Who is Really Educated?

Olivia S.
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.
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 Case
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.
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.
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.

The Shifting of my Queer Experience

Khalil F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

For the longest time, the fact that I was a queer man just did not matter to me. Not even in the way that it was not a big deal in the world, but merely the fact that it was never something that I talked about. I think that as far as I knew I never really had a preference when it came to gender, and it was only later that I found out that it wasn’t normal, and that there was a name for it. But even when I knew these things, it was always something I just wasn’t supposed to talk about. Growing up in a strict Christian household, I sometimes wondered if my queerness was never mentioned simply because it was something that was supposedly “forbidden”. My parents make it seem as though it wasn’t something I ever shared, and for the longest time, I just assumed that would stay the same. My friends knew, but even then it wasn’t really something I would just share with people, really out of that fear that it was a “forbidden” thing. But all of that sort of changed in the last few years. 

As queerness becomes more normalized, more and more queer people will feel comfortable being open with their indentity.

I don’t think I’ve ever really considered the option of being open about that part of my life with people that haven’t known me for a while. But during college and sort of living on my own, it just didn’t really seem like something that I needed to hide anymore. And for some reason, that feels really weird. I think that as time is going on, the idea of queerness is getting more and more normal to everyone. Although it is very slow, I just never thought it would be something I would experience in my life, especially living in a southern place that was generally homophobic. I think that being around people my age in new places has shown me that things are changing. Maybe they’ve already changed, but it is nice to see that in a world that used to think that being queer was a mental illness, more and more people are respectful to the identities and attractions of other people.

blog #1

Kaydra R.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

  A significant and very used established boundary that has made quite the shift , even in cyberpunk, is the shift from human intelligence to artificial intelligence. Human Intelligence of course has always been around and to some surprise artificial intelligence is not far behind. The usage of artificial intelligence was mainly pursued in scientific labs unlike today’s world. The advancement of artificial intelligence has grown tremendously in recent years. In today’s world you can use artificial intelligence for just about everything from answering most questions not found on google or even to have a friendly conversation if needed.

  Some time after Covid we see an already existing AI ( as some people may call it ) grow extremely popular. One of the reasons Covid pushed for more popularity in AI was because of its awareness. Many individuals like myself were unaware of what Ai was despite its long going existence. I became aware of Ai through Chatgpt but was still unfamiliar with artificial intelligence up until Snapchat created its own Ai bot which made me more familiar with Ai itself and what it was. Another thing that grew the popularity of Ai was the advancement of artificial intelligence. The capabilities accessible in today’s world were not always a part of Ai. Ai is now pictured as the number 1 place to go when you have a question of any sort. Comparable to google but also beyond comparison. While many years ago it could only be used scientifically now it can be used for just about everything and then some.

 Back when coronavirus was first introduced and then became the global pandemic known as Covid 19 , a lot of us were pushed to be 100% remote meaning no physical connection with the world but strictly from the safety of our homes. With a vast majority of the world being solely remote this caused many advancements in technology to allow everyone to continue work and also school. Many jobs we then knew to be in-person were now remote, which also meant that standers who used those jobs also had to handle their business online ( for example, remote doctors appointments). Everything being strictly remote and Ai already existing it gradually developed advancements to assist all the remote work and that is when the shift from human intelligence to artificial intelligence grew.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8743418
https://dev.to/darkterminal/the-rise-of-ai-blurring-the-lines-between-human-and-machine-3ie

Behind Closed Screens

Tamia P.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The image above shows an AI generated being looking at different security screens.

Social media and technology have become almost as essential to some humans as their shoes or car keys are. The boundary between a public versus private life has become blurred because of the impact of social media and technological advancements in surveillance. This shift has caused an effect in how information can be spread and shared, how humans navigate life, and how privacy has become almost non-existent in the present time. 

To some people, the government is always spying on us. Those people are accurate. Social media surveillance explains why ads of some of our favorite products constantly pop up on our devices. Companies and the government have data collections of our online behaviors simply from what we interact with on social media. If you’ve ever been asked about cookies on a website, this is exactly what that means. 

Nobody in the past would have guessed that these technological advancements would lead to identity troubles and societal interactions. Trying to make yourself seem better than you are is how some people live their lives on social media. Building a false persona has given a rise to a multitude of identity and mental disorders for society. Those people have no ability to distinguish between their real and fake life as they try to merge them into one. 

Sharing simple moments such as taking out the trash or driving a car has given rise to a concern for the amount of privacy society has. Personal moments that were once kept private have given rise to the question of “How much privacy do we really have left?”. Everyone knows that once something is posted, it is going to be on the internet forever. Therefore, this has led to public shaming with resurfaced images or posts that people have made. Sharing your whereabouts with the public is another example of privacy becoming obsolete. This can be useful in emergency situations, but it has also been known to lead to dangerous ones. 

“Social Media Surveillance.” Freedom House, freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-on-the-net/2019/the-crisis-of-social-media/social-media-surveillance. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024. 

The Use of AI & Its Ever Lasting Change

Simone H.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The line separating humans from non-humans has become more blurred in recent years, especially with the growth of robotics and artificial intelligence. In the past, people understood humans to be sentient, creative entities, whereas machines were thought of as tools meant to carry out particular duties. But the quick advancement of AI has started to cast doubt on this idea. AI systems can already handle sophisticated activities like language processing, decision-making, and even creative pursuits like music and art composition that were previously assumed to require human intelligence.

The growing use of AI in daily life is indicative of a shifting boundary. AI-powered algorithms, AI-driven virtual assistants like Siri and Google and Alexa, and even AI-powered customer support representatives are the new becoming standard. The difference between human and machine interaction has become more unclear as a result of these systems relationships with humanity. Also, artificially intelligent social robots made for care or companionship they challenge the limit byt developing bonds with people. They begin witth the set up, they ask about your voice, the things you like, they are often times always on and can hear everything your saying regardless of if you are speaking to them or not. Which I feels like it becomes scary, and a somewhat invasion on privacy.

I believe what prompted this change was multiple factors. AI is getting increasingly integrated in daily life because to the continuous search of efficiency and convenience, as well as changes in culture that see technology as a vital part of the human experience. Also, ethical questions around AI’s rights and consequences of robots taking on typically human responsibilities are gaining importance as society grows more accustomed to using AI. These previous advancements are symbolic of a broader tendency within the cyberpunk genre, where the blurring of conventional lines forces us to reevaluate essential facets of identity, morality, and the essence of humanity in a more technologically advanced society.

#BP01

My Body Is Not Mine – Women’s Reproductive Rights

Elaina R.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

For this topic, the shifting boundary that I’d like to focus on is the change in Women’s reproductive rights and health. As we’ve seen in the past, we know that this country has not been very open or accepting of Women’s productive health and has kept very conservative views. In the 70’s, the case of Roe V. Wade allowed women to have abortions which was one way that women had control of their health and wellness. Recently in 2022, the case was overturned which not only didn’t allow women to have abortions but also made it illegal for women to get them and for doctors to administer them in specific states. Many women, girls, and doctors have been persecuted by the legal system just for exercising or helping achieve a right that was taken away. This shifting boundary is also very problematic in the sense that women are restricted even if they are trying to have abortions for specifc reasons such as having miscarriages but still having to carry them to term, the child not being able to survive, even cases of r*pe or sexual assault, etc.

To me, I believe what has prompted this change is that not only are people in power trying to make the country go back to a conservative construct but also to control the people in as many ways as they can. Certain ideals and issues have been brought up that only prove that certain people want to country to de-evolve rather than evolve from where we are now. How are women losing their reproductive rights almost 50 years later if we are an ever-changing country that literally preaches doing better for its own people? Concepts such as Project 2025 show that the people of this country are not valued and are seen less as people and more as subjects who are supposed to obey every backward law and rule.

references for more information: https://www.npr.org/2022/06/24/1102305878/supreme-court-abortion-roe-v-wade-decision-overturn https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/01/24/1226161416/rape-caused-pregnancy-abortion-ban-states