Online Privacy

In the advancement of our society through technology, there has been an ongoing conversation and debate about online privacy and critical data collection. Although technology has a multitude of benefits, it has become scary to live in a nation where civil rights are at risk and individuals have no privacy due to the lack of regulations. The United States government is continuously talking about national security as the reason for the files upon files containing personal data and the daily lives of Americans. Yet companies and government have allowed for the collection of sensitive data without realizing they aren't the only ones who can gain access to individuals private information. 

There is a lag within the advancement of technology as many websites and online platforms still do not contain the security that they should. I think it is important for major companies and government officials to not be able to get into our daily private lives, conversations, and even our locations. As this has made it easy for criminals and hackers to also obtain individuals sensitive information. I've personally been affected as apps that were deemed safe to use and downloaded by thousands of others once collected my personal information. My parents have also been affected by these privacy leaks in which has caused their banking information to be hacked even though those online companies promised the safety of the website. 

Another perspective on our online privacy as a society is a topic of electronic tattoos, talked about in the TedTalk by Juan Enriquez. In which our online life is forever permanent in a way that individuals must be careful of how they are perceived online as it may affect their personal and professional lives. Although, the innovation of technology and more specifically social media has brought a ray of positivity to the world as a way to share cultural and community. It is still used as a form of privacy communication between the government and individuals' personal information. Through the sharing of location, facial recognition, shopping habits and even personal communication between other individuals. This surveillance has caused lots of controversy between the citizens of the United States and the government as a violation of rights issue. 

With this it is important to protect and secure our personal data in any efficient way that we can by beginnings by securing how we communicate via encrypted platforms such as IMessage, WhatsApp and more. Encrypted communication doesn't allow anyone to access your conversations other than you and the recipients; therefore no company can access it. Another way to protect your privacy is by limiting location tracking through mobile apps and regularly review what apps on your devices you don't use anymore and delete them. App and website users must take active steps to protect the tracking of their data through their device settings in which controls what information websites collect.

This will forever be a continuous debate on the online privacy of society as technology as allowed for data to become permanent just like tattoos. it is important to stay informed and up to date with the latest's new and updates on government privacy laws and regulations. As well as advancements in technology to ensure your daily life and personal information stays private and secure. 

Eight Values of Free Expression

Ever since the declaration of the First Amendment, American society has created a culture in which freedom of speech is protected and encouraged. Without the First Amendment and what it stands for, the United States and its citizens would not be what it is today. A country that allows an exchange of ideas, American identity and a culture that allows for protected communication between its citizens and the government. The First Amendment can be separated into the Eight Values of Free Expression in which highlights why and how the First Amendment creates a knowledgeable and stable society.

Individual Self-Fulfillment 

A theory explained by C. Edwin Baker that resonates the most with me is the Individual Self-Fulfillment one gets from the First Amendment. Individual Self-Fulfillment isn't only about the values and merit of being a part of American society, but the freedom to think, create and choose in said society. Thinking about the history of America, Freedom of Speech has allowed individuals to make significant changes in American government. Important figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Jame's Baldwin, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many more who constructed America into what it is today all because they had a protected right to turn a dream, a possibility, into a lived reality.

Individual Self-Fulfillment still is and will continue to bring changes to make America into a community full of even more possibilities. In the 21st century it has become a way for individuals to widespread social movements through art, print, and even social media. It has become a foundational concept as it has given communities protection of their rights during times it is most important for political changes or even creative self-expression. Individual Self-Fulfillment will continue to be a pillar in American culture through human dignity and autonomy.

                                                                   Promote Tolerance 

Lee C. Bollinger explores the value of Promote Tolerance that is built within the rights of the First Amendment in which I think is key to a stable community. As a society in America, communities have developed patience and emotional discipline when in situations where conflict arises. When it comes to free speech and press there is bound to be arguments and disagreements between individuals. Yet, as a culture, America has a developed acceptable and nonacceptable behavioral standards. In which people acknowledge and respect other values, culture and opinions. Promoting tolerance strengthens America's ability to collectively coexist and work together while living in a diverse society. It is inevitable to not encounter others' views and opinions in which some may disagree with, which is why it is important to know the value of learning to disagree respectfully.

Bollinger's analysis explains how this tolerance strengths society and builds a stable community. The right and protection of free speech has allowed individuals to full express themselves, their ideas, their culture and shape a country that is built on significant social movements. Promote Tolerance is woven into the system of the First Amendment in which makes individuals endure and tolerate conflict and learn how to live in harmony. 

The Eight Values of Free Expression emphasizes the importance of free speech in American society and how it has shaped the government and culture citizens live in today. Without the First Amendment, The United States would not be a democracy and would be significantly different. America's history was written because of the rights and protections the First Amendment gives its citizens. 

Top 5 Sources of News

1. Rolling Stone

As a music lover Rolling Stone magazine is one that I am always reading to get the latest updates in the music industry. Yet, it is also a good source of national news as they are also a website/magazine that gives updates on politics, sports, and other entertainment cultures. Rolling Stone is engaging and diverse as they always have a new story to feature. 

2. Tik Tok

Ever since COVID-19, Tik Tok has become a major source of news and communication as many news stations, national and local, have created a way for viewers to get a quick recap of recent news. This has become one of the most convenient forms of not only entertainment but news stories in all types of industries such as business, government, Sports, etc.

3. CNN

I grew up watching CNN10 as they talk about national and international headlines, but also small community stories that aren't often heard. They are diverse in their news announcements as they talk about history and how it correlates to modern day changes as well as entertainment or even new discoveries. I go to CNN when I need quick but in-depth information on new important events going on around the world. 

                                                                  4. WRAL 

Growing up in North Carolina I often experience all four seasons in just one day, so it is important for me to check the weather daily in which WRAL has become a daily resource for me. I am able to see what kind of weather events are happening locally or even internationally as it is important to be prepared for what may come.  

5. Substack 

Substack has been a recent discovery of mine and I find myself on their app daily. It has become a place that talks about all types of news such as the traditional categories of government and entertainment, but as well as news articles that you don't often read. Such as ones about Psychology, health developments, traditional art, and more. Substack creates a world that is full of not only important news but as well as creative news that isn't overwhelming, but fascinating.