Filter Bubbles V. Homophily

            Internet algorithms are used to provide us information on our most recent searches, while it is common for most sites to use this algorithm the real question is whether or not is it beneficial to us as a human race. In ted talks Eli Pariser brings up the idea of a filter bubble. It is a bubble that contains information that cater to our beliefs and ideas. If you often click on liberal over conservative articles your search will provide you with more liberal stand points. Eli makes a point that this filter bubble is making harder for us as humans to see the other side of the coin. If out searches always show us what we want to see we will never discover the side that opposes our beliefs. This is causing humans to become more separated because of how information is being delivered to us. Just like Eli said these filters are computer generated they do not have an ethical point of view like humans. This algorithm is not allowing a mix of information; Eli belives this can separate people because we are only enforcing our own belief without considering the what is said against us.

            Olive Thompson on the other hand believes banding together with people who have similar interest with oneself is actually beneficial. Thompson talks a lot about homophily; the human tendency to find people or even be attracted to people who are similar to themselves. Thompson believes homophily does not diminish the range of information we receive on the internet. He btrings up that for a long period of time people believed those with a few close friends and a wider range of acquaintances are more likely to get ahead in life, but this theory does not take into context of how often you and your acquaintances converse with each other. Since it is natural for a human to have close friends who have similar interest they are more likely to meet up more often than that of an acquaintance. Sharing ideas with a close friend the idea is more likely to stick to you than that of an acquaintance.

Information provided

Pariser, Eli. “Beware Online ‘Filter Bubbles.’” Ted, Ted,

www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles#t-483649

Thompson, Clive. “Clive Thompson on High-Bandwidth Buddies.” Wired, Conde Nast, 7 Mar.

2018, www.wired.com/2011/04/st-thompson-homophily/.

Obama's Campaign

            The internet is a powerful tool but the extent of its usefulness depends on the user. In Obamas campaign his weapon was his social-networking site also known as MyBO. Obama used the growing use of the internet to run his campaign. In the article “How Obama really did it” it discussed how MyBO “made it easy to give money–the fuel for any campaign, because it pays for advertising and staff. Visitors could use credit cards to make one-time donations or to sign up for recurring monthly contributions. MyBO also made giving money a social event: supporters could set personal targets, run their own fund-raising efforts, and watch personal fund-­raising thermometers rise” (Talbot). It was an convienient platform that gave power to the users. MyBO played a huge part in Obama’s campaign. He had the ability to run his campaign and have others support all by visiting his website. Obama knew how to effectively use the internet to give his campaign a boost.  

         The internet is something that is used everyday. Obama used it to run his campaign, a college student is using it to write his term paper. The uses of the internet are unlimited. As time goes on more and more people and jobs are using the internet. People use social network to build up their professional portfolio using sites such as LinkedIn. Many businesses are beginning to harbor a social media presence to advertise themselves. Everybody uses the internet, kids all the way to major corporations, even the past president of the united states. These days many jobs require you to have social networking skills because that is how most people are getting their information these days. Obama’s MyBO was just the beginning of how social media will impact our everyday lives.

Information provided

Talbot, David. “How Obama Really Did it. Article.” 19 August, 2008 web.

PBS Growing Up Online

The PBS program frontline Growing up Online discusses how the internet is affecting the first generation of teens growing up with online influences. in the beginning the program discusses the internet from teenager’s point of view. The internet to them was a place of escape where they can be their true selves. Teens would post pictures respond to comments out of the scope of their parents. It was tool that allowed them to connect to other people from the comfort of their home. That was the goal, to show their social media presence; examples would be flaunting their friend count or posting pictures as often as possible. They could do whatever they wanted because at that time the internet was fresh and there was an absence of cyber rules. Due to the lack of authority figure many teens were caught in the web of the internet. This is one of the main issues presented. Many teens forget about the rules when using Myspace or Facebook thyme can get reckless. In the documentary it showed a fight break out between students because of an online dispute and the fight was posted online. Though it seemed cool at first the students knew that the video will affect their life in the future. Though they may regret what they did, once something is posted on the internet it will stay on the internet.

            Many parents expressed their concerns over the seemingly unlimited freedom of the internet. To their kids the internet is a place of fun and expanding their boundaries but to parents the internet is a paradise to predators. One of the teens used the screen name Autumn to post explicit photos of herself. Autumn had no friends and when she posted the photos people were finally acknowledged her. To her it was a moment of happiness but her parents were furious. Autumn ended up having to delete very picture on her page. This is a big issue because there is not telling who is viewing these pictures. Teens are posting pictures without a second though as to who has access to them. The internet is a new play field for predators. They can hide behind computer screen and access these photos as well as any information that is posted about anyone. Though the internet is a great tool for communication and widening one’s knowledge, we can never be sure everybody is using it for innocent reasons.

Information provided

PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/.