This line is a reminder of how easy it is to forget that so much of digital media is designed to keep us consuming. The algorithm constantly pushes new products, trends, and advertisements our way. People can be so hateful online. There's cyberbullying, judgment, unrealistic beauty standards, and idealized lives that create insecurities and comparisons. It's a reality check, reminding us that we were meant for more than just falling into the trap of algorithms. We need to stay aware, compassionate, and human. Using technology responsibly means not letting it define our values or dull our empathy.

This captures how easy it is to trust what we see online without questioning it. Algorithms present information in a way that looks confident and authoritative, which makes us assume that it's factual, even when it might be misleading or incomplete. I've noticed this especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even Google searches, where misinformation spreads quickly but feels believable because it's packaged so convincingly. It's dangerous because it shapes our beliefs and decisions without us realizing it, and it shows how much power these systems have over our understanding of the world. Technology doesn't just give us information; it also guides what we think is true.

I found it really interesting how AI isn't truly neutral or objective. It learns directly from us, which means that it also absorbs our biases. The data that trains AI often reflects existing social inequalities like racism, sexism, etc. so those same patterns end up built into the technology itself. AI systems are constantly trained from the information we give them, and that training shapes how they make decisions. This reminds me of how social media algorithms or facial recognition systems sometimes produce unfair outcomes. It's not because the technology is evil, but because it's mirroring the biases it's been taught.

The mention of echo chambers and filter bubbles really stood out to me because it shows how algorithms don't just reflect our interests, they shape them. On my own feeds, I've noticed that I mostly see content that I already like or agree with, rarely encountering perspectives that challenge me. Ytreberg points out that this isn't accidental. Instead it's a result of platforms optimizing for engagement and profit. This makes me think about how digital media can fragment public conversation, making it harder for people to connect over shared issues or understand different viewpoints. The internet nowadays feels less like a democratic space for discussion and more like a reflection of what we already think.

This section resonates with me because it captures a reality I've noticed firsthand as a student journalist. Ytreberg describes how journalists today are expected to constantly produce content across multiple platforms while working with fewer resources. Journalism isn't just about writing strong, thoughtful pieces anymore. It's about staying visible online, adapting to trends, and keeping up with social media's nonstop pace. During my high school I've been a part of the journalism program. While we do take time to write quality articles for print, most of our topics are driven by what's trending, and what's happening on social media. Furthering my experience. I recently started writing for publications outside of school, where I've seen this pessure even more clearly. There's a constant push to publish short, quick articles and write stories that will perform well and get views, rather than focusing purely on depth. Technology has definitely profoundly reshaped the field. While it has made news more accessible than ever, it has also made it more competitive and attention-driven. Journalism today feels like a careful balancing act between keeping people informed and keeping up with the pace of digital media.

This highlights how platforms like Facebook turn our everyday activity into a commercial resource, often without us even noticing. I've used social media to log into apps and websites countless times, rarely stopping to think about how much of my personal information is being collected or shared behind the scenes. Ytreberg makes it clear that the convenience and connectivity we enjoy often mask the company's priorities, revealing that our data is systematically mined and monetized. Reading this made me rethink the sense of control I thought I had over my digital life, and it's unsettling to realize how normalized this kind of surveillance has become.

I like how this line challenges the idea that the internet is completely separate from the real world. Even though in reality, websites and social media are shaped by money, politics, and people in power, just like any other industry. The internet was never truly equal. It has always reflected the same power structures as the real world, where a small number of companies or individuals hold most of the control.

I think this line really captures why Silicon Valley is so confusing. There's this mix of idealism and business that doesn't quite fit together. As someone who's grown up here and become more interested in business, I've seen this firsthand. People talk about changing the world and making things better for everyone, but at the same tmie they're constantly chasing investors and profits. They want to seem different from traditional corporations, but in the end, they still just want money. It's visible everywhere today. AI companies claim to be ethical while competing to dominate the market. Startups talk about helping people but really just want funding and profit. Marwick's point about Web 2.0 being born out of activism and capitalism explains that contradiction so well. It's what makes Silicon Valley interesting but also kind of fake. It's built on a constant clash between wanting to do good and wanting to make money.

I found it interesting how this line really captures the optimism that surrounded social media in its early days. Everyone genuinely believed it could change the world, especially the way that we communicate. It's wild to think about how sincere that excitement was compared to now. Even though platforms like TikTok and Instagram still connect to millions of people and let them share their lives, the focus has shifted. What used to feel like a happy place for community has turned into something more performative and sometimes even toxic. People's attitudes toward social media have gone from excitement about connection to serious concerns about mental health, misinformation, and negativity. It's often seen now as one of the biggest causes of anxiety, depression, and even suicide, especially among teens. I think the way that Marwick includes this quote really sets the tone for her critique. It reminds readers of what social media was supposed to be before showing what it's actually become.

This made me realize that media literacy covers so much more than just the social media or news that we see on our phones every day. Older forms of media, like books, newspapers, and magazines, also shape the way that we think and understand the world. Media surrounds us in countless ways, and noticing across all formats shows how important it is to develop the skills to analyze and critically engage with everything we consume.

The interpretation of media isn't universal. What I might find funny, obvious, or harmless in a video might be confusing, unfunny, or even offensive to someone else. I regularly see this in my daily life. Sometimes I show my parents a TikTok that I found really funny, and they give me a confused expression. They don't share the same feeling. However, understanding perspectives and recognizing that people's backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints shape how they see the world is a key aspect of media literacy. It's not all about spotting bias and errors.

I like how this frames media literacy as a conversation instead of just a lecture. It emphasizes collaboration and the value of multiple perspectives. Even though De Abreu is speaking to teachers, I can imagine how powerful this would feel if students heard it directly. I believe they might feel more confident sharing their own ideas and questioning what they see. It reminds me that learning media literacy is as much about dialogue and understanding others' viewpoints as it is about facts.

This line effectively highlights the significant influence the media has over our daily lives, often without our even being aware of it. De Abreu's call to action pushes teachers to take responsibility. However, it makes me wonder how students themselves could take a more active role in questioning what they see. Media literacy is truly about building the skills to navigate, challenge, and understand the messages that surround us every day.