My Relationship with Technology

Growing up as part of Gen Z means I've been surrounded by technology since I was born. It has shaped almost every aspect of my life to the point where I use technology every day. I remember learning how to type in the computer lab in elementary school, something that's different from when our parents were younger. Fast forward to today, as a college student, my laptop has become my lifeline, from taking notes in class to staying connected with professors and peers. Technology isn't just a tool; it has become the main component of daily learning, communication, and functioning. 

Living in a time of massive technological advancement has deeply influenced how children grow up. When I was younger, my mom had rules about screen time. She didn't want me to watch TV for too long, and she refused to get me a tablet until I had finished my homework. At the age of ten, I already had a phone that she wasn’t a fan of. Back then, I didn't understand why, but looking back, I am grateful for her decisions. By limiting my exposure to screens when I was younger it allowed me to be more present in the world beyond technology.

My relationship with technology began when I was about ten years old. At that time, my brother and I didn't live with our dad, so he gave us a green iPhone 5c to share to stay connected. From that moment on, technology became a pivotal part of my life. I don't think there's been a single day since I haven't used my phone or computer.

My digital footprint started at the early age of 11 when I first got Instagram and Facebook. I didn’t learn that nothing is ever really deleted from the internet until I searched my name on the internet my freshman of high school. When I searched, I found an old website I had created in middle school, that had old pictures of me, and much more. I was able to get mostly everything deleted from the internet. This made me realize that what you post on the internet matters. I frequently search for my name on the internet to see what pops up, and I will say that I am proud of my digital footprint. 

In today’s society, having a clean digital footprint is extremely important. Over the past several years, there has been a phrase called “cancel culture.” Cancel culture is publicly calling out, boycotting, or withdrawing support from individuals, organizations and even brands for behavior or statements that are offensive or unacceptable. Social media influencers especially have to be careful of their digital footprint. This is because their followers will deep dive into their past and find old incriminating posts they made before becoming popular. This has become most common on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, which make it easy for old posts to resurface, even years later. Sometimes, these posts are taken out of context or reflect views the person no longer holds, but the damage is often already done. Careers, friendships, and reputations can be severely harmed because of past mistakes coming to light. This shows how powerful and permanent our online actions can be in today’s interconnected world. 

Technology and social media have become essential to my life, shaping how I learn, communicate, and do everyday tasks. From my experiences in elementary school to understanding the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint, I’ve learned that technology is both a useful tool and a significant responsibility. Our dependability on the internet and the effects of cancel culture highlight the need to be mindful of what we post online and the digital legacy we create. As I continue to use technology, I want to continue to put out an image that reflects who I am positively, both on and offline.

EOT Reaction Post: Citizen Journalism

 

Olivia’s presentation on citizen journalism provided an insightful look into how this practice has evolved and reshaped the media landscape. It’s clear that citizen journalism, driven by the rise of social media and digital tools, has transformed the way news is reported and consumed. Her explanation of how ordinary people, equipped with smartphones and access to the internet, can now share breaking news from their communities before major outlets even catch wind of it was particularly striking.

What stood out to me most was how Olivia traced the evolution of citizen journalism from its early days in the 1960s to today. She highlighted the role of community radio stations in the 1960s and 1970s as early examples of grassroots media that provided alternative perspectives to what was being covered by mainstream outlets. I hadn’t realized how important these local platforms were in giving people a voice at a time when traditional media outlets were often out of reach.

Her presentation also shed light on the pivotal moments in the 1990s when search engines, blogs, and online forums gave rise to personal reporting. I hadn’t considered how these early forms of online content paved the way for today’s citizen journalists. As Olivia pointed out, the real revolution came with the advent of social media in the early 2000s. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube allow everyday people to provide real-time updates, photos, and videos from events that would otherwise go unreported. 

Olivia’s mention of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was particularly powerful. It illustrated how citizen journalists became key sources of information when traditional outlets were limited in their coverage.

The idea that citizen journalism is now collaborative, with mainstream media integrating user-generated content, resonated. Olivia highlighted how this fusion of grassroots reporting and traditional media has made news coverage more diverse and inclusive while also helping to bring attention to local issues that might not otherwise reach a global audience.

However, Olivia didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges of citizen journalism. One concern she raised, which I found necessary, was fact-checking and verifying user-generated content. As the speed and accessibility of citizen journalism grows, the potential for misinformation increases, and Olivia emphasized that this creates a responsibility to ensure that content is accurate and trustworthy. I think this is one of the most critical points when considering the future of citizen journalism.

Olivia’s presentation gave me a deeper understanding of how citizen journalism has shaped our media consumption. This practice has empowered individuals, provided new perspectives, and brought previously unheard voices into the global conversation. Moving forward, I think we will continue to see citizen journalism play a significant role in accessing and sharing news, especially as new technologies emerge. While challenges like misinformation remain, the potential for citizen journalism to enrich the media landscape and contribute to a more inclusive dialogue is undeniable.