Final Course Reflection

This class has been a very interesting one, learning about the different ins and outs of almost all of the different technologies we use on a daily basis, how they came to be, and what the future holds for them. Right now I'm typing this blog on a computer, with a smartphone next to me, a fan blowing cool air on me, and a light on to keep things bright in my room. This class opened my eyes to just how much technology we use 24/7, and I think that's an important thing to recognize. Now, many people, including me, already realize that we use a lot of technology on the daily, but we never think about that. We just kinda brush it off and go on about our days, but I think if we took more time to think about it, it could help lead us into finding smarter ways of doing things without the need for so much tech all the time. I was taking another class talking about the end of the world and the different scenarios that could entail, and it made me think about the fact that if a "world-ending" scenario were to happen, how ready would we actually be? With how much we rely on technology, would we be able to survive very easily without it? These thoughts lead me to think that one of the most important aspects to focus on would probably have to be social issues with different technologies. I think it's important to recognize the different issues that technologies can pose to users because without proper regulation or realization, some technologies could end up being used for malicious intent without the consumers, or even the product-makers, being aware. Take the whole "targeted ads" debacle for example. You talk about something to your friends while playing an online game, only to find an ad for that same thing on Instagram the next time you open it. While it can be helpful to the consumer, I also feel it's just downright creepy and just makes me feel a little worried about privacy issues. It begs the question of whether or not someone is listening to you all the time, and whether or not that person is doing anything with what you are saying. While those things could just be rumors or speculation, it is still very odd seeing an ad for Little Ceasars pizza after talking to your friends about what toppings you like to have on your pizza. Also, with the inclusion of so many different household items and appliances being able to connect to the Internet or sometimes requiring Internet, it ends up adding to the already big digital divide that's a major issue in the US today that many people don't seem to address. With things like education requiring a laptop or an internet connection to even do assignments, it makes it very difficult for the people that aren't capable of getting those kinds of items due to poverty, lack of household, etc. Closing the digital divide would be such an important feat and would truly allow this nation to be one of opportunity.