I really like how And-But-Therefore template makes storytelling more simple and clear. The "and" gives listeners an introduction to the context, the "but" gives it conflict, and the "therefore" answers the "So what?" question. The template helps mirror what we usually expect from the flow of a story. I have a habit of using "And" too much when trying to tell a story or convince my friends. I'm so excited for their reaction that I tend to forget they should be able to experience the same thing if I simply follow the method.

I totally agree with this approach to Participatory Action Research. It makes sense that communities should be involved in the research process, not just as subjects, but as active partners that help shape the work. I think this makes the solutions feel more real and relevant to the people they impact. It also just makes the whole process more inclusive and meaningful. I think it also makes the research more impactful because it’s based on the real needs and experiences of the community, rather than just the perspectives of outsiders.

For a UX designer, I think it's important to keep in mind that recognition is easier than recall. When designing, using elements people have seen before, makes things feel more intuitive. Instead of needing users to remember everything (that is new to them), I think it's more effective to guide them with visual cues. This approach makes the user experience smoother and less mentally taxing, which I think ultimately leads to better user satisfaction.

I find this idea useful because it shows how important it is to test designs in real-life situations. It makes sense that watching people actually use something gives better feedback than just guessing how they might use it. But it also makes me realize that this kind of testing isn’t always possible early on since you need a working version of the design first. It helps me understand why some testing happens later in the process when things are more developed.

I definitely agree with this, I think it’s important to plan out how an interface will work before focusing on how it looks. The example of passive and active modes shows how small design choices can make a big difference, as passive modes require people to remember to switch back, while active modes reset automatically. Thinking through these details early on helps create a smoother, more user-friendly experience. I think it’s little details that can make or break how easy something is to use.

I agree that higher-fidelity prototyping tools allow designers to closely mimic a final product without actually building it. This is especially valuable for gathering realistic user feedback and refining interactions before development. However, I also see how the increased time investment can be a challenge, as every detail requires consideration. I think finding the right balance between speed and precision is important to create a prototype that is both efficient and effective.

I never really thought about how the order of questions being asked had such importance in tracking trends. I definitely agree that changing the context could affect responses, so keeping the question order consistent ensures the data remains comparable across different surveys. This shows how even small changes in survey design can have a big impact on how you move forward with your design entirely. The UX research side of design is so crucial to ensure good designs in general.

I totally agree with this, I think that looking at solutions beyond direct competitors is a great approach to make your product/solution better. It allows you to push yourself to think outside the box and often leads to more innovative designs. This kind of comparative analysis broadens your toolkit for problem-solving. Additionally I feel as through it helps one avoid being too narrowly focused and encourages more unique and creative problem-solving.

I have to admit that every time I give someone feedback, I use this method. I feel like starting with something positive makes it easier for the other person to hear what I have to say, and it also helps me see the good in their work instead of just focusing on what needs fixing. It makes the conversation feel more natural and fair. I’ve noticed that this approach not only helps people take feedback better but also builds a certain amount of trust with the other person, which as a result can make it easier to be honest without hurting anyone’s feelings.

I agree that creativity doesn't necessarily need to stem from a design expert but can also be a combination between the designer and the stakeholder. I recently followed a friend to lecture where they were working on scenarios to create different solutions for them. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance it put in stakeholder analysis. It made me realize that creativity is best when when you involve those directly impacted, as they can bring diverse insights through their real experience. I totally see how this approach proves that everyone can contribute creative solutions when given the opportunity.

I think this reminds me to the reading in Chapter 1 or 2, where someone suggested that if a design doesn’t help everyone, it shouldn’t be made. However, throughout these chapters, we’ve established that this isn’t realistic. No single design can cater to everyone, as people have different perspectives and experiences. Instead, it’s about understanding who is being served and addressing their specific needs.

I think contextual inquiries are quite good at creating good qualitative data but I don't think it gives sufficient enough information statistically that can lead to a good conclusion without more analysis. I think having both interviews and contextual inquiries can provide a more balanced approach to research, uncovering behaviors that could not have been found with just one type research or data collection.

I never really though about how little power designers have even thought there designs themselves have power. I guess in some ways even though designers might be creating something they are always limited by some type of constraint. May it be by client demands, budgets, or as the example companies' visions. It is unfortunate to think that most designers at a company are only allowed to work within limits, as such they cannot fully realize their vision.

I don't completely agree that if designs are not universal-- they shouldn't be made. Although I understand the goal in making sure everyone is represented, humans are much too diverse for a design to fully meet everyone's requirements. By arguing that designs should've be made if not universal can actually do the opposite and exclude people who's needs cannot be that easily generalized. There should be a nice balance where one is not forced to uphold such an unrealistic standard to designs.

The article discusses the impact of "Black Twitter". It begins by recounting how Ashley Weatherspoon created the viral hashtag #UKnowUrBlackWhen, marking the beginning of Black Twitter, a social media platform where Black users shared their experiences, jokes, and cultural commentary. Thought not initially formalized, Black Twitter gradually became recognized for its unique cultural exchanges and real-time reactions to events. Black Twitter grew into a space for humor, social justice, and cultural critique, producing viral memes and significant social justice hashtags like #OscarsSoWhite and #BlackLivesMatter. However, it faced many issues of cultural appropriation and under-monetization, where Black creators saw their contributions co-opted by others without fair compensation. The article further emphasized that Black Twitter was able to shape the internet culture, and foster community, amplifying Black voices in the digital age.

Before this class, I had never really thought about ethical frameworks. Of course, I knew about them, but it never crossed my mind to use them to analyze situations. Through our assignments, reflecting within the ethical frameworks helped me understand the use of bots more and how there is never really a clear right or wrong. Ethical frameworks can interpret situations in various ways and from many perspectives. However, I felt empowered knowing how to analyze different situations by comparing different frameworks. I definitely have a different approach and perspective on how to analyze ethical considerations in various actions, especially on social media.

This article analyzes how the usage of programming languages and technologies varies between high-income and low-income countries. By using data from Stack Overflow visits in 2017, it focuses on the 250 most trafficked tags and only included countries with at least 5 million question visits. It found that the use of programming platforms would differ based on the GDP of a nation. If it was low people might use Android and PHP (have higher traffic), but if it was high people would use Python and R.

I believe that if we had social media sites created in other countries and cultures, they would include more local languages, incorporating regional dialects, slang, and cultural references that would more accurately resonate with users from those countries. Additionally, I feel this implementation would help create social media sites that adhere to the policies of each country, avoiding issues like the ones Google faces in China. Overall, I think that if social media platforms were created in other countries and cultures, it would offer a fascinating glimpse into how technology can be adapted to fit diverse societal norms and preferences, further contributing to a globally connected online landscape.

This article is a satirical piece that emphazies the obsession with celebrity culture. Creating a ficitional group called, Citizens for Renewed Celebrity Consumption. It claims that Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears are overexposed and no longer satisfying. It also talks about about emotionally unstable stars, nude photos of Megan Fox, and new teenage singing sensations. The article, as a joke, exaggerates society's insatiable appetite for celebrity scandals and the exploitation of fame.

I think there definitely are situations where reconciliation is not possible, depending on the severity of the harm endured and the genuineness of the repentance. The biggest example I can think of is the Holocaust. The scale and severity of the atrocities committed there mean that no form of reconciliation can adequately address the harm done. Although some people have apologized, the severity of the harm still has a lasting impact on all the descendants whose family members suffered due to the Holocaust.

In the article, the author interviews Kurt Braddock about how rhetorical strategies can lead to political violence. Kurt Braddock is an expert on communication techniques related to violence. He explains the concept of stochastic terror, where public figures make ambiguous statements that indirectly incite violence without explicit intention. This creates an environment of fear and unpredictability, as individuals influenced by such rhetoric may commit violent acts, thinking they are justified. Braddock suggests using "attitudinal inoculation" (educating people on recognizing and resisting manipulative messages) to combat stochastic terror.

Although I do not want to admit it, I definitely feel differently when crowd harassment is done depending on the target's actions. The doxing of the KKK members, though not ethical, I feel is somewhat justified as it helps promote social harmony. Like Confucian ethics, doxing may raise ethical concerns, as it can lead to harm or social disruption, which may conflict with its principles. However, it may be justified if it is seen as a necessary action to protect the community, uphold justice, and reinforce societal norms against violence and racism. All in all, I understand the inclination to view crowd harassment in a different light due to the actions of the target, but I would never necessarily promote it. I think there are better avenues to create change.

In the article, it discussed how Reddit apologized for its mishandling of the coverage of the Boston bombings. The "Find Boston Bombers" thread falsely implicated several individuals, which sparked online "witch hunts". Reddit did acknowledge its role in exacerbating these harmful activities and expressed regret for the negative consequences suffered by innocent parties, including Salah Barhoun and Sunil Tripathi. The article also discussed how Reddit recognized both the positive and negative impacts of its platform during the crisis, further emphasizing the need for sensitivity and responsibility moving forward in posts.

I think social media can encourage good crowdsourcing by establishing clear policies about behaviors and contributions. Limiting actions like harassment, hate speech, or misinformation. This implementation can both encourage good crowdsourcing and discourage bad crowdsourcing. Additionally, social media platforms should be more transparent about their crowdsourcing decisions and have some explanation as to the content. Doing so can help build trust and accountability, creating a healthy online community.

The article focuses on discussing an investigation into Teleperformance, a subcontractor for TikTok, by the Ministry of Labor in Colombia. The investigation was initiated due to allegations of union-busting, traumatic working conditions, and low pay. Apparently, Teleperformance employed content moderators for TikTok who earned only $10 per day and were exposed to disturbing content. Additionally, when workers attempted to unionize, they were met with intimidation. The UNI global union has shown support for the investigation, emphasizing the need to address poor working conditions also at the global level.

I believe that having limited or no content moderation will have harmful effects on the safety of the online community. This is because there is an increased spread of harmful content like misinformation, which can have significant implications for those who may believe the news/information to be true. Additionally, this can lead to harmful content being normalized. With the lack of content moderation and no consequences for violating community standards, people can continue to render abusive speech, creating hostility.

The article discusses "Munchausen by internet" (MBI) which is a mental disorder formerly known as Munchausen syndrome, where people pretend to have an illness or actually make themselves sick for sympathy and attention. The author discusses the disorder through the case of Marissa Marchand, who pretended to have terminal cancer in an online support group, however she was actually healthy and so was promptly arrested for fraud. Due to the internet's anonymity it is easy to deceive, which can impact genuine cancer survivors and their support communities. Though there hasn't been many investigations over the motivations of those who are caught faking cancers, the author explains how cancer-support groups can supply high levels of attention and sympathy that are rarely found elsewhere. It is believed that MBI is attributed to a need for attention and control.

I definitely believe that a digital detox, or simply a social media detox, is necessary. However, I think it's much harder than we realize. I find it challenging to detox because I usually use social media to catch up with my friends and even to read the news by following reputable sources. I fear being left behind the rest of the world in trends and news. It's not something that comes easily to us. As many of the authors below have described, we're so comfortable and dependent on technology and social media that we can't seem to live without it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.