#engl413

[cprate1994]

This article is super interesting.  We read it in another class but I found it applicable to this class too, because with searching, google, and social media our brains are possibly not having the ability to remember as much and to want to learn as much.  We want to always take in quick information and never want to stay on one reading for longer than a few minutes. New media and technology is physically changing our brains!

-Courtney Prate

[rstrauss22-blog-blog]

Tweeting Spacecraft/Friends and Influence Response - Rachel Strauss

I think the main similarity between the robot in “Tweeting Spacecraft” and the robot in “Friends and Influence” is that both present deception and humanize technology as a result. Although we as viewers recognize the potential deception presented behind a screen, by establishing personas, public opinion on certain topics is altered. Both robots shape the online culture through personalized, casual, and relatable messages. There is this avid and somewhat blind follower-ship due to language. 

[cprate1994]

Isis in duel with Twitter and YouTube to spread extremist propaganda

Guardian investigation reveals subterfuge used by social media arm of Islamic State to hijack topics to spread jihadi views

It's interesting as well as scary that people can try and corrupt society with the use of social media. We've talked about how social media helps businesses have greater PR, advertising, and presence. How it helps people connect with old and new friends. But what we don't often think about is the worldwide corruption social media has the power to cause. All of the threats make me wonder if there are more negative effects to come with the internet and its control over people.

-Courtney Prate