Living in the Age of AI

 AI has not only advanced quickly but is also becoming an integral part of our everyday lives. From digital assistants like Siri and Alexa to more sophisticated national security, healthcare, and finance use, AI is shaping our world. However, as PBS's Frontline documentary "In the Age of AI" demonstrates, the development of AI brings with it several challenges that impact both people and society as a whole.

The potential for privacy invasion is one of the most urgent worries. Because AI systems can follow every click, purchase, and conversation—fueled by the massive amounts of personal data they gather—our digital lives become highly accessible to governments and companies. In addition to myself, my friends and family are also impacted by this invasion of privacy since they might not be aware of how much these programs access our private data. Imagine living in a society where every online and offline action is tracked and evaluated. For many of us, this is already the case.

The government should take an active role in developing laws that restrict the amount of personal data that organizations and businesses can collect and use. Although artificial intelligence technology is a great innovation tool, it must be closely watched to ensure it doesn't compromise fundamental rights. More robust data protection regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation in Europe, could act as a template for the United States in terms of shielding its population from unnecessary data collecting. Companies utilizing AI systems should also be subject to transparency regulations so that users are aware of the use of their data.

Each of us can take action to protect our privacy. Some risks can be reduced by using secure services, exercising caution when disclosing personal information online, and keeping up with the rules of our platforms. It's critical to comprehend AI's effects and demand stronger privacy protections. In this quickly developing digital world, we can make sure that we maintain control over our personal information by being watchful and advocating for appropriate AI use.

EOT Timeline

 The typewriter's history dates back to the 16th century and includes inventions such as Francesco Rampazetto's "scrittura tattile," a device for printing characters on paper. Many have tried to create useful tools for writing over the years, including William Austin Burt, who patented a "typographer" in 1829. Burt's invention, though, proved ineffective and unprofitable.

The invention of the first practical typewriter by newspaper editor Christopher Latham Sholes and his partners Samuel Soule and Carlos Glidden in the middle of the 19th century was a significant advancement. The goal of their 1868 prototype was to provide a quicker and more readable writing method than handwriting, which was sluggish and prone to mistakes. The team's efforts were motivated by the need for corporate communication to be productive and efficient in the industrial age.

The QWERTY keyboard was a characteristic of Sholes' design; it was made to minimize mechanical jams by spacing out frequently used characters rather than to increase typing performance. Large-scale typewriter production and marketing by Remington led to the device's rapid adoption by the corporate world, the legal profession, and journalists.

The typewriter had an immense impact on business. Office work was transformed by its ability to create documents more quickly, clearly, and consistently. This shift created new job opportunities, especially for women who started to make significant strides in the workforce as typists. The machine's contribution to increased written communication efficiency sped up administration and allowed industries to grow.

There were difficulties with the typewriter's launch. Secretary work became industrialized, even while it eliminated the issue of unreadable handwriting and labor-intensive manual writing. Many typists, specifically women, found themselves stuck doing tedious work in a highly disciplined office setting, which limited their ability to be creative and satisfied with their work. In addition, typewriters needed attention and training, which at first prevented them from being widely used in rural or small company settings.

The typewriter ultimately paved the way for later developments in communication technology despite the difficulties. It played a significant role in creating word processing programs and, eventually, the keyboard used on computers today. The fact that most keyboards still use the QWERTY layout from the typewriter attests to its everlasting influence. The typewriter started to lose use by the middle of the 20th century as computers and electronic word processors became more common, but its influence could still be seen in the digital tools we use on a daily basis.

The 8 Values of Free Expression

 In today's society, nothing matters more than freedom of speech. However, this freedom has become controversial because people feel it is being taken away. 

The 8 values of freedom of expression are based on the First Amendment, which allows the citizens of the United States to have a marketplace of ideas, participation in self-government, stable change, individual self-fulfillment, a check on governmental power, tolerance, innovation, and protection of dissent. Americans greatly value these values because they protect our rights and don't give the government total control. 

With today's politics, I see Checks on Governmental Power happening. In 2022, the case of Roe v Wade was overturned and ended the constitutional right to abortion. A lot of Americans were upset about the right to abortion being left up to the federal government because of the decision made in 1973. Americans didn't like that the right to abortion was left up to the federal government because they felt like their rights were taken away. Now, the decision of abortion laws is left up to each individual state, and the law may vary. For example, in Texas, abortion is banned, but in Connecticut, abortion is legal at any part of the pregnancy. 

Participation is essential in America, especially with the election coming up in the fall of 2024. In the last election in 200, there was a problem with people believing that Donald Trump and Joe Biden had cheated in the presidential election. Now, citizens worldwide are saying that everyone eligible to vote needs to do so because the fate of the United States is at stake. 

When conversing with people from other generations, they say they were never involved in politics as much as Gen Z. Many organizations, like Turning Point USA, are there for young people to get involved in politics. Organizations like Turning Point USA, among others, have emerged to harness this enthusiasm, offering platforms, resources, and opportunities for young people to engage in political discourse, advocacy, and leadership. These organizations recognize the importance of youth voices in shaping the future and actively work to empower Gen Z to become informed and influential participants in the political arena. As a result, Gen Z’s involvement in politics is not just a trend but a significant shift in how younger generations interact with and influence the political world. 

It is also essential to Protect Dissent. The government wants people to challenge it and its ideals. If everyone had the same ideas, then we would become a communist government, and no one would have their own unique thoughts. The First Amendment protects our rights to freedom of speech, so if we want to question the government on what they are doing, we have the right to do so as long as it is peaceful. Even if the government does not like what the minority has to say, they can't throw that person in jail because that would violate the First Amendment and be against the law. 

 The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, which is essential for maintaining a strong and dynamic democracy. These rights promote a society where people with different perspectives can live together, progress, and encourage responsibility and creativity. Protecting fundamental liberties is crucial to preserving a fair and balanced society where individual voices can shape the future without fear of repression and government power is restrained, even when political and social environments change.

The Workings of the U.S. Supreme Court

Although many people consider the Supreme Court the final arbiter of justice in the US, only some people understand how it operates. How much do we actually know about the court itself? We hear about landmark decisions and the judges' incredible authority. The videos helped me take a closer look at the Supreme Court and how it works on the inside. The Supreme Court has been around for almost 200 years and has been a vital component of the workings of the United States. 

One thing I learned about the Supreme Court is that they receive around 7,000 cases a year and only agree to hear about 100 of the cases brought to them. To decide if the Justices want to get a case to court, they will sit in a room with each other and go through the case; each Justice will say their opinion, and each Justice will only get to speak once until everyone has spoken then they will open up the room that they are confided into until they have come to a decision. All cases that go to the Supreme Court have to go through an appellate court, which is a three-judge panel. If the judges at the appellate court believe that the case is a Constitutional issue that still needs to be solved, they will send it to the Supreme Court for review. But it is surprising that out of all the cases that they review, they only decide on 100 of them. 

In my opinion, the most important takeaway is the Supreme Court's influence on how the Constitution is interpreted and how it affects American society. The parties involved in the case are not the only ones impacted by the Court's rulings; they also establish precedents that will shape the law for years or even decades. For example, Marbury v Madison is a landmark case that the Supreme Court ended up deciding and has set the standards for who is an appointed judge to this day.

The extent of secrecy surrounding the Supreme Court judges' discussions surprised me the most. The justices' deliberations and decision-making procedures are kept entirely confidential, unlike other parts of government where openness is frequently required. Because of this confidentiality, the justices are shielded from political and public pressure and can decide cases based only on their views of the law. Realizing how to cut off from outside influences their decision-making process was unexpected. 

Now, I grasp the importance and complexity of the Supreme Court's role, thanks to the videos. It prompted me to reconsider the Court's role as a legal institution and an advocate of the Constitution. The justices are not just interpreting the law, but also shaping the values that guide our nation. My respect for the weight of their decisions and the meticulous, often challenging process that underpins them has deepened as a result of this understanding. 

My Top 5 News Sources

In today's society, there has been a sizeable political controversy about what news sources people should use. From what I have seen, there are few neutral news sources, but I mostly listen to the news sources that support my political affiliation. But I also listen to news sources that give me a quick rundown of information so I can listen briefly, whether it is political, celebrity-based, or general news. 

TikTok 

I use TikTok as one of my primary sources for the most recent news. The platform's short-form videos are a great way to relay important information quickly and work well with my busy lifestyle. I may obtain an overview of significant events in minutes instead of devoting time to reading lengthy articles or watching extended news programs. Thanks to the diversity of content creators, I can access various viewpoints and subjects, all presented excitingly and straightforwardly. Because TikTok's algorithm ensures I'm always updated on the most important news, it's a vital tool for staying informed in today's fast-paced world.

 Real Americas Voice

I rely on Real America's Voice as a primary news source because it aligns closely with my political views. The network provides coverage and commentary that resonate with my beliefs, offering perspectives often underrepresented in mainstream media. By tuning in, I am confident that I'm receiving news that reflects my values and political affiliation, allowing me to stay informed about issues that matter most to me from a viewpoint I trust. This helps me stay connected with the political landscape and engage in discussions with a well-informed perspective. On Real America's Voice's website, segments are put on their news channel, and there are a bunch of podcasts from different people involved in the company. 

Instagram

I use Instagram as a flexible platform to keep up with various topics, including general current events, politics, and celebrity gossip. I gained a comprehensive understanding of global events by keeping up with stories that span political developments and the newest trends in pop culture. I can quickly catch up on the news with Instagram's fascinating and easily accessed material. Because of the platform's variety of sources, I'm always informed about what's trending.

YouTube

YouTube offers a wide range of channels and creators covering anything from breaking news to in-depth analysis, making it an excellent tool for staying updated on the news. I may select from various media types on the site, including thorough documentaries, live broadcasts, and fast updates. I can get a variety of viewpoints and news from all over on YouTube, all in understandable video. With the option to subscribe to channels and receive notifications, YouTube is a convenient news source that ensures I never miss any vital updates.

X

X is an incredibly useful platform for staying in the loop with what’s happening within my political party and keeping up with the latest celebrity gossip. The real-time updates and trending topics make it easy to see conversations dominating the political landscape, giving me immediate insight into the issues and ideas that matter most to my party. When I see the politicians that I like commenting on what is going on, I feel like I can go off of what they're saying and then research it more in-depth. Additionally, X is a hotspot for celebrity chatter, where I can follow what celebrities say about the latest gossip and controversies. Overall, the platform is more for commenting on what is happening than for being a straightforward news source.