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Week 13: November 20,2020

Short Quiz #3

1. Determine what kind of social media site you are creating.

For this assignment, I want to create a micro-blog for people who love to try new foods (home-cooked or from food chains/restaurants) or interact with other food lovers. Foodilicous will allow users to upload pictures of their food from different places and share their experiences with limited characters. Users may also connect with people through comments, likes, and followers. Users will also be able to retweet the food they like. The micro-blog will be divided into two sections – the for you page and the home page. The for you page will recommend different types of food not in the individual’s regular food pallet—the food categories in the for you page range from different cultures. The homepage will have content from the people they follow. I think this app could help users’ widen their food pallet and learn about other cultures.

2. What will you measure?

The micro-blog will measure likes and retweets to showcase how many seem to enjoy it or how many users think the food is worth trying. I also plan to measure comments left under the blog posts because users will utilize words to share their experiences from the same restaurants or food chains.

3. How will you weigh these factors?

I will monitor comments left under the blog post for harassment or racists remarks. If comments do not meet the community guidelines, the app will do its best to not allow hate speech by replacing statements with asterisks and later removing it. Next, I will use likes and retweets to place recommendations on the for you page. Other users’ engagement with a blog post determines the popularity and thus recommends new foods to try. However, every day there will be recent highlights from different food categories.

4. What factors will not be measured?

Foodilicous will not measure followers as it is not an influencer based app. The app focuses on food from different cultures. It will also not measure the users’ gender, age, or religion to avoid cultural discrimination based on demographics.

5. How will the model learn or adapt to new information?

The model will learn or adapt to new information, like language, by adding a translation at the bottom of each post. If the user’s food pallet suddenly changes or adds something new, the model will have to relearn and adapt to recommend similar options.

6. What biases will be built into the model? How will this change the algorithm’s outcome?

One bias built into the model is receiving notifications for the food pallet users already have. For example, notifications from followers will showcase a preference for a particular type of food/culture. The top category of the for you page will be about food users are familiar with. The next categories will be from cultures users have not tried yet. The home page will also change the algorithm because users will only be exposed to food from their followers with similar taste buds. Thus, the user will limit what kind of content (food type) they will be exposed to.

7. How will the model live out the (un)ethical practices we have discussed?

I will prioritize the inclusivity of different cultures. For this app, it will not allow the typing of racial slurs or words. If a user attempted to write hate comments about people’s cultures, it will be replaced with asterisks and removed. Users can share their positive or negative experiences so long as it is not racially biased, sexist, or conveys any harassment. The app is heavily based on a participatory culture from its users. Thus, users are in control of who they want to interact with. They can block someone, such as a troll, and if many tend to block the same person, the app will ban the individual.

Week 12: November 11, 2020

What do sites offer to be considered as virtual homeplaces?

A virtual homeplace is defined as a place that offers comfort and nurture, where one can seek safe harbor against the racial and sexual oppression they may face daily (Lee, 2015). Black females are targets of regulations and face racial oppression because of their hair and how they decide to style it. Curly Nikki, a blogger, offered a virtual homeplace for Black females to empower each other by sharing their experiences and uplifting each other. Curly Nikki has provided affirmation and space where they feel appreciated and accepted through her continuous support and appreciation of their natural hair.

How did natural black hair become an issue of civil rights?

Euro-centric standards of beauty are pushed continuously through social media. It has influenced the idea that natural black hair is deemed unkempt and out of the norm. Many companies, schools, and the army have created guidelines for people of color to follow and comply. Their guidelines state that their hair could not be worn in locs and cornrows as it was tied to criminality and deemed unprofessional due to the lack of knowledge of Black hair (Lee, 2015). Individuals have taken a stand against racial bias embedded in society. Petitions have been signed, and many have shared their experiences to bring awareness to the oppression they face daily.

How does the gamergate movement showcase misogynistic beliefs?

The gamergate movement pushed the idea that gamer journalism had been corrupted and created a concern for protecting the gamer identity (Hathaway, 2014). Zoe Quinn’s experience showcased how the campaign targeted women in the gaming industry. Individuals harassed Quinn to the extent that she had to move away for her safety. The gamergate movement conveyed misogynistic undertones since its supporters engaged in harassment and threats. As the gamergate movement grew, its supporters harassed feminists like Anita Sarkeesian, revealing that they were also anti-feminist.

How do ethnic online communities focus on profit over purpose?

Ethnic online communities contribute to the digital divide since access to technology is limited in low-income communities. Thus, offering services to minorities open up an opportunity for financial gain. However, profit has been focused on instead of the purpose of the websites. Individuals can see this through the way ethnic online communities spend money to make themselves visually appealing. The better EOCs seem to support their communities, the more potential investors they gain. McLain comments that the money spent on making the website look good is money spent that could be used to support their communities (2003).

Hathaway, J. (2014). What is gamer gate and why? An explainer for non-geeks. Gawker.

Lee, L. (2015). Virtual homeplace: (Re)constructing the body through social media. 91-111.

McLaine, S. (2003). Ethnic online communities: Between profit and purpose. 233-254.

Week 11: November 4, 2020

What is the impact of textual poaching on social media?

Textual poaching is defined as a resistance strategy used in social media. Social Media users utilize textual poaching to produce content that challenges oppressive/dominant cultural ideologies (Lee, 2017). Black Twitter is known for advocating for people of color and bringing awareness to injustices in America. Twitter has been used as a digital space to create hashtags that address discrimination. For example, Black Twitter started the hashtag #APHeadlines to redefine the misleading headline posted by the Associated Press about Renisha McBride. The hashtag inspired many to voice their anger by using comedy tactics to expose racial bias. In the end, the Associated Press changed their headline after the hashtag was trending on Twitter. Thus, textual poaching is considered online activism.

How were the notions of criminality and inferiority reinforced by the 18th century?

Unfortunately, many continue to view people of color as dangerous. The belief that people of color instill fear in others is associated with the 18th century. The 18th-century print media reinforced the notions of criminality and inferiority in black bodies. For example, the surveillance of slaves through runaway notices perceived them as criminals and defined the black body as problematic (Lee, 2017). Consequently, the way they surveilled slaves influenced the way police surveil marginalized groups. Thus, the preconceived notions about people of color are still seen through police brutality and murder of people such as Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin.

How has the internet impacted street protests and social movements?

The internet influenced the development of The Arab Spring Movement and the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Activists relied on the internet for communication and gatherings for street protests. Fuchs (2014) comments that there would be no social movements without the internet as the internet has allowed for easy distribution of information. I think that the ASM and OWS social movements can be considered internet-enhanced because activists showcase advocacy techniques through awareness and action on the internet. For example, the Occupy Media Survey concluded that Facebook was commonly used as a source of information, even though some considered websites as most important (Fuchs, 2014). This influenced a world-wide opinion and support for the social movement.

How is lobbying a part of awareness/advocacy?

Awareness and advocacy are a part of internet activism that revolves around information distribution and organizing a movement (Vegh, 2003). Thus, lobbying can be considered a form of advocacy as lobbyists aim at different targets. A lobbyist can use the internet to advocate on behalf of someone by creating an online campaign. Since the internet allows for easy distribution of information, lobbying can also bring awareness to individuals to influence their opinion. Consequently, a lobbyist can influence legislators to change oppressive regimes through a coalition.

Fuchs, C. (2014). Social media and communication power. In Social media: A critical introduction (pp. 69-94). London: SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781446270066.n4

Lee, L. (2017). Black Twitter: A Response to Bias in Mainstream Media. Social Sciences, 6(1), 26. doi:10.3390/socsci6010026

Vegh, S. (2003). Classifying Forms of Online Activism The Case of Cyberprotests against the World Bank.

Week 10: October 28, 2020

Is Grandpa Wiggly considered a troll?

Grandpa Wiggly is known as an older man with a passion for mayonnaise. His stories and wisdom shared on Reddit created a large community supporting him. However, individuals later revealed his real identity, and people began trolling the “troll.” However, Bergstrom (2011) defined a troll as having a malicious intent to wish harm or discomfort. Although Grandpa Wiggly’s real identity created distrust among some in the Reddit community, he intended to entertain individuals through writing and his character. Thus, Grandpa Wiggly’s motives did not coincide with the definition of a troll, as he never caused harm through discussion posts to anyone during his time on Reddit.

According to Phillips and Bergstrom, why is anonymity a significant factor in trolling?

Phillips (2015) commented that anonymity is the final trolling marker as it allows trolls to engage in socially unacceptable behavior that wouldn’t be replicated in a professional setting. Thus, anonymity on the internet creates an unsafe environment as it turns into hate and bullying of others. However, anonymity lacks credibility, and therefore, many tend to brush off an individual’s comments if they are on a one-time account. For example, Reddit has created methods such as sub-directories and karma numbers to unveil trolls. Most active people are at the top and are easier to find than those who choose secrecy. The more information of identity that users give, the more credibility that they gain. This is partly because Facebook has influenced the idea that individuals should share more to avoid anonymity/trolls (Bergstrom, 2011).

How does Leslie Jones’s experience highlight the lack of harassment policies online, and how did it impact her?

Leslie Jones experienced online abuse from trolls through an account that impersonated her. Unfortunately, her role in a Ghostbusters reboot made her a target for online harassment. Through hateful speech, trolls were able to reveal their racist motives against Jones. Online trolls continuously made fun of and shared private information of Jones. This highlights how easily someone can be harassed and bullied without intervention on an online platform. Silman (2016) shared Jones’s comments on her experience, stating that it is hard to be a black woman and even harder to be a black woman online. During the time of this incident, Twitter lacked to enforce policies for their users. It wasn’t until she gained followers and other users’ support that Twitter looked into the incident.

How do trolls affect men and women on online platforms?

An individual can easily achieve trolling online as the internet allows for anonymity between its users. Duggan commented that online environments enable people to be more critical of one another. Both men and women experience harassment or trolling of some sort to the same extent. However, it is most common for women to be at a greater risk. For instance, men are more likely to experience name-calling/embarrassment, while women are vulnerable to sexual harassment and stalking (Duggan, 2014).

Bergstrom, K. (2011). “Don’t feed the troll”: Shutting down debate about community expectations on Reddit.com. First Monday, 16(8).

Phillips, W. (2015), “Defining Terms: The Origins and Evolution of Subcultural Trolling”. This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Mapping the Relationship between Online Trolling and Mainstream Culture. pp.55-57.

Duggan, M. (2014), Online Harassment. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center.

Silman, A. (2016). A Timeline of Leslie Jones’s Horrific Online Abuse

Week 8: October 14, 2020

How do gender and white supremacy online pose a threat?

The consequences that gender and white supremacy bring online can vary, such as hate crimes and threats to minorities. The prosecution of the Jena Six and the harassment of a white mother (Bonnie Jouhari) and her biracial child are examples of how white supremacy poses a threat. White supremacy online can lead to cyberbullying. In the case of Bonnie Jouhari, a mother, she was terrorized for years by a white supremacist and was forced to move towns continuously. In a world dominated by men, Frankhouser did not like that Jouhari helped those discriminated against and used the internet to cyberbully her as he posted pictures of Jouhari’s workplace exploding (Daniels, 2009). The release of personal information like an individual’s workplace is a threat to privacy and their life.

What is the pattern between white supremacy websites and online names and participation?

Men and women present themselves differently online yet follow the same pattern. Although referring to one’s username does not equate to the knowledge of gender we know today, Daniels (2009) comments that a woman’s username often implies beauty while a man’s username honors heroes. Still, in the same white supremacist website, gender stereotypes and sexism is openly portrayed. Daniels (2009) continues to state that online communication in a mixed-gender setting generally tends to disadvantage women because women are not held to the same standard as men. For example, women tend to be defensive about what they say, while men are carelessly praised for doing the same thing. Thus, women feel more at liberty to discuss their beliefs in a chat room dedicated to women only.

What is the correlation between cyborgs and the dualism that has been persistent in Western traditions?

Cyborgs are referred to as a cybernetic organism, a hybrid of machines and organisms, and a creature of social reality and fiction (Haraway, 1991). Cyborg technology has been used to challenge beliefs embedded in western traditions. Cyborgs can challenge such dualisms through the embodiment of individuals. Through the coding process, individuals incorporate their views into machines, and reconstruct said beliefs. Thus, Haraway considers individuals to be chimeras.

How does the prevalence of female fantasy figures impact users and viewers?

It is has been long known that the prevalence of female fantasy figures has created a beauty standard in real life. The unrealistic images and expectations of women are misleading. Gamers exposed to female character bodies with excess breasts and lack of male parts (O’ Riordan, 2006) expect the same images to be seen in real life. Most female characters in games are hypersexualized through tight-fitted clothing and more. Thus, viewers will suffer from body-image dissatisfaction.

Daniels, J. (2009). Gender, white supremacy, and the internet. Cyber Racism: White Supremacy Online and the New Attack on Civil Rights (61-86). Rowman & Littlefield.

Haraway, D. (1991). A cyborg manifesto: Science, technology, and socialist-feminism in the late twentieth century. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature (149-181). Routledge.

O’Riordan, K. (2006). Gender, technology, and visual cyberculture. Critical Cyberculture Studies (243-252). New York University Press.

Week 7: October 7, 2020

How do big companies use tokenism for their benefit?

Tokenism refers to the act of recruiting a small number of people from underrepresented groups to give the appearance of sexual or racial equality within a workforce. However, even if companies hire people of color to show diversity, it does not mean that they take a step to address disparities and systematic disadvantages. For example, a former Apple employee shared how the company did not create an African American English language for Siri. They believed that their products were for the premium market (Benjamin, 2019). Even after profiting off of Beats by Dr. Dre, Apple devalues, and values Blackness (Benjamin, 2019). Thus, the company gives a false impression of progressive change within their company to help their profit even though Apple does not take the time to showcase racial equality within a workforce.

What is the political significance of the skit SWGSBG?

Franchesca Ramsey used the trend to address racism in overt and covert ways. Her skit offered a popular and critical examination of race as it showcases systematic problems (Senft, 2014). The video has opened conversations about race and racial injustice as it allowed viewers to reflect on what they say to black women. Ramsey introduces phrases most commonly used to “excuse” a racist comment such as “not to be racist.” In Ramsey’s skit, she also takes time to focus on white victimization ideology in a “post-racial” era morphed from white supremacy.

How do algorithms and multiculturalism work side by side in creating an illusion of progression?

TV Shows and companies like Netflix have recently used multiculturalism to show viewers what they want to see. For example, algorithms such as Netflix’s recommended list adhere to what a viewer is interested in. As long as algorithms become tailored, Netflix will give the public the illusion of progress (Benjamin, 2019). Netflix’s marketing team can entice individuals into believing that they are representing more people of color. However, the actors may only be in the movie for a minute. Such algorithms allow viewers to shift away from reality by creating an illusion of progression.

How do companies capitalize on stereotypes of different groups?

The campaign proposed by IBM to encourage girls to enter STEM professions relied on stereotypes of girls and women as preoccupied with appearance and grooming (Benjamin, 2019). They used the slogan “Hack a Hair Dryer” to tailor an audience. However, their campaign showcases systematic problems in STEM careers. The marketing gurus live in a world with preconceived notions of others, thus placing groups into a box. By targeting a particular group, they embodied their stereotypical views of women.

Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the new Jim code. Cambridge: Polity, 41-88.

Senft, T., Noble, U. N. (2014). Race and Social Media. The Social Media Handbook, 107-125.

Week 6: September 30, 2020

Why do individuals avoid the topic of race?

Although race matters no less in cyberspace than it does in real life (Kolko, 2000), it is a sensitive topic to talk about. Many consider talking about the structure of racism as racist, as it may cause some discomfort between different races. For example, a new belief that people discriminate against whites has developed as minorities confront years of discrimination. Although that is not the case, this idea of “reverse discrimination” highlights how many avoid talking about race and consider it a taboo subject.

How is cyberspace a constructive environment?

Due advancements in technology, many have turned to cyberspace to disembody themselves from the real world. Individuals tend to behave differently when interacting with cyberspace. However, Kolko (2000) mentions that individuals cannot wholly escape their real identities as they are responsible for deliberately constructing an identity for themselves. Although cyberspace allows for anonymity, individuals often incorporate a part of themselves into their profiles which showcases who they are in real life. This facilitates a fragmentation of identity.

How are minorities affected by white supremacist websites?

The internet allows for easy access to many websites supporting white supremacy and creating online hate groups. Such websites can lead to violence, harassment, intimidation, and racial terror (Daniels, 2009). White supremacy websites are a growing threat, especially to minorities, because it fosters the idea of a race more significant than others. Individuals like Patrick Wood Crusius, responsible for the 2019 El Paso shooting against Hispanics, are influenced and inspired by white supremacist posts found online. Said beliefs make it harder to achieve racial equality because they are very narrow-minded and fail to accept other races.

How do video games promote a racist and sexist agenda?

The creators of the game, Shadow Warriors, are enablers to a narrow mindset and enforce false narratives. Due to their preconceived notions and ideas of others, they incorporate their beliefs into a game’s algorithm. This promotes a racist and sexist agenda. There are subtle (and sometimes overt) aspects of the game that showcase a group of people’s misrepresentation. For example, the 3D realm showcases women in nudity and subject them to verbal abuse (Ow, 2000). Although a gamer cannot see their character’s entirety, the sound effects confine the gamer to a single narrative and limit their imagination (Ow, 2000). Thus, video games can influence and distort a gamer’s view of others in the real world.

Daniels, J. (2009). White Supremacy in the Digital Era. Cyber Racism: White Supremacy Online and the New Attack on Civil Rights (pp. 3-16). Rowman & Littlefield.

Kolko, B. E., Nakamura, L., & Rodman, G. B. (2000). Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction. Race in Cyberspace (pp. 1-13). Routledge.

Ow, J. A. (2000). The Revenge of the Yellowfaced Cyborg Terminator: The Rape of Digital Geishas and the Colonization of Cyber-Coolies in 3D Realms’ Shadow Warrior. Race in Cyberspace (pp. 51-68). Routledge.

Week 4: September 16, 2020.

Does a name represent more than just self-expression and identity?

Names are racially coded and thought to be the New Jim Code because one is more likely to be racially profiled based on their name. Although it is a form of self-expression and identity, naming a child has become troublesome for some mothers who do not want their children to be racially marked. Benjamin stated, the power of a name can offer immunity, but it can also significantly impact people of color and their experience on the job market. For example, a hiring executive does not give an individual a chance if their name represents a group that the executive might have a single story about. On the other hand, individuals with white-sounding names are more likely to get the job and have more opportunities than those whose names represent political struggles, assimilation, and conflict.

How do databases reinforce racism and target people of color?

How technology and algorithms reinforce racism can be seen through California’s gang database. Once a person is given their name, they are coded into a specific category that is difficult to get out of. Single stories are perceived notions formed about individuals and groups. Codes create narratives and single stories telling people what to expect. Therefore, people of color undergo more surveillance and lose several rights (Benjamin, 2019). Thus, it creates a virtual hierarchy and racial gap.

How does artificial intelligence influence algorithmic oppression?

Although many state that modern technology has created new ways to be less biased, it is actually the opposite. Artificial intelligence invades human rights in many ways. Individuals who develop algorithms for Google, for example, incorporate their own beliefs into their work. Hence, artificial technology is not becoming less biased. Noble uses the example of how Google’s search engine algorithm and facial recognition led to problems such as auto-tagging African Americans as “apes” and “animals.” Such digital technologies have reinforced oppression for many groups. The power it holds has racially profiled people of color and invaded their human rights and equality.

How did the use of technology impact the Million Woman March?

The technology used during the Million Woman March impacted the awareness of the black community. Their use of a website prompted many to become informed and reach a broad public. Members of MWM who worked with computers printed their website content for those who did not have access to technology (Everett, 2002). Nevertheless, they utilized technology to create march instructions and create a platform for individuals to talk about America’s racial issues. By using grassroots tactics, they were able to bring forth economic and social development to black communities and influence other mass movements.

Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the New Jim Code. Cambridge: Polity.

Everett, A. (2002). The Revolution Will Be Digitized: Afrocentricity and the Digital Public Sphere. Social Text, 125-146.

Noble, S. (2018). Algorithms of oppression: How search engines reinforce racism. New York University Press.

Week 3: September 9, 2020

Why is digital data considered digital security guards, and how does it create a surveillance gap?

People who rely on government aid have to give their personal information to a computer. However, their information is used as digital tracking. For example, an individual’s EBT cash withdrawals are closely monitored to see where taxpayers’ money is being spent. Such actions have stigmatized people who rely on public assistance and have stereotyped them as frauds for withdrawing cash at “inappropriate” places. This type of digital tracking, however, does not showcase how the money is spent. This constricts the poor and working-class people’s opportunities and undercuts their human rights (Eubanks, 2018). Compared to individuals in wealthier communities, the working class people have more surveillance and invasion of privacy. Digital data also criminalizes marginalized groups. For example, in a low-income neighborhood, digital information is used to decide where the city should place more street cameras and police patrols. Hence, the overall surveillance gap.

How is cyberfeminism being used to protect women?

The internet is used as cyber safety for women. Currently, there have been many instances of women creating videos imitating phone calls so that if someone is ever alone and in a situation where they feel uncomfortable or followed, they can act as if they are in a phone call. Many also use the internet to expose men harassing women (Daniels, 2009). As more and more women have access to the internet, they have created a communicative space and use it to come together as a community to face oppression.

How does digital technology influence self-identified women?

An individual who is being themselves on the internet is considered someone who is practicing embodiment. Although many pretend to be someone else, some people use internet sites and communities to gather support during significant life changes. In Rethinking Cyberfeminism, Daniels (2018) uses Anita to illustrate how transgender women and men use the internet to gather community-based knowledge to help with their transition. For example, Anita used the internet to collect information about surgeons and hormones to help with her transition. This shows that many self-identified men and women use digital technology to transform their bodies offline permanently (Daniels, 2018).

How are some online communities used as identity tourism?

The internet has provided individuals a place to escape their troubles. Many use it and create an alternate identity. This is also known as identity tourism, in which an individual explores identities. It has been said that participating in identity tourism has positive effects on people. For example, women fighting cancer have created communities in which they are able to be someone without the presence of their illness. In these instances, women seek out internet spaces to explore and create meaning for themselves to improve (Daniels, 2009). Such communities have allowed them to figure out a new identity in which they are not just seen as someone with an illness.

Daniels, J. (2009). Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment. WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly, 37, 101 - 124.

Eubanks, V. (2018). Automating inequality: how high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. First edition. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press.

Hey Diana. I found your response intriguing. You talked about how media companies putting support behind certain groups and also commercial companies also putting support behind certain groups. Do you believe this sway of public opinion or support for it negatively affects our republic democracy? Do you feel it is beneficial?

Hi @christaporm1,

I think that social media has amplified everyone’s views because individuals follow those who believe in the same things they do. This has allowed for confirmation bias and ignorance. In other words, I think that it has negatively affected politics.

Week 2: September 2, 2020.

What is the role of media, and how does it work hand in hand during social movements?

Many social movements have gained support through social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Easier access to media allows individuals to record, document, and share injustices such as police brutality. This enables individuals to reach a broad public that would otherwise be hard to come in contact with and helps protect themselves from police during protests (Fuchs, 2014). Many believe that the media keeps more people in the know; thus, more people are involved. People can get involved directly or indirectly by sharing a message or signing online petitions (Fuchs, 2014). Media helps highlight the importance of a need for change and echoes the message from social activists.

How is media used as surveillance and to show power?

Over the years, the spread of media has brought attention to privacy and surveillance invasion as a means of power. In terms of social movements, it has affected protesters because big companies against protesters’ beliefs are willing to give out their information. Fuchs (2014) mentions that Twitter has recently been willing to hand over an individual’s tweets to authorities. Such actions showcase the power that “higher” class people have as they surveil individuals.

How does media affect race and minorities?

The power imbalance in media has allowed people to maintain the idea of a superior race. In past years, and in modern times, news media has been racially biased as it perpetuates racist views among the general public (Gonzalez, 2012). Network companies give a false image of minorities and portray them as threats to white society. Such unfairness shapes the publics’ opinion and fuels existing racism. Distorting the truth endangers people’s life. Media continues to create a false image for its viewers because it brings in the most money. This creates a power imbalance because there are people who benefit from others’ expense (Fuchs, 2014). Many of the news outlets are operated and owned by whites. Not a lot of minorities are hired to work as journalists or news broadcasters. Therefore, they cannot reach the same amount of people and accurately depict their community. However, some networks have begun to challenge racist views.

How does social media exploit their users?

While most enjoy using media, not many think about the free labor work they do. As the rise of technology came, the exploitation of their users also began to rise. Fuchs (2014) describes how Facebook has willingly sold their users data to advertising companies. By doing so, companies can target their advertisements to people who fit their description. In other words, without its users, Facebook would not be as successful as it right now. However, many do not realize the free labor they do by liking, sharing, and commenting on a post. Although many enjoy Facebook, it is considered exploitation of its users because none of the profit they make goes back to its users.

Fuchs, C. (2014). Social media: A Critical Introduction. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications

González, J., & Torres, J. (2012). News for all the people: The epic story of race and the American media. London: Verso.

Week One: Story Time

A time that technology failed me was my freshman year of college. I was up late studying for a math quiz that I could not be late for. Math was my first class of the day. Anyway, I used the maps app on my phone to get to school the next morning. Keep in mind takes me about 50-60 minutes to commute to school. However, I was running a little behind because I woke up late. Since I was in a hurry, I thought I looked up CSUF. I ended up at a school somewhere in Anaheim. I am not sure how I got there. The funny part is I didn't even notice until it said I was 3 minutes away from my destination. The streets didn't seem familiar, and I felt lost and overwhelmed. It took me a little longer to get to school and find parking! It was a stressful day, but I made it with 7 minutes to spare. I am glad I was still able to make it on time. I treated myself to some frozen yogurt after my classes ended for making it on time. I laugh about it now. It's safe to say that it was a lesson learned!

Technology also wasn't on my side last semester. Sometimes when I am attending a class through Zoom, and I get logged out because I have an unstable connection. Last semester, I was presenting for a class, and it shut me out because I disconnected. However, my professor was nice about it and let me continue.

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