Tag: BP01

The Blurred Lines of Social Media

Rudy W.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Within the last five years, there has been a major shift in the parasocial relationships that exist between public figures or ā€˜celebertiesā€™ and their fanbases. Before social media, artists connected with their fan bases in a more formal fashion such as television appearances, concerts, meet and greets, andĀ  radio show appearances.There was a very limited direct connection between a celebrity and their fans which gave them room to curate an image of themselves that resonated with their targeted audience and allowed them to romanticize their persona and create parasocial relationships with them.Ā 

Now that social media is as widely used as it is, the connection between artist and fan has faced a major shift. Social media platforms such as Instagram,TikTok, and most specifially Twitter have been utilized by celebrities to grow their fanbases. Nicki Minaj is one example of a celebrity who interacts with their fanbase on a personal level. Artists such as Cardi B. go ā€œliveā€ on their social media pages which is another way that artists can directly interact with their fans. 

Social media has allowed celebrities to become more accessible. Many fans have taken to directly calling out to their favorite artists on social media platforms and in some cases, the artist will respond and interact with them. Celebrities have used social media as a way to increase engagement with their fans as a way to maintain relevance. While this has been good for both the celebrity and fans, the parasocial relationships that have been created have created a false sense of intimacy in which boundaries tend to be pushed. 

Celebrities who choose to engage with their fans on social platforms run the risk of interference in their private lives. Before social media, celebrities were able to establish certain boundaries that ensured their privacy and accessibility was protected. When social media became increasingly popular and fans became able to directly communicate with their favorite celebrities, many celebrities were made to feel vulnerable in the sense that fans felt that were entitled to their attention and access at any given time. 

I believe this major change occurred during the pandemic when social media was the main source of human contact for almost two years. In the early months of the pandemic, many artists took to social media and utilized their platforms to interact with their fans in ways such as digital concerts, Q&A sessions, and simply responding to social media posts. I believe that many celebrities saw this as a good thing due to the fact that fans were staying engaged with their content and it was keeping the public focus on them, however in a way it backfired when fans started to become entitled to receiving a response from their favorite celebrities when they saw how easy it was to get their attention. 

A Thousand Genders?!

Justice K.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

A common theme of the cyberpunk genre is the disintegration of common cultural or political boundaries. In the past few years, we have seen a monumental shift when it comes to the boundary of gender. Growing up, all I remember being taught is that there are two genders: male and female. Now, things have drastically changed. When doing research for this post, the first question I researched was ā€œhow many genders are there?ā€, and I was shocked when the first result that popped up said 72! As I continued to research, I found an article from Teen Talk that explained the concept of gender identity. From the article I learned that gender identity is purely how someone chooses to view themself, and it is not based on their genitals. I also learned of a new gender term ā€˜two-spiritā€™, in which a person is not limited to just one gender and can walk back and forth between genders. This is an example of how our society has collapsed the boundary of gender. Before, gender was based on anatomy, now, it is based upon how the individual chooses to identify. This aligns with some of the views of humanism because people now have the right to choose their gender in order to do whatever makes them happy and give them the best life experience possible. I believe that this shift of the gender boundary is the product of our society’s attempt to become more inclusive. In order to make as much of the population as possible feel respected and safe, we have done away with many established practices. For example, the airport in Kansas City, Missouri now has all-gender bathrooms that will allow travelers more privacy and security. They did this in order to increase both efficiency and inclusivity for all travelers (Kite, 2019).Ā 

Redefining the Game

Luci S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In the last few years, the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has started to shift how soccer is played and viewed. VAR helps referees make better decisions by reviewing video footage during games, which has changed some long standing rules and practices in the sport and especially in soccer.

The technological change in soccer

Back in the days, referees had the final say on the field, the decisions they made were the final decisions with no possibility of review during the game. Nowadays, with VAR, decisions on goals, penalties, and red cards can be checked and corrected if necessary. This means that what happens on the field can be reviewed by referees watching video from a different location. The use of VAR also affects how fans experience the game, as they often have to wait for video reviews during key moments, which disrupt the flow of the game.

The idea of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) first came about in 2010 with the Refereeing 2.0 project from The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB). This project aimed to use technology to help referees make better and more accurate decisions during soccer games. The first official use of the VAR in soccer was the Ajax Amsterdam cup game in September 2016. Soccer is a fast-paced game, and referees can sometimes make mistakes in the heat of the situation. VAR uses video to review key decisions, helping to make the game fairer and more transparent. However, VAR has also sparked controversy because it can slow the game down and disrupt its flow, with some arguing that this diminishes the excitement of soccer. The VAR reflects our growing use of technology in everyday life and the demand from fans for more accurate and clear decisions in sports.

VAR is changing soccer by offering new methods for reviewing and correcting decisions, affecting how the game is played and how fans experience it. Although it aims to make the game fairer, it also introduces challenges, like stopping the game for reviews. While fans are frustrated by bad calls from referees, they often dislike the video assistant referee (VAR) even more. As technology advances, it’s important to strike a balance between enhancing accuracy and maintaining the smooth flow of the game.

Invasion of the AI Body Snatchers

Jenna L.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Robots sit next to a confused human as they prepare for work.

In more recent years, weā€™ve seen an increase in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Usage ranging from mundane tasks like organizing a shopping list to extraordinary things like being used in healthcare systems and helping with medical diagnosis. Although the use of technology can bring great change, it does create a cause of concern for many individuals. Many are worried about their invasion of privacy, that the common job will soon be replaced with AI or maybe even the world as we know it!Ā 

As someone who is still quite skeptical of AI, it does worry me that most private platforms use AI or incorporate it in some kind of way. Iā€™m not exactly sure what prompted this AI surge as it integrated with other forms of media, but if Iā€™m being honest, Iā€™m not a big fan. For example, AI has integrated itself into personal social media platforms or workspaces such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. I believe the shifting boundary began as AI was able to gain personal knowledge and invade privacy in a way thatā€™s so scary it often blurs the lines between whatā€™s humanly done and whatā€™s not. Recently, Iā€™ve seen a rise in ā€œAI coversā€ where songs use AI to replace the original singer’s voice with a model that sounds like another artist. In some cases it can be quite funny, however, in many instances it can be terrifying especially with the accuracy of the newly generated voice. To add on to this, I canā€™t count the number of times I’ve seen Deep Fake videos. Deep Fakes are AI crafted media where one person’s face is constructed onto another person’s body, they’re highly convincing yet entirely synthetic videos. AI-generated fake videos are becoming more common (and convincing). Hereā€™s why we should be worried written by Ian Sample, delves into the concept of Deep Fakes, its problem and how they can be spotted. It’s important to note that many AI Deep fakes are used for scams to deceive individuals.Ā Ā 

Combine Deep Fakes, AI voice generating programs and chatGPT with video synthesis and in about another year or so, you could be videoing, chatting, and working with a fully AI generated person and not even know it! This AI ā€œpersonā€ could get hired at the same company that you do and potentially work there for years without being detected. And before you know it the AI “person” has gained the skills and knowledge to move up the corporate ladder, become the boss, then the CEO, take over the company, hire more robots, fire all humans, declare war and cause the end for all mankind!! Ok, enough of the freaky horror movie talk, I try not to be too paranoid, but it really does make me wonder how much AI will seriously affect us in the near future.Ā 

Home, Office, or Both? Navigating the New Work-Life Boundary

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In recent years, the boundary between human and machine has become increasingly porous, a shift that reflects not only technological advancements but also profound changes in our cultural and ethical landscapes. The line between work and home life has significantly blurred, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has had profound implications for society, both positive and negative, and raises important questions about the future of work. 

Woman smiling at laptop.

Before 2020, the boundary between work and home was relatively clear. Most people commuted to an office, factory, or other workplace, leaving work behind at the end of the day when they returned home. However, the pandemic forced millions to work from home, turning kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms into makeshift offices. What was initially seen as a temporary measure has evolved into a long-term shift, with many companies adopting remote or hybrid work models permanently. This blurring of work and home boundaries has changed the way we think about productivity, work-life balance, and personal space. The physical separation that once existed between work and personal life has diminished, leading to new challenges such as “Zoom fatigue,” increased stress from always being “on,” and difficulty disconnecting from work. At the same time, remote work has provided benefits, including more flexibility, reduced commute times, and the ability to work from anywhere. The rise of remote work has transformed how we interact with our jobs and our colleagues. With the advent of video conferencing, digital collaboration tools, and cloud-based systems, employees can now perform their tasks from virtually anywhere. This shift has not only made work more flexible but has also redefined the work-life balance, merging personal and professional spaces in ways weā€™ve never seen before.Ā The rise of digital communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams has made it easier to work from anywhere, breaking down the need for a physical office space. The availability of cloud computing and collaboration software has further supported this transition.

Different types of social messaging applications that have been popular over the years.

As the boundary between work and home continues to evolve, it will be important to find new ways to manage this shift, ensuring that the benefits of flexibility do not come at the cost of our well-being and personal lives. The future of work may be more fluid, but it will also require careful consideration of how we maintain balance in a world where the lines are increasingly blurred.

Blurred Lines Between Work and Personal Time

Katie H.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Employee working remotely. (My Digital Work, n.d.)

In past years, there were distinct lines between work and personal time. Work time was considered paid time spent working, while personal time was the unpaid time spent not working. With the advancement of technology, work time has begun to mix with personal time. Employees would take off or be given personal days for sick days, personal emergencies, buildings not being able to be occupied, or natural disasters. Now, employees are expected to work remotely when they used to get a personal day or get time off (Utomi, 2023). Advancement of technology has blurred the lines between work and personal time in another way. For most careers, there is a set time to work and during that time employees are paid. Most work would be saved for the next work day if it was not done. Now if employees do not complete their work during work hours, then employees are expected to take their work home to complete it during their personal time without being paid for this extra time. With this advancement of technology, people do not have to meet in person to work. People can work remotely from across the world with others if they would like. The problem with this is time zone differences. People may have to work during their personal time in order to meet with others remotely. There has been a shift from working only during work hours to working during personal time due to the advancement of technology. (Side note: Some careers do not have distinct lines between work and personal time, but in recent years the shift I discussed above has been applied to careers that can have distinct lines between work and personal time.)

I think the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in the blurring of lines between work and personal time. Throughout 2020 many jobs had to be completed remotely. Once employers and employees realized remote work is possible and can be done, the shift began. Now more than ever work is being completed remotely during personal time.

References:

Gaskell, A. (2020, May 11).Ā Is A Blurred Work-Life Balance The New Normal?Ā Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2020/05/11/is-a-blurred-work-life-balance-the-new-normal/

My Digital Work. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://mydigitalwork.com/overnight-remote-jobs/.Ā 

Utomi, T. (2023, August 21).Ā Has remote work killed the sick day?. HRPA. https://www.hrpa.ca/hr-insights/has-remote-work-killed-the-sick-day/Ā 

From Binary to Spectrum: A Look at how Gen Z Pushed Gender Boundaries

Jayla R.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The past decade has elicited monumental changes in gender and how it is perceived. Progressive attitudes towards gender and sexuality are more prevalent now than ever before. As the title of this post suggests, it was widely believed that gender was only a binary construct as opposed to the spectrum we use today. In addition to cisgender, there is transgender, nonbinary, agender, genderfluid, and even more ways for nonconforming individuals to identify with. The TIME Magazine article linked below explains how large the gap is between generations regarding views towards gender. In just 2021, Gen Z was the only generation in which a majority believed there are more than two genders and Gen Z is much more likely to identify as nonbinary or trans.

What I feel has prompted this massive shift in ideals is the maturation of the ā€œmost progressive generationā€ – Gen Z. Gen Z has proven that we wonā€™t take everything weā€™ve been taught at face value, especially Gen Z women. Offensive rhetoric in the media that was formerly accepted is now called out and the people responsible are being held accountable. We have LGBTQ+ peers and family members, so seeing attempts by politicians to make them illegal and outlaw gay marriage leads to a greater drive towards social justice. We also have more access to technology and resources that reveal how much needs to be fixed in our government and we have the means to go out and speak against it.

While people who identify outside of the gender binary have always existed, it has only recently become common to identify as such. Queer kids are now less likely to be forced to conform to one gender or another and can choose to identify as whoever they please. While there is certainly much more progress to be made regarding this matter, the impact Gen Z has had on widespread acceptance of those who are different is something to be marveled at.

TIME Magazine article: https://time.com/6275663/generation-z-gender-identity

Artificial Reality

Damon S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

A significant boundary that has shifted in the past five years, is the boundary between the digital and physical realities, particularly through the rise of the metaverse and virtual reality technology. There was a time before where the physical world was separate from the digital world and people interacted with one anotherĀ in real life. The only source of technological interactions were limited to screens and traditional media like the news. However, with the advancement of high-technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse, this boundary is blurred. The metaverse is a virtual shared space, merging physical reality with virtual spaces. Companies like Facebook’s and Instagram’s, Meta, are investing in creating virtual worlds where people can interact, work, and socialize as digital avatars, making the digital world feel just as real as the real one. This shift is notable because it is not just about entertainment but it isĀ  reshaping how we work, socialize, and even our understanding of presence and identity. Several factors have driven this shift such as the COVID-19 pandemic with its acceleratedĀ  adoption of remote work and online interactions, highlighting the need for more immersive digital environments to replace physical presence. Technological advancements in todays’ society have made these experiences more accessible and realistic. Additionally, cultural shifts towards digital-first lifestyles, driven by Generation Z, have increased demand for more immersive and integrated digital spaces. This shift has extensive implications, not just for how we interact but also for how we perceive identity, privacy, and even reality itself, as the lines between our physical and digital selves become increasingly intertwined. The article listed below is a great read for those who have an interest and want to learn more about the above topic.

The Metaverse: What It Is, Where to Find it, and Who Will Build It: https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-the-metaverse/

“Artificial Intelligence – Resembling Human Brain” byĀ deepakiqlectĀ is licensed underĀ CC BY-SA 2.0.

AI or human thought?

Juleette A.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

According to evolution, humans are becoming increasingly smarter and better able to tackle complicated problems. The human mind has persisted in questioning outdated beliefs and pushing the boundaries of what is considered impossible. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a significant invention of human intelligence. AI was once seen as simply a tool for human work. Recently, the rules of the game have shifted. The line between human and non-human characteristics is becoming less distinct, and artificial intelligence is playing a key role in this transformation.

AI is no longer just operating in the background; it is now taking on tasks that were previously exclusive to humans. Consider thisā€”virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa, AI algorithms selecting our Netflix suggestions, and AI powering our vehicles. We used to view these duties as exclusive to humans. Now, machines are performing those tasks, and at times, they are doing them more effectively than we could have envisioned. The distinction between humans and machines is becoming increasingly blurred, causing us to reconsider the very definition of being human.

Over the last five years, AI has transformed from a fun gadget to an essential aspect of our everyday lives. AI is now being discussed by a wider audience beyond just tech enthusiasts. AI is employed for communicating with customer service, identifying medical conditions, and producing artwork. Our interaction with the world is evolving as AI becomes increasingly similar to us, or perhaps we are growing more similar to AI. This change is making us ponder the line between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. The previous guidelines no longer appear relevant, which is both thrilling and somewhat unnerving.

The shift is due to a combination of fast technological progress and societal shifts. Machine learning has become more intelligent, computers have become quicker, and there is now more data available. These factors have all come together to bring AI to the forefront. However, improvements in technology are not the only factor that drives this demand for more; people also desire greater convenience, efficiency, and solutions for complex issues. In a fast-paced world, AI provides a means to stay current, perhaps even take the lead. That is why we observe the line between human and non-human beginning to break down. In the futuristic world of cyberpunk, the blurred boundaries between humans and technology make the increasing presence of AI in our daily lives seem like a peek into tomorrow. The boundary is constantly changing, and we are still unsure of its ultimate destination. One thing is certain: the discussion on the essence of humanity has just started.

Blurred Ethical Lines

Kendall B.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
How Period-Tracking Apps Are Monetizing Women's Extremely Personal Data - Bloomberg
How Period-Tracking Apps Are Monetizing Women’s Extremely Personal Data – Bloomberg

Many established boundaries have begun to switch when it comes to the subgenre cyberpunk. In particular, the ethical lines have been blurred when it comes to the enhanced technology that is invading our lives, especially our private and personal lives. Recently women have found out that some of the apps on our phone are receiving data from our inputs and then in some circumstances selling our information. These apps unfortunately are the center of attention for a whole entire week during the month and sometimes even more frequently. Most women have probably already come to the conclusion that these applications that I am talking about are period tracking apps. For those seven days during the month, sometimes less or more, women enter their personal data into these systems and algorithms that are built to gather and contain sensitive information. Everybody is already privy to the fact that the terms and guidelines that we are forced to sign when downloading and running apps are extremely hefty and long. Within these numerous pages of legal jargon it explains how the information that is inputted can and will be sold for analytics and/or profit. This then intertwines with the overturning of roe v wade which may be new information for some. Abortion is now illegal in many states and restricted for some. This means that if a woman needs an abortion for personal reasons or because of an emergency they are out of luck and might have to travel state lines to receive proper care. By looking at specific statistics within these aforementioned apps it is clear that there is a bigger picture being painted. Their system will allow employees and companies to see who has had an abortion, and if warranted then they could probably find out in what state the user lives. If the state happens to be pro-life then the user could get punished harshly for such actions. These apps are disguised as harmless, but in reality the minute act of entering oneā€™s period flow can lead to serious and life-altering jail time. Technology continues to invade our personal lives and lines will forever be blurred if boundaries are not set in place to protect us and our privacy.