For all the technological advances in the last decades, we still confront some of the same fundamental issues such as free speech and privacy. In the past, controversy arose over whether a government could slander a fake robot company. This past year, many questioned the role Facebook and other social media sites played in the election with allowing “fake news.” Should Facebook censor false information? Should Facebook censor offensive language? Should Facebook censor terrorist recruitment posts? In the past, in the present, and likely in the future, the debate of balancing free speech and harmful language will rage on, even as new communication technology is developed. Similarly, the question of privacy rights was relevant with the Finger utility decades years ago, and is still a salient question as phones can track location, record audio, and video at all times. I take the attitude that everything done on a device could be seen by someone else or public even if companies claim that your data is private. I think that the issue of privacy has only increased due to the amount of data that can be used to harm people. Stalking other people’s location is creepy. By using a powerful company’s devices, we cede a lot of rights and put our trust in them.
I found our discussion about cultural norms with certain technology also relevant for the present. It is not socially acceptable to look at one’s phone in a middle of a conversation or meeting, but many people look at their smart watch while conversing. Both acts disengage a person from the present, yet people are more comfortable with looking at their smart watch. Perhaps this is because it has always been socially acceptable to look at a time-watch, and the more recent invention of the smart watch has not fully been integrated into social norms. I find interesting how the social norm and use of certain platforms has evolved. Before, most people posted pictures on Facebook, but now Instagram mostly dominates the picture posting. Before, people sent pictures or videos over text, which has been replaced by Snapchat.
Upon reflection, I find that technology and the attitude surrounding new technology has really changed over my lifetime. I remember in middle school that my parents were vehemently against me being on Google Buzz, an online chatting platform. Years later, my parents constantly encourage me to send them pictures or messages over any and all platforms while I am separated from them at college. Before, I think people were more cautious of online technology while now most people, including older generations, embrace it. I am quite fortunate to live in a world where I can FaceTime my younger brother Chris every day. Technology can separate us from our physical present surroundings, but I think is extremely valuable for connecting us to others when separated by long distances. I would be saddened if I could not talk to or virtually see my brother at any given moment. For all the concerns of free speech and privacy, I am grateful for the connected world that technology enables.
Nice entry…
It’s hard to know what the norms will be, or even what the norms for activities like using electronic devices really are. There are a lot of instructors who have asked that wireless networking be turned off in their classrooms, or insist that students not use electronics in their class. I don’t mind people using various devices, but I do tell my students that if their cell phone rings during one of my classes, I get to answer it (this actually happened a few years ago; I had a nice chat with the student’s mother but did say that he couldn’t come to the phone right then since he was busy).
With technology advancing faster than norms can be established, it is an open question whether or not we will ever catch up…