Kareem Carr’s tweet reflects how discussions about math and data interpretation can become socially and politically charged, especially in online spaces. His experience, which gained attention from major outlets like Popular Mechanics and The New York Times, highlights how even technical subjects like mathematics are influenced by cultural and ideological debates. This connects to the chapter’s themes about the social dimensions of technology and knowledge, showing that data and algorithms are never entirely objective or separate from human values.

This quote shows that design choices in social media are not neutral—they determine who benefits from the platform. When designers prioritize efficiency or profit over accessibility, marginalized groups often receive a worse experience. This reveals how social media systems frequently lack inclusivity, as their data and design decisions favor certain users while overlooking others.

This Twitter account is operated by a bot that reports the percentage of Americans who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, across all age groups. The data it shares is sourced from Our World in Data and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

I find it deeply concerning that automated bots have the ability to closely mimic the behavior and appearance of real users on social media platforms. Social media was originally developed as a space for genuine human interaction, intended to foster communication, build relationships, and connect individuals across diverse backgrounds. However, when bots are designed to act and appear indistinguishable from authentic users, they disrupt this fundamental purpose. Not only does their presence blur the line between authentic and artificial engagement, but it also raises significant ethical and societal concerns regarding trust, authenticity, and the integrity of online communities.

I agree that the internet isn’t real life, because it often feels like people can easily get caught up online. The internet can create a sense of distance from real-world consequences, which sometimes makes people say things they would never say face-to-face. A good example is Justine Sacco’s Twitter post, where a single outrageous comment made online ended up damaging her reputation and career. This shows how the “isn’t real life” mindset can actually spill over into real life with very real consequences.

I think we should take some of the values from Confucianism into today's world. For example, being respectful to our parents, elders, and communities still feels important, even if we don't practice it through ceremonies like ancestor sacrifices or tea rituals. I believe that these values can help strengthen family bonds and create more mutual respect across generations, which I think is something society sometimes overlooks.