. Citation and giving credit

      I think citations and credit have diminished alot in the context of memes. Many might argue that once a meme goes viral, there's no need to bother with citing sources. But it is important to cite and give credit, as It's not just about recognition but about respecting others and acting with fairness. Original creators of memes should be able to get the credit they deserve, where we can foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in the world of social media.

    1. Arvind Narayanan. TikTok’s Secret Sauce. Knight First Amendment Institute, December 2022. URL: http://knightcolumbia.org/blog/tiktoks-secret-sauce (visited on 2023-12-07).

      In this article, the author discusses the success of TikTok and explains how its algorithm is nothing different than those we have seen on other social media platforms. What sets TikTok apart from other platforms is its unique design, more specifically its scrolling feature, vertical video format, and short-length video content. The author adds on that the algorithm allows for users to experience a wide range of content, letting them learn and enjoy different content than they are used to. Moreover, the author emphasizes the importance of the quality of design and user experience is what creates a successful social media platform.

    1. Once these algorithms are in place though, the have an influence on what happens on a social media site.

      Recommendation algorithms can be quite concerning, as they have the potential to lead individuals down a rabbit hole of questionable content on the internet. Unfortunately, my grandmother experienced firsthand the negative effects of YouTube's recommendation algorithm. Initially watching political news from Korea, she gradually found herself drawn to videos that appeared to present inaccurate information. Over time, she became deeply immersed in the realm of fake news on YouTube. My uncle warned me never to discuss politics with her, as she tends to become very controversial on the topic. It's truly alarming to witness the influence of these algorithms, particularly on older individuals who may be less knowledgeable about navigating social media safely and fact-checking information.

  2. Apr 2024
    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).

      In this article, Alannah Oleson discusses the CIDER technique, which aims to teach inclusive design skills by guiding people through five stages of analytical design evaluations. Going beyond assumptions about "average" users, CIDER encourages the considering of diverse user needs. CIDER stands for Critique, Imagine, Design, Expand, Repeat. The article delves into each type of evaluation in depth and encourages practicing the CIDER activity. This practice can have positive impacts on people's knowledge of inclusive design and improve critical thinking about inclusive technology.

    1. If you can’t see the video, it shows someone with light skin putting their hand under a soap dispenser, and soap comes out.

      I find learning about this topic quite interesting. As I aspire to be a UX Researcher, I believe it's essential to understand the ethical and moral obligations that come with this role. While UX Research may not directly involve designing programs, this text does raise questions about the ethical considerations involved. For instance, how could designers justify creating a soap dispenser that only operates when it detects light skin? As an aspiring UX Researcher, I'm eager to explore how we can ensure that our designs prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. How can we ensure that users with disabilities are not marginalized but instead empowered by our designs?

    1. Michael Kan. FBI: Hackers Are Compromising Legit QR Codes to Send You to Phishing Sites. PCMAG, January 2022. URL: https://www.pcmag.com/news/fbi-hackers-are-compromising-legit-qr-codes-to-send-you-to-phishing-sites (visited on 2023-12-06).

      In this article, the FBI warns the public about the dangers and sophistication of phishing schemes. Recently, there has been an increase in phishing attempts through the redirection of legitimate QR codes to phishing websites. By luring users to these fake sites, cybercriminals can obtain private information by pretending to be the legitimate sources. The FBI advises everyone to be careful when scanning QR codes, always double-check URLs, and avoiding downloading things or sharing personal information.

    1. What incentives do social media companies have to protect privacy?

      I believe social media companies are incentivized to protect users' privacy through laws, as discussed earlier in the chapter. For instance, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, social media companies will have to comply as they may face legal consequences. Another incentive for social media companies to protect privacy is gaining a competitive advantage. As privacy is becoming increasingly a differentiator, creating good privacy policies and programs can attract users who prioritize privacy, which can give them a competitive edge over their competitors.

    1. Greg Miller. Researchers are tracking another pandemic, too—of coronavirus misinformation. Science, March 2020. URL: https://www.science.org/content/article/researchers-are-tracking-another-epidemic-too-misinformation (visited on 2023-12-05).

      This article describes sociologist Emma Spiro and crisis informatics researcher Kate Starbird's study of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers reflect on their analysis of how misinformation spreads and its impact on public understanding. They express concerns about how misinformation may lead to mixed messages from government officials, potentially eroding people's trust in scientific expertise. They further conclude by emphasizing the importance of being careful with platforms for information sharing and give recommendations for how individuals should critically evaluate information sources.

    1. 8.7.2. Intentional Data Poisoning

      Another example of intentional data poisoning occurred with Google's Image Recognition in 2015. It got attention for mistakenly labeling two African American people as "gorillas." Although technically not intentional, the incident highlights the algorithm's lack of development in diversity knowledge. This means it was not trained with data or taught about diverse cultures and ethnicities, leading to its inaccurate classification, which some people referred to as "racist."

    1. Brayden Olson. Forever Alone Involuntary Flashmob. Vice, May 2011. URL: https://www.vice.com/en/article/wdyyny/forever-alone-involuntary-flashmob (visited on 2023-12-05).

      This article discusses the formation and events that occurred during the Forever Alone Involuntary Flashmob at Times Square. The flashmob was organized by the online anonymous forum 4chan, where single men were lured to the location to meet women for dates. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case; these men found themselves alone and mocked by a cut-out of the "Forever Alone" meme character, and captured on CCTV cameras. Though the men didn't take it badly, it really makes you question why pranks such as these make up so much entertainment, even though they can harm the pride of those who are involved.

    1. slicer

      I think this particular parody review could become harmful, as some people, though I'm not sure who exactly, might actually believe that the only way for bananas to be perfectly sliced is with this gadget. Those who read the reviews might end up wasting around $5 on a gadget that can easily be replaced with a knife.

    1. Jonah E. Bromwich and Ezra Marcus. The Anonymous Professor Who Wasn’t. The New York Times, August 2020. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/04/style/college-coronavirus-hoax.html (visited on 2023-11-24).

      This article discusses the true identity behind the anonymous Twitter account of an anthropology professor at Arizona State University. The account was known for expressing frustration with being forced to teach in-person, which ultimately resulted in contracting COVID-19. It was later revealed that the account was operated by BethAnn McLaughlin, a neuroscientist. Ms. McLaughlin utilized the account to advocate for social justice in the sciences and to promote herself, even falsely claiming Native American identity. Many scientists and activists have expressed outrage over her actions, highlighting the importance of addressing issues of deception and exploitation in online communities.

    1. What are the ways in which a parasocial relationship can be authentic or inauthentic?

      I think parasocial relationships can be authentic when such a figure or celebrity has a positive influence on the follower, encouraging them to grow and become a better person. I also believe that having a sense of mutual respect for one another is crucial. Though the celebrity might not know them, they can still have some level of respect, and for the follower, they can create respect by also not forming an unhealthy attachment to the figure. However, I also believe there are times when the relationship might not be authentic, as followers might misunderstand their relationship and assume that they have a deeper connection. As we see with Jessica, she believed that Mr. Rogers knew her and liked her. Although in Jessica's case it is quite an innocent misunderstanding, in some cases, it can lead to having unrealistic expectations of the figure as well as a lack of boundaries. Followers can presume the figure genuinely has a connection with them, and be devastatingly disappointed. Other times, followers may become obsessed with said figure and behave irrationally. As such, I think parasocial relationships can be authentic to a limit. I think it is important for the follower and even the figure to clarify the extent of their relationship.

    1. The Interaction Design Foundation. What are Affordances? — updated 2023. September 2016. URL:

      The article takes a deep dive into explaining what affordances are. Affordances are defined as "what a user can do with an object based on the user’s capabilities." They play a significant role in design, guiding users towards desired actions. Affordances can manifest in various forms, including perceptible, hidden, false, physical, cognitive, sensory, functional, pattern, and negative. Recognizing these types of affordances can help minimize user errors and cognitive friction in interface design. Designing affordances requires understanding users, applying design principles, leveraging conventions, and considering factors such as Fitts' Law and Material Design. Aspiring to work as a UX Researcher, I realize the importance of understanding affordances, as they align closely with the work I aim to pursue and highlight the importance of collaboration with UX Designers.

    1. 5.5.3. 8Chan (now 8Kun)

      I remember researching 4chan and its transition to 8chan during one of my high school projects. More specifically, I was investigating how fake news has affected political viewpoints and the political development of candidates. This led me to delve into 8chan, which has a significant association with hate speech, white supremacy, and the dissemination of dangerous conspiracy theories like QAnon. Although the intention might have been to oppose strict regulations in social media to promote free speech, I believe it has created such a toxic environment where there are no consequences due to its anonymity. It's scary to think about how harmful ideologies can spread so easily in our world.

    1. Ruta Butkute. The dark side of voluntourism selfies. June 2018. URL: https://kinder.world/articles/you/the-dark-side-of-voluntourism-selfies-18537 (visited on 2023-11-24).

      This article critiques how the surge of sharing images from volunteering experiences abroad leads to the incorrect portrayal of poverty and suffering in those countries. the author exemplifies the power photography has on human perception. As such, the author advises the audience to be more careful and mindful when sharing images that advocate for volunteering. This article was a significant revelation for me, as I had never considered how images can influence our perception of things. I hadn't realized the potential negative impact of volunteering images until reading this article. It truly opened my eyes to something I hadn't previously thought about.

    1. Race and Epistemologies of Ignorance by Shannon Sullivan, Nancy Tuana [d35]

      Through reading the summary of the text I wonder, how do the authors Shannon Sullivan and Nancy Tuana relate the concept of ignorance to racism?

    1. Brian Whitaker. Oman's Sultan Qaboos: a classy despot. The Guardian, March 2011. URL: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/mar/04/oman-sultan-qaboos-despot (visited on 2023-11-17).

      In this Opinion article, it discusses the personality and governance style of Sultan Qaboos of Oman. Though the Sultan has a positive image, he is a suppressive leader that gives limited freedoms for his citizens. The opinion post further raises concerns on human right violations, calling him a "'renaissance man'. He is a despot with class, and his true place is in the 15th century with the Medicis and the Borgias, not 2011." Overall, the article provides insights into the complexities of Oman's political environment and the challenges faced by its citizens under his opressive leadership.

    1. What does this bot do that a normal person wouldn’t be able to, or wouldn’t be able to as easily?

      A friendly bot like the Auto caption helps generate captions for videos in Twitter. For a normal person this task can be very time consuming. People have a smaller likelihood to efficiently and accurately generate captions for the the amount of videos a bot can make. By using machine learning, the bot provides a solution that significantly reduces the time and effort required to make videos accessible to a wider audience. I guess the one in charge of creating this bot are the developers of twitter itself, to help make Twitter more accessible and additionally help the developers themselves save time. I think in this scenario I do not mind it is a bot, it is working to help with accessibility within Twitter. I do not think this bot is harming anyone, it just helping with efficiency and accuracy.

  3. Mar 2024
    1. How often do you hear phrases like “social media isn’t real life”?

      I definitely hear the phrase much more often than not. I believe it holds significant importance that we should always keep in mind. Personally, I find it particularly relevant because I often catch myself comparing my life to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed on social media. This tendency has made me overly self-conscious about everything, from my body image to my academic and career success. However, reminding myself, and others, of this phrase helps me realize that people typically only showcase the best parts of their lives on social media. Rarely do you see someone posting about their struggles or failures. We're wired to highlight our successes and achievements. Understanding this illusion has been crucial in resisting the urge to compare myself to others on social media, as their seemingly perfect lives may not be as flawless as they appear.

    1. many

      One ethics framework that caught my attention, not covered in this chapter, is the Ethics of Manipulation. It revolves around the intent behind manipulation: if it aims to harm others for personal gain, it's considered unethical. However, if the intent is to achieve positive outcomes and guide individuals toward beneficial actions, it's viewed as more ethical.