Ikshita Achanta @ikachanta

Overusing apps can have both benefits and drawbacks. While they might ease our lives, they can also restrict our ability to make decisions and keep us from enjoying the pleasures of spontaneity and exploration. #HerlihyEME4390S23

Search tools make the bold claim that they will anticipate our needs before we even ask. While they can help us save time and have new experiences, we should be cautious to avoid becoming app-dependent and losing our capacity for independent. (Gardner, 2014). #HerlihyEME4390S23

This New York Times article shows how location data from our smartphones is being sold to at least 75 companies, revealing our daily habits with accuracy. One math teacher's data was recorded over 8,600 times, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. #HerlihyEME4390S23

I think that the internet is a great place to share information and create change on a larger scale. Although, it is also very easy to manipulate. The Pew Research Center even says that politics online made it more accepting and divided. #HerlihyEME4390S23

The CSIS brings up an amazing point that internet politics is the utilization of cognitive effects, which involves exploiting human instincts and mental reflexes to modify thoughts and behaviors through the manipulation of information. #HerlihyEME4390S23

I personally think that politics are already brought into the internet. The times we are in, it is acceptable. I do feel that there needs to be more monitoring about the political ads or campaigns online, I feel that children should not be shown that. #HerlihyEME4390S23

In terms of elections and ballots, making them online could be beneficial because people might be more likely to vote because it easier to do it online than go in person to the polls. To keep in mind, infrastructure can go down or someone can hack into. #HerlihyEME4390S23

The digital age is a great place to call about change and inform others about protests and events. Furthermore, Postive.News mentions in an article about LGBTQ advocacy in Finland that helped with drafting a legislation #HerlihyEME4390S23

I think that both TED Talks, technology is such a double-edged sword, especially with the use of artificial intelligence. Although, I want to believe that human emotion is stronger than that. #HerlihyEME4390S23

Taking a moment to celebrate the founder of St. Vincent de Paul for founding such a wonderful organization! He has helped so many people and created an organization,@SVdP_SP , that continues his legacy. #endhomelessness

Personally, before reading the articles I didn't think of how race, ethnicity, and culture would impact the internet so much. A new perspective indeed. It makes sense because so much of who we are as a person tends to come from those constructs. #HerlihyEME4390S23

Race and the internet are connected. The article shows the importance of acknowledging the digital divide from a racial perspective. The division of race on the internet is amplified and impacts more. #HerlihyEME4390S23 aljazeera.com/opinions/2012/…

The digital divide is not just an issue of technology, it's a matter of social justice. It's about time that we as a whole stand with technology ensuring that everyone has access to it. #HerlihyEME4390S23

I always thought social media would be a great place to bring people together and create a more understanding place. Although, learning more about algorithms it seems that the divide is stronger than it was ever before. #HerlihyEME4390S23 pewresearch.org/internet/2017/…

This graphic summarizes the inequality in the digital divide. There is not enough legislation surrounding the digital world because it is so abstract. Technology seemed to evolve a lot faster than we can catch upto it. #HerlihyEME4390S23

The StopHateForProfit movement is a crucial step towards holding social media platforms accountable for their role in spreading misinformation. We need to prioritize human values over profits and demand a safer, more inclusive online space for everyone. #HerlihyEME430S23

My overall reflection is that it is about high time legislation be put in place for more ethical practices in bigTech. Also, it is up to people to educate themselves and push for these laws. The change come from within us! #HerlihyEME4390S23

Just realized how algorithms on social media platforms manipulate our thoughts and actions after watching. It's high time we take control of our digital lives and demand ethical tech practices. A wake-up call for everyone. #HerlihyEME4390S23

As I was watching this documentary, it felt like I knew these facts before but it also felt new at the same time. I guess getting the facts presented in the manner definitely impacted me. #HerlihyEME4390S23

I think people should be alarmed at the rate big technology companies are using data, psychology, and algorithms to gradually manipulate the way we think as a whole. The world is too stirred up on social media, and generally detoxing from it would be optimal. #HerlihyEME4390S23