Blog Post #7: Each One Teach One Review #1 - Technology Presentations

The technology presentations we conducted in class informed me on the origins of different technologies that I was not familiar with before. I enjoyed all of our presentations, as well as hearing how many of the different platforms and modern day inventions gotten their start. Out of all of the ones we discussed, I want to talk about the effects that YouTube and podcasts have had on our society in terms of the spread of information to many people at one time or various times.

Personally, I use YouTube almost, if not, everyday, whether it's for listening to music or watching videos on my interests and recent news in the Games Industry. I follow Nintendo, PlayStation, and independent news outlets that cover the latest information in gaming, from game and accessory reviews to convention coverage, and even game developer interviews. YouTube has been a good platform for me to use as it is easily accessible for millions of people to find relevant news, funny videos, educational content, and entertainment media for whatever purposes people need. YouTube's systems, albeit imperfect, enable users who create channels to upload their content to the platform for free. It is a good way to spread information to others, however, not all of the videos on YouTube are age-appropriate nor content-appropriate for younger ages. Also, many verified streamers and content creators often claim having difficult issues with YouTube's monetization rules, often one of the primary ways these content creators are earning their money if they are not working a job other than YouTube. The platform, being free to use, covers a variety of topics from news to fashion, and from sports and fitness to technology and gaming. The content is very open to all users to publish their personal works to show off their creativity or to get others to laugh at funny videos.

I was interested in the discussion of podcasts, because I don't listen to the radio that frequently. Podcasts allow people to come on talk shows and voice their opinions on a topic, as well as providing a steady platform to record and replay messages from people over a matter of time. I enjoy podcasts, whenever I have a chance to listen to them, for the variety in topics and diverse opinions, especially in an age where a lot of our media comes from mainstream, potentially biased and skewed sources. During my freshman year, I listened to a podcast series titled "Dolly Parton's America", where the host of the podcast had a chance to interview Dolly Parton and what inspired her to create her songs that are well known throughout the country. Podcasts cover a variety of topics that fit a person's specific interest, and I am glad that podcasts are such an open-ended form of getting the news or word out. In a way, if the concept of "universal" open-ended speech was truly carried out within our site, podcasts would truly feel like the exercise of the First Amendment right, just by allowing these podcast creators to voice their opinions in a respectful, constructive manner.

I found a great link to a website listing suggested podcasts to listen to during this year. As I browsed through the summaries, a few titles caught my eye. I noticed how different and varied each topic was, from an analysis of African-American history in the form of a podcast on the Green Book, to a few that interviewed different true crime cases, especially some absurd ones. I also found one on The New York Times' website where Dr. Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks about the facts of her book, The 1619 Project, in a podcast. The varied topics that people can cover is a testament to how diverse podcasts are and will continue to be over the years.

Looking at how these two major forms of communication are used in our daily lives, I think about how YouTube and podcasts enable people to spread their views, both good and bad, that can reach globally with our current technology. A big downside to these forms of technology are the negative views that can lead to discrimination and disrespect towards members of marginalized groups. Although these views are not protected by the First Amendment, based on what we learned in class, people who choose to spread views not agreeable with the majority still gain support in some ways. However, these same sources of media can be used to spread positive messages and open-ended ideas enabling listeners and viewers to reflect on their actions and their personal response to the topic in conversation. Personally, I want to learn how to better use and verify my sources, as well as gaining diverse opinions on global topics, and what I can do to exercise my free rights in order to change things.