Blog Post #6

The Invention of Netflix and Streaming Services: What I Learned

I learned that in 1997, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph launched Netflix, a company that would revolutionize how people watched and consumed entertainment. What started as something as small as a DVD subscription that would come to you by mail quickly grew into something massive. In the first decade of Netflix’s existence, it primarily focused on providing a convenient way to watch movies at home by having them delivered straight to your door, which gave other alternative video rental stores that were more traditional a run for their money. Twenty years later, in 2007, everything began to change when the company provided online streaming services, which made it easy to access a plethora of movies and/or TV shows whenever you wanted. 

The goal of this was shockingly straightforward, as they wanted to eliminate the usage of DVDs, as they were inconvenient to return. You had to go get them from a video rental store, and then you would have until the next day at a specific time before you would have to go back and return it, and if you didn't return it on time, it would charge you an extra fee. So the point of Netflix was to avoid all the hassle and make entertainment more accessible than ever. This made a huge difference as people started to stream their favorite show or movie at any time and from any place on any device. DVDs eventually ceased to have any relevancy and disappeared as streaming truly became the new normal, which set the stage for the digital entertainment era.

Netflix then became so popular that it gave inspiration to other companies to make their own streaming platforms, such as Prime Video, Max, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, and Paramount+. Towards the end of 2013, Netflix had 34 million global paid subscribers. Fast forward about 11 years to 2024, and that number grew exponentially, gaining an average of 24 million subscribers a year from 2013–2024, becoming 300 million subscribers worldwide.

While Netflix and other streaming services have become very convenient, it has become a concern that the rise of streaming has created some issues that you may want to pay attention to, as this could help you or a loved one who may be struggling. Some of these concerns are binge-watching, as being able to watch every episode of a TV show back to back without any interruptions can lead to viewers spending hours on end staring at a screen, which can lead to many health problems, as physical inactivity can lead to heart disease, blood clots, obesity, and even diabetes.

Binge-watching can also lead to problems beyond just physical health; mental health and social effects can be big issues as well, as binge-watching can lead to a lack of sleep, vision problems, and increased anxiety. It can also contribute to feelings of social isolation and depression as people tend to prioritize life online rather than in-person relationships. In some cases, it can even lower productivity at a significant rate, which can interfere with one's daily responsibilities, such as work, school, sports, and social activities.

Streaming services such as Netflix have been a blessing, as it has reshaped digital entertainment into what it is today, but with this blessing comes high responsibility, as we can't misuse or abuse it, as it can become detrimental to our overall well-being. So we all must do our part to prioritize our health and wellness, enjoy content in moderation, and stay connected to the people around us in the real world.

Blog Post #5

Privacy Isn’t Dead—But It’s on Life Support

As a 20-year-old female college student who is from the West Coast, now living in the Southeast, these issues with digital privacy and online safety hit very close to home. As technology is such a vital part of our world, these issues are more real than ever—whether that's from the police tracking our license plates, our phones making us more vulnerable to surveillance, or the damage of revenge porn. There was one common theme that was made very clear: our privacy is constantly at risk, and the majority of people don't even realize how at risk we are.

Phone Surveillance

Christopher Soghoian’s talk about phone surveillance shocked me to find out how easy it is for the government and even foreign powers to be able to listen in on our phone calls, as he explained that it's all because of how phone networks are built. This hits very close to home for me, as I call home every day, whether that's FaceTime or phone calls with my mom and grandparents, some of which contain very personal information. So, to think that those conversations are being monitored without my knowledge is mind-boggling. Soghoian made it very clear in his speech that our phones are probably the most vulnerable point in digital security.

License Plate Readers

In Catherine Crump's talk, she mentioned that something as simple as driving around can lead to our movements being tracked without our knowledge. As the police can scan our license plates using ALPRs, which is a license plate reader, it made me think of all those times I’ve driven to work or to get groceries—those moments can be used to build a profile on me. Thinking that this goes for every citizen, that we are constantly being monitored with no clue it's happening, is unsettling. As a young woman in a different state, completely on my own, this is very unnerving. This shouldn’t be something we are doing to everyday citizens, as much as we should be using it for criminals who need to be arrested or illegal immigrants. But using this on people who are going to and from work just to support their families, or on young girls and guys who are just going to and from school—this shouldn’t be happening. It’s very unnerving to know that law enforcement does this.

Revenge Porn

Then there is Darieth Chisolm’s talk about revenge porn, which was eye-opening and heartbreaking as she was put in a horrible situation where she was taken advantage of during an intimate moment that she did not previously consent to, which almost ruined her life. It made me sad for all of the women who are put in so many tough situations that are humiliating and degrading. These issues affect everyone I know—from friends, family, to classmates. All of us live lives based on the internet. We use our phones to share photos by posting them, and we share our opinions, even though we sometimes don't think twice before sharing them online. But to think that someone could use very private images of me or the people I love to try and harm me is frightening. Things like revenge porn don’t just destroy the reputation of the victim; they can lead to so many other issues, like trauma, bullying, and sometimes legal battles that won’t get solved until multiple years later, when it’s sometimes too late. Chisolm’s talk just reminded me of how scary the internet can be for women, especially as we are more likely to be targets of this type of exploitation.

The Broader Impact

These issues affect me, my family, and friends, as most of us are on social media and are chronically on our phones. We post pictures, share our personal experiences, and make connections online without always thinking about what the consequences could be. I shouldn't have to be worried about being tracked, what I should say on a phone call, or be scared of what might happen every time I post a photo online. I believe the government should take a stronger stance on this to protect our privacy and safety as individuals. First, I think we should have better laws around revenge porn, with consequences for the perpetrators and more support for the victims. I also think ALPRs should have stricter regulations and boundaries, as I think people should be aware that their data is being stored or tracked. Additionally, tech companies should be held accountable for what they are doing with our data, meaning they should have better encryption and privacy policies in their systems by default.

Taking Action

Although this does not just fall on tech companies or the government, as individuals, we have to do our part as well and take control of what we can. This means using apps with end-to-end encryption, such as Signal or WhatsApp, which are apps that make it much harder for communication to be intercepted. We also need to be smarter with what we post and how we manage our privacy settings. We also need to make sure to bring awareness to the people we love and also younger generations about digital exposure, the risks that come with it, and how they can protect themselves from digital exposure and take steps to minimize this.

Conclusion

The reality of this all is that we cannot control every aspect of our online lives. But there are things we can do to be safer, smarter, and more aware of our privacy. Our digital lives are like a permanent tattoo; no matter how hard you try to get rid of it, you can't always get rid of every single part of it. So, we need to stay informed and be aware of what we put out online, as well as offer support to anyone who has faced a hardship due to their online presence. We need to protect our privacy not only for ourselves but for the generations to come after us, as privacy is a luxury, and we must do everything we can to protect it. As our privacy is not dead, it's just on life support!

Blog Post #4

How the iPhone Changed the World: Innovation, Impact, and Consequences

History

In 2007, Apple launched its first-ever iPhone, created by Steve Jobs. This was a moment that would change the course of mobile devices and how people communicate daily. The iPhone had features like a touchscreen, internet access, and integration with the iPod. The iPhone quickly grew into something much more than just a phone; it became a life tool and a necessity. Apple continued to innovate and grow each model of the iPhone over the years, which eventually introduced so many new, riveting features that truly changed modern society.

Almost one year after the release of the iPhone, the App Store was introduced along with 3G connectivity. This allowed users to download third-party apps and led to a massive opportunity for app developers, creators, and businesses as it laid a foundation for the app economy, which has since increased employment, especially for digital developers.

Impact

A couple of years later, in 2010, Apple released the iPhone 4, which introduced many new aspects, including FaceTime and the Retina Display. FaceTime truly revitalized the world of video communication, making it so much easier to keep in touch with loved ones by making it easier to access and much more personal for users around the world. Then, in 2017, the iPhone X was released, which featured groundbreaking technology, including face identification technology and the OLED display. These new features also enhanced necessary things such as security and screen quality while also showcasing the advancement of smartphone technology and how far it has come.

The iPhone slowly became a hub for a plethora of entertainment sources, some of which include podcasts, music videos, games, and so much more, all of which were at the tip of their fingertips. So when users would do everyday tasks such as work, school, chores, or going to the gym, they could always enjoy some form of entertainment at any point in time. Additionally, Apple has also made a strong effort to bridge the gap of digital access and technology across the world, as they want to make it so all populations have easy access to technology.

Negative Effects

However, iPhone, with all of its greatness, does have faults. For example, there have been concerns over the years about digital privacy and where users' data is going and how it is being used. Another example is that there are a variety of health concerns that come with the prolonged use of iPhones, some of which are eye strain, negative impacts on mental health, anxiety, social isolation, and poor sleep. Experts have raised a sense of caution towards iPhones as they can lead to digital addiction, especially in younger generations, as they can decline real-life interactions, making their sole focus what they see on a screen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the iPhone has undoubtedly been a groundbreaking invention that has revolutionized our society as a whole. It brought things such as easy access to communication, entertainment, productivity, and so much more. With that being said, it has introduced a lot of issues in our society that will need to be addressed. Especially as smartphones and the world of technology grow and change, it’s always important to find a neutral ground with technology. As we choose to embrace it, we also need to be mindful of how it impacts us and the people around us.