Changing Gender Boundaries: What’s Happening Now

Amanda F.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In the past few years, there’s been a big shift in how we understand gender. Traditionally, gender was seen as either male or female, but now there’s growing recognition of non-binary and gender non-conforming identities. This change reflects broader shifts in society and how we think about identity. One major change is the legal recognition of non-binary identities. For example, the U.S. State Department now allows people to choose an “X” gender marker on passports if they don’t identify strictly as male or female. This is a big step in recognizing that gender isn’t just binary. You can learn more about this policy change here. Additionally, non-binary and genderqueer identities are becoming more visible in the media. We’re seeing more characters in TV shows, movies, and books who don’t fit into traditional male or female categories. Social media also plays a big role in this shift, giving people a platform to express their gender identities and connect with others who have similar experiences.Activists and LGBTQ+ groups have been working hard to raise awareness about non-binary identities. Their efforts have helped educate the public and influence policymakers.New research in psychology and gender studies shows that gender isn’t just a binary choice but a spectrum. This has helped change how people think about gender.There’s a growing trend towards accepting and embracing diversity. As society becomes more inclusive, traditional boundaries, including those around gender, are being rethought and expanded. The changes in how we understand gender reflect a broader trend of questioning and redefining old boundaries. By recognizing a wider range of identities, we’re moving towards a more inclusive society. This shift shows that our views on gender are evolving, and it’s likely that we’ll continue to see changes as more people and policies adapt to this new understanding. this was very interesting.

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Is Human Talent on the Chopping Block?

Kaitlyn M.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

A Cyborg doing Human Labor. Source: Image from WordPress Images

Author Kaitlyn Murray

As our world becomes increasingly digital, our reliance on advanced technology grows. This shift has introduced a new era where the lines between human and machine labor are becoming increasingly blurred as conveniency becomes more favored. Traditionally, creative and intellectual work such as art, literature, music, and decision making were previously made by humans. However, with the public launch of OpenAI’s GPT series in November 2022, we’ve seen these boundaries begin to dissolve.

Open AI’s GPT series can generate text, music, and art that day by day become harder and harder to distinguish from work created by their human counterparts. Traditional human labor like using one’s intellect to make specific art choices to their painting, are now overlapping with user’s quick conveniency to type a quick description of what they want, and a return of quick art generated by AI that matches their request. Additionally, AI has been used to write symphonies as Composer Lucas Cantor used artificial intelligence to finish Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, which the composer abandoned two centuries ago. These real-life scenarios challenge the cultural boundary that once separated human creativity and mechanical algorithms.

This blur of human and machine labor raises questions about the devaluing of human labor because why pay someone to do labor when you can have a machine do it for free? As well as resurfaces the idea that machines can now participate in and surpass human endeavors. As we advance with technology, it’s crucial that boundaries are put in place for how technology can be used and the polices enacted to protect the value of human labor in creative fields.

As AI continues to evolve, this boundary will continuously shift forcing society to reconsider the economical, philosophical, and cultural implications of machine participation in human domains. So, here’s a question to ponder: What are we doing now to preserve human creativity and labor?  Machines have already replaced us physically in the factories, but what happens when they replace us intellectually in the workplace or even in government roles?

Works Cited:

Free AI Art Generator Online: Create AI art with text – Adobe Firefly. (n.d.). Www.adobe.com. https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly/features/ai-art-generator.html

Huawei used AI technology to complete Schubert’s unfinished symphony. (2019, April 9). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/music/huawei-used-ai-technology-to-complete-schubert-s-unfinished-symphony-1.5063065

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Blurring the Boundaries

Zoe C.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In cyberpunk literature the theme of eliminating boundaries that try to define humanity. This is increasingly relevant in sci-fi and AI concepts that blur the lines between humans and machines. In recent years we’ve seen a huge shift in the ways we interact with AI technologies and create projects. The change in boundary covers many different domains in the writing, music, and visual arts. MidJourney and Stable Diffusion have been brought to light which can create original music and artwork based on small simple paragraph prompts that we present. Chat GPT and others are software that can produce human-like responses to simple paragraph prompts. AI software is producing very similar human responses and can even pass for humans in specific styles. In today’s world, we have seen AI projects that have won awards and easily passed for human pieces. Many factors have come together to eliminate the boundary like advances in machine learning specifically in generative models and neural networks which have improved AI’s ability to understand the human content it is given and generate answers to those human prompts. major tech companies and startups have put a lot of time into developing AI tools. There are many questions we may have after dealing with this shifting boundary. Questions like how do we define the human aspects of these attempts to blur the boundary? How do we understand AI as it is constantly advancing in ways humans cannot keep up with? As we continue to blur lines between AI and human creativity this is an example of how the boundaries that were already created are changing in ways similar to the cyberpunk fiction genre. And, as we move forward it will be important for humans to pay attention and navigate these changes thoughtfully so that we prepare the AI potential while keeping humans human.

The Transformation of Gender Identity and Gender Norms

Kayla G.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Within the past decade, there has been a significant shift in how society understands gender identity and gender norms. Traditionally, people were classified into one of two genders: male or female. However, this understanding of gender has been increasingly challenged. According to the 2024 Gender Identity list posted by SexualDiversity.org, there are now over 100 genders that people can identify with, reflecting a broader spectrum of gender identities. This shift shows how gender identity is evolving. In recent years gender is being influenced by a variety of factors beyond just biological sex. Unlike in the past, when gender was directly correlated with a person’s assigned sex at birth, today, many individuals find that their biological sex does not necessarily align with the behaviors, attitudes, and appearances they choose to express outwardly.

Alongside the changes in gender identity, there has also been a transformation in gender norms. Previously, gender norms illustrated societal roles, with men traditionally viewed as breadwinners and women as homemakers. These roles were deeply ingrained in societal expectations and influenced everything from career choices to family dynamics. However, these norms have become increasingly ambiguous, with a growing recognition that one’s gender identity does not determine their capabilities or potential. The idea that anyone, regardless of gender, can pursue any career or life path they choose has become more widely accepted, challenging the traditional gender roles that once defined societal expectations.

This shift in gender identity and norms has impacted how companies and organizations operate. Many businesses have begun to adapt their policies to be more inclusive of diverse gender identities. This includes implementing non-discriminatory policies that protect employees based on their gender identity and sexuality. These changes reflects a societal trend toward accepting and normalizing gender-fluid identities. An article from the Harvard Business Review highlights this shift, noting that in the U.S., approximately 56% of people know someone who identifies with a gender-neutral pronoun. Additionally, around 59% of people believe that official forms should include more options beyond just “man” and “woman” for gender identification. This growing awareness and acceptance shows a shift towards a more inclusive and understanding society.

Shifting Boundaries of AI

Taylor L.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In this present day, we see the use of artificial intelligence frequently. In some ways, it’s so embedded in our lives that we don’t even realize it’s AI anymore but in other ways, it is overwhelmingly apparent. For example, the use of Google Maps or other electronic mapping systems is a form of artificial intelligence that has become so frequently used that we don’t even think of it as AI anymore. Electronic navigation systems use data to formulate the best routes for us and determine where traffic is. In contrast, self-driving cars are still fairly new to the human population. Self-driving vehicles take away a part of our autonomy that most of us are used to using numerous times a day. In this way, it becomes overwhelmingly noticeable that AI is being used to carry out human actions. Depending on a person’s preferences, some people may reject the use of AI and others may welcome it. Apple’s Siri and Google’s Alexa are also prime examples of AI that are integrated into most people’s phones. Many people use these artificial beings to handle tasks for them without really taking the time to realize Alexa and Siri aren’t actual people.

The boundaries have shifted between humans and non-humans in recent years. For example, if I were to write an email with the use of Grammarly, how would you know that I used artificial intelligence? The lines get blurred between what are human thoughts and actions and what are AI algorithms. AI is meant to replicate humans so naturally over time humans will no  longer be able to identify what was created by humans and what was created by AI. I believe it will become increasingly difficult for humans to carry out tasks without the use of AI and it will also become increasingly difficult to tell what is AI and what isn’t. This boundary has shifted due to the increase in technological advancement.

Mickle, T. (2024, June 9). Hey, Siri! let’s talk about how Apple is giving you an A.I. makeover. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/technology/siri-apple-ai-chatgpt.html 

Who is Really Educated?

Olivia S.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Over the years, we have seen a shift in the standard of being “educated.” Of course, as humans advance and grow with technology and other resources, we see a change in who society considers “educated” and who it does not. Before, it was common to infer that a bachelor’s degree was enough to be considered educated. It was enough to get an entry-level position, hold managerial positions, or even teach in many states. As we move further into the 2020s, it has become apparent that a bachelor’s degree is not enough anymore; the boundary for being labeled as educated has been moved. Without several years of experience, and in many cases a graduate degree, many graduating students struggle to find decent work in their fields. This coupled with the drastic rise in the price of education has pushed many students to seek jobs that are unrelated to their passions and the degree that they worked hard to obtain, highlighting how a bachelor’s degree is no longer within the boundaries of “educated” in the professional sector of society.

I believe this can be attributed to the cost and prevalence of higher education. As the cost of education rises, leaving students in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to institutions, the government, and private loan companies, it is clear that there is substantial capital to be gained from higher education. In the United States, students are heavily exploited for the sake of being “educated” with the high price tag of education when other countries offer education for a fraction of the price with more equitable loan plans. Because of this exploitation in the US, I believe that there has been a large push towards the expectation of graduate school qualifications in entry-level positions. Along with the financial exploitation of students, society has created an issue where the bachelor’s degree is no longer significant enough. Throughout the years, society has pushed young people to become educated because they will stand out; however, they cannot stand out as bachelor’s degrees become more common, creating the need to pursue graduate school. The lack of exclusivity of a bachelor’s causes many students to seek graduate school for a better job. This lack of exclusivity, in my opinion, will soon move on to master’s degrees and they will not be as significant as they once were for this reason.

Is it Human or is it AI?

Jacob S.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Shifting Boundary: Human and Artificial Intelligence

One of the most significant boundary shifts in recent years has been the blurring line between human and artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of content creation and conversation.

What has changed:

In the past five years, there have been remarkable advancements in AI language models and generative AI. These technologies have begun to produce content – including text, images, and even code – that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from human-created work. An example of this is the development and public release of large language models like GPT-3 and the ones that have come after it. These AI’s can engage in human-like conversations, write coherent articles, create art, and even assist in coding tasks.

In 2022, an AI-generated artwork won a fine arts competition at the Colorado State Fair, sparking debates about the nature of creativity and authorship. This event highlighted how the boundary between human and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred. You can read more about this specific incident in this article from The New York Times: “An A.I.-Generated Picture Won an Art Prize. Artists Aren’t Happy.” Another example is the use of AI in film and television production. In 2023, the film “The Creator” utilized AI to generate entire scenes and characters, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in visual effects and storytelling. This represents a significant shift from traditional CGI and practical effects, again blurring the line between human and AI-generated content in cinema.

What has prompted this change?

There are several factors have contributed to this shift:

1. Advancements in machine learning algorithms: The development of more sophisticated neural networks and training techniques has allowed AI to process and generate more complex and nuanced content.

2. Increased computing power: The availability of more powerful hardware has enabled the training of larger, more capable AI models.

3. Investment from tech companies: Major corporations and startups have poured significant resources into AI research and development.

4. Public interest and engagement: As these technologies have become more accessible, there’s been increased public participation in using and testing them, leading to further refinement and development.

Links:

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2023/09/29/the-creator-ai/
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/02/technology/ai-artificial-intelligence-artists.html
  3. https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/16/1065305/the-rise-of-ai-art-and-what-it-means-for-human-creativity/

The End of the Nation-State?

Henry CaseLeave a comment
Reading Time: 2 minutes

As we move further into the 21st century, the concept of national boundaries is becoming increasingly blurred in our post-global world. Advances in technology, trade, communication, and migration are reshaping the idea of sovereignty and borders in ways that challenge traditional notions of the nation-state.

United Nations Headquarters
Flags flown outside United Nations Headquarters

In the digital age, information and ideas transcend physical borders with ease. Social media, online businesses, and global communication platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp connect people from different countries and cultures in real-time, diminishing the importance of geographic boundaries. The rise of the digital economy, cryptocurrency, and e-commerce has also created virtual spaces where business and trade operate without the constraints of national borders, challenging the relevance of traditional physical boundaries in economic terms.

Global trade agreements, international corporations, and supply chains that stretch across continents have made economies deeply interconnected. Products are often assembled in multiple countries, blurring the lines of where something is truly “made.” This economic integration means that events in one country—whether a financial crisis, natural disaster, or political instability—can ripple across the world, affecting countries thousands of miles away. The idea of a nation operating in isolation is no longer feasible, as global issues like climate change, economic inequality, and pandemics require cooperative solutions that transcend borders.

Migration has always been a part of human history, but in the modern era, it is accelerating at unprecedented rates. Whether due to economic opportunity, conflict, or environmental change, more people are moving across borders than ever before. This flow of people challenges the traditional notion of national identity and belonging, as societies become more multicultural and diverse. While immigration policies still exist, the sheer scale of migration has led to a more fluid understanding of where people “belong” in a globalized world.

This video animates how political borders have changed over the history of humanity.

As cultures intermingle through travel, social media, and migration, hybrid identities are emerging, where people feel connected to multiple countries or cultures at once. This blending of cultures further weakens the notion of strict national boundaries, as people find common ground across linguistic and cultural divides. Global citizens, who feel at home in many places, are becoming more common, especially among younger generations.

In this post-global world, the traditional idea of national boundaries is becoming obsolete. As people, ideas, and economies continue to transcend borders, the notion of the nation-state will need to adapt to this new reality.

The Founding Fathers of the Cyberpunk Genre: Exploring the Related Themes of Blade Runner & Neuromancer

Jenna L.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 3 minutes
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is HD-wallpaper-neon-city-cyberpunk-night-vivid-649x1024.jpeg
A beautiful yet ominous cyberpunk neon city

If Blade Runner (1982) is considered the quintessential cyberpunk film, then Neuromancer by William Gibson is the quintessential cyberpunk novel! In the reigns of the cyberpunk genre, these two works illustrate the ways in which the use of futuristic gadgets, the creation of artificial intelligence(AI) and complex characters juxtaposed with social dystopia not only define the cyberpunk genre but grapple with profound questions about the nature of what it truly means to be human. 


Blade Runner (1982) and Neuromancer both seemingly focus on the similar theme of what it means to be human. In Blade Runner, the use of Replicants, human-like artificial beings created to serve for slave labor in a variety of roles, are used as a vessel for the film to explore what it truly means to be human. The replicants in the film grapple with the dilemma of trying to figure out their own sense of identity and autonomy. An example of this being how one of the replicants, Roy Batty, the leader of a renegade replicant group that hijacked a shuttle and traveled to Earth, sought out trying to extend his lifespan beyond the replicant four year limit. Batty’s quest for a longer life symbolizes a deeper search for his purpose and showcases self-determination, which is a human trait even though he’s an artificial being. What ultimately drives the point home is toward the ending of the film as Batty is about to die, Batty’s final monologue where he reflects on his own experiences and mortality, serves as an evoking moment that blurs the line between human and artificial life. 

Meanwhile in William Gibson’s Neuromancer, the use of (AI) and cyberspace are the central elements that explore what it means to be human. For starters, the two AIs twins, Wintermute and Neuromancer, are used to interrogate the theme of identity and consciousness as it relates to being human. In the novel, Wintermute’s goal is to merge with Neuromancer to become a super AI. Wintermute is like a human brain lobe with the ability to have great thought, but has very limited function. However, if merged with Neuromancer, would be a very powerful AI. In pursuit of the goal, Wintermute turns to calculating tactics resulting in the manipulation of events and people, such as manipulating Case’s thoughts and using vessels to communicate. An example being, communicating through Case’s memories by taking on the likeness of those in them. This raises questions about the nature of AI consciousness and how far the AI would go to reach its goal. Gibson depicting Wintermute’s strong pursuit to merge with Neuromancer shows the idea that AIs could possess the same complex desires and ambitions similar to actual human beings. Now, as it pertains to cyberspace also known as “The Matrix,” it serves as an arbitrary representation of the relationships between data systems and humanity. It’s in a way what someone would call a, “consensual hallucination” that showcases a somewhat symbolic view of data and its pathways, functioning as an extended “electronic” human nervous system. To ad onto that, Case’s fusion into cyberspace changes his sense of self and reality, depicting how digital environments can ultimately reshape human identity. 

To wrap up this analysis, both Blade Runner (1982) and William Gibson’s Neuromancer are quintessential to the cyberpunk genre and explore the theme of what it really means to be human. This is done through the innovative depictions of artificial beings and advanced technology while simultaneously taking the time to expand on the critical reflections of the crossing of power and personal identity as it ties into an ever rapidly yet evolving dystopian world. Blade Runner provides visuals to express this using the idea of replicants, while Neuromancer delves into the implications of AI and the subconscious fight of the human identity as it intersects with technology. Together, these two works are the key holders to the creation of the cyberpunk genre! 

The Deterioration of Self-Intimacy & Mystery: A Conversation on Modesty and Better Reason Why We Should Embrace it

Chelsea M.Leave a comment
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Modesty is a term that often sparks intense reactions. For some, it’s a trigger word that stirs defensiveness, prompting them to avoid defining it and instead express frustration or rejection of times when someone has made us feel small. Modesty, as defined by the Cambridge dictionary, is the quality of not talking about or not trying to make people notice your abilities and achievements. But most commonly, it is an old-fashioned term that describes—the quality, in women, of dressing or behaving in a way that is intended to avoid attracting sexual interest. Traditionally, modesty and privacy have been seen as cornerstones of personal dignity, guiding how we navigate through society. These concepts have long been upheld by societal norms, creating boundaries that distinguish what is acceptable in public versus private spaces. However, we are now witnessing a cultural revolution that is rapidly dissolving these boundaries, leading to an erosion of privacy as we once knew it.

In this revolution, the lines between public and private are no longer clear-cut. Social media platforms encourage us to share more, to expose more, to live more openly—often blurring the distinction between what should remain personal and what is okay in the hands of the public. As these boundaries shift, so too does our understanding of modesty—and the prioritization of our autonomy. But definitively how is our autonomy actualized? What does owning our bodies look like? How does it vary? It is no longer simply about how we dress or behave but about how much of ourselves we are willing to share with the world. I think that our task should be to express ourselves while feeding our spirit rather than just our egos when we decide to share.

This transformation forces us to confront challenging questions: Is this erosion of privacy a step forward in embracing authenticity, or are we sacrificing something essential in the process? Are we becoming more “liberated”, or are we merely conforming to new societal pressures that demand constant exposure and instant gratification?o As we push these boundaries, the very nature of modesty is being tested—whether for better or worse, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the conversation around modesty and privacy is far from over, and its implications will continue to shape the way we live in the digital age.

In a world increasingly obsessed with visibility, intimacy and mystery have become casualties of our desire to be seen, heard, and validated. The quiet moments, the unspoken thoughts, and the parts of ourselves that once thrived in privacy are now laid bare for public consumption. But what have we lost in this trade-off?

This conversation becomes even more critical when we consider the impact of adultification bias on young girls. Adultification bias refers to the tendency to perceive children, particularly Black and Brown girls, as older and more mature than they actually are, which often results in them being held to adult standards of behavior and responsibility. This bias strips young girls of their innocence and places undue pressure on them to conform to societal expectations of maturity, often at the expense of their well-being and safety.

In a world where visibility is increasingly equated with value, young girls are often encouraged—directly or indirectly—to present themselves in ways that align with adult norms, even when they are not emotionally or mentally prepared to do so. Social media and pop culture contribute to this by glorifying a certain image of maturity and success, one that often emphasizes physical appearance and public exposure over personal development and private reflection.

Inspiring young girls requires us to challenge the narratives that equate visibility with worth. It is crucial to teach them that their value is not determined by how much of themselves they reveal to the world, but by how they feel about themselves when the world is not watching. This is where modesty, in its truest sense, becomes empowering—it offers girls the freedom to choose what they share and what they keep for themselves, fostering a sense of control and self-respect.

Modesty should not be seen as a restriction or a form of repression, but rather as a form of autonomy. It’s about reclaiming the power to decide how, when, and with whom to share aspects of oneself. For young girls, this means understanding that it is okay to crave privacy, to set boundaries, and to protect their personal space in a culture that often demands constant exposure.

For women and girls, the challenge is to find a balance between modesty and visibility that does not compromise their safety or self-worth. This balance can be taught by redefining success, promoting body autonomy, challenging adultification bias, and creating safe spaces where girls can express themselves without fear of judgment or exploitation.

Ultimately, we must teach young girls and women that it is okay to crave modesty just as much as visibility. The two are not mutually exclusive but are both essential to a healthy sense of self. In a society that often pushes for more exposure, the ability to choose modesty is a powerful form of resistance and self-care. By embracing this duality, we can inspire a new generation of women who are confident, autonomous, and unafraid to define their own boundaries.

As we continue to navigate this boundary-less world, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly more connected, or have we simply become more exposed? And in this exposure, what are we sacrificing in the name of progress? The answers may shape not only our digital identities but the very essence of our personal and collective experiences. In this relentless push for visibility, we must consider the lasting impact on our sense of self and the future we are building for the next generation.