EOTO: Propaganda

In its simplest definition, propaganda is merely information presented in such a way that it would persuade the viewer. Although propaganda has received a particularly negative connotation in the news media and throughout history, propaganda in itself is not evil. Propaganda can easily be considered a simple avenue of communication, however, there is a latent potential for disseminating misinformation when crafting it. Weighing the implications of its strong influence, propaganda can either work to better society, or work as a detriment to its growth depending on the messages you imbed within. 

A popular example that comes to mind when people think of propaganda is the harmful Nazi sort that served to dissuade revolt, this was accomplished through fostering a dangerous sense of nationalism in the German people. Conversely, an American equivalent, and one with less malicious intent, is Rosie the Riveter. While Nazi propaganda sought to run a campaign on the intense emotions of fear and pride, the purpose behind Rosie was to work as a symbol for the women joining the workforce during World War II as a means of stimulating economic growth. While each example could be said to have ulterior motives behind their messages, each's use of propaganda was, at its core, a tool of persuasion. 

Aside from any major historical examples of propaganda, you may notice that propaganda presents itself to you in your daily life. From the commercials we hear through the radio on our commutes to work, to the advertisements we scroll pass on Instagram, and any piece of media remotely political, we experience some form of propaganda, however minor. There is no definite way to prevent its influence over us, as propaganda is omnipresent throughout our society and operates anywhere in the range of subliminal messaging, to brazen statements of opinion. On a base level, propaganda can be very political, or of ordinary social concern, but the important takeaway is to always be aware of who is providing the information, and what the underlying goal of the message is. 

Sources: 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rosie-the-Riveter

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2017/03/how-nazi-propaganda-encouraged-the-masses-to-co-produce-a-false-reality.html

Ted Talk: Christopher Soghoian

In a Ted Talk with Christopher Soghoian, the idea that surveillance systems on personal communication devices lack security and are too susceptible to outside observation are deliberated. While wiretapping and hacking could almost be considered commonplace in today’s world, the notion that cell phone companies have steadily ingrained easy-to-use surveillance properties into their devices may not be beneficial to society as a whole.

Soghoian acknowledges that there are many outside forces such as terrorists and foreign government agents that would be more difficult to catch without the existence of our easily monitored networks, but at the same time raises the point that there is no such technology specifically intended for illegal activity. People all around the world use these communication devices, and when not securely encrypted to protect your data, not only are the terrorists’ information easily accessed but every user of that technology. Recently, Silicon Valley tech companies have put a greater emphasis on encryption into our communication devices, and providing free avenues for protected messaging, the example used in the Ted Talk was Apple’s iMessage feature.

My standpoint on the matter is that the availability of some of our information is pertinent to national security in certain cases. That being said, the privacy of the individual should not be disregarded and put in low priority for the sake of the federal government to catch a handful of criminals. While some invasions of privacy may be warranted, but from an objective standpoint, such instances do not justify infringement on privacy rights to the American citizen. To monitor our personal affairs without cause would undoubtedly influence, negatively so, the freethought of the individual. Such a reality parallels an Orwellian dystopia characterizes by “Big Brother” surveilling our day to day exchanges.

Source: https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_soghoian_how_to_avoid_surveillance_with_the_phone_in_your_pocket?language=en
George Orwell, 1984

Social Media Presence and Digital Footprint

When I unlock my phone in the morning, like many people, I check social media right away to read any messages I may have gotten while asleep. I’m unsure as to whether or not I would consider myself addicted to the platforms I have a presence on, but I can acknowledge that they provide a certain level of comfort in my daily life. The ability to keep up to date with my friends helps maintain a connection to them even as we find less time to spend with each other because of school, work, or geographic obstacles. However, the main concern I have for my social media accounts is the performance that is inherent to the internet, the notion that my pictures, thoughts, feelings, and personal information are made accessible to any social media user is daunting. Not only does that fact influence my content, but it pressures me to present my desired self to the world, as opposed to a more authentic representation of myself.

I participate in just about every social media platform, I like to be knowledgeable about each because of social media’s growing relevance in our society. It does not come as a surprise that school systems, especially at the collegiate level, have recognized the importance of your image on social media; LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook are all points of reference when determining a person’s character, however subjective that perception of them may seem. My footprint, as it were, has been limited to occasional posts with friends on Instagram, retweets I find relatable, and a professional overview of my accomplishments on LinkedIn. Needless to say, I don’t just release disseminate any random occurrence from my life onto the internet, rather, I carefully craft an image of myself that other people, and future employers, in particular, would find respectable.

While I scroll through various feeds and see the weekend exploits of my friends, I can’t help but feel a little left out because I’m not documenting everything on my Instagram, I have to think about the consequences. If you take the idiomatic phrase “footprint” and apply some of the practices I have discussed, the end product will have clean lines, visible grooves, and appropriate forms that would warrant a positive review. Although I have this more reserved philosophy on social media postings, everyone participates for their different reasons, some may even be for therapeutic purposes, but the most important thing to keep in mind is what you are comfortable sharing with the world.

Source:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90315706/kids-parents-social-media-sharing

life360

Familial situations are evermore varying and have subsequent dynamics between members that do not always fit what you and your family may consider being "normal." Incorporated into this dynamic is the level of trust and involvement in each other's lives, bringing me to the widely debated app amongst younger generations. Life360: Noted for its usefulness in traffic-related incidents such as flat tires, jump starts, collisions reporting and other roadside services, has also become a popular means of tracking your children. 

The app gained popularity shortly after entering the market because of its practical use in tracking close friends and family who are apart of your designated "circle." The early adopters were the most cautious parents, not only was it a peace of mind to the consumer but it ensured a more invasive role in your child's life, but perhaps to their detriment. The debut of the app was in 2008 but slowly gained traction to arrive at its current place in the app store as the premier tool in a helicopter parent's bag of tricks. Despite studies showing the need for privacy in childhood development, the app remains near the tipping point as more and more parents gain an understanding of the technology. 

The intentions of this app may have once been pure and not unlike similar programs like Apple's "Find My Friends," but somewhere along the way, it seems that life360 devolved into the all-seeing eyes of Big Brother (1984, George Orwell). The downside to this class of privacy limiter does not only fall unto the child robbed of independence but to the parent as well. An unhealthy obsession with the life of someone other than your own, child or not, does not pose abounding benefits to either party. The app used in moderation and with clear boundaries discussed with all participants may warrant the usage, but because of the needlessly protective parenting styles in recent years, life360 is often abused. Unfortunately, because what I suspect to be a heightened sense of control, I do not foresee this technology quickly descending the saturation curve and exiting the market entirely. 

Sources: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion_of_innovations

https://www.life360.com/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-life360/