Category: MCO425 Digital Media Literacy I

Most Americans today don’t believe that their personal information is secure online and don’t feel satisfied with the federal government’s efforts to protect it. 

Highly publicized scandals regarding privacy breaches exposed the information of millions around the world, and the government’s reaction to these scandals resulted in Americans’ low hope for federal action.

Acts of fraud have spiked since the pandemic, with personal information being stolen and sold online resulting in a flood of fraudulent unemployment claims. Cyberattacks like these are considered among the top ten risks to global stability. 

So, what do we do to protect our privacy and increase security online? Let us explore some of our options.

Encryption is the best technology we have to protect information from bad actors, governments, and service providers. When used correctly, it is impossible to surpass and gain access to sensitive information. 

Ensure you are accessing websites whose connection offers protection, like HTTPS rather than HTTP. A virtual private network, or VPN, encrypts your traffic but can see and store this information, so it is important to find a trustworthy and reliable VPN provider. 

Antivirus software protects users against several different kinds of malware, and it is important to keep the software updated and check for display banners to ensure things are on track.

Create unique passwords when creating login information, and enable multi-factor authentication. Even when passcodes are optional, you should create and use one.

Finally, be aware of phishing scams and clickbait messages. Clicking these links allows drive-by downloading pages to automatically download malware and infect the device, always be cautious and only click links from senders you trust. 

Cybersecurity can be an anxiety-inducing topic, but there are ways to fight back against information or data breaches and protect your privacy and security online. Take advantage of downloadable software, multi-factor authentication, and encryption services. 

It is not only easy to use and manage, but it will protect your information in a world where cybersecurity is a rapidly growing concern among millions.

The cultural resource I have chosen that represents an imagined alternative to the conditions in which it was created is John Lennon’s song “Imagine.“

“Imagine” was released in 1971, following the aftermath of the Vietnam War, growing civil rights concerns, and the erosion of public trust in the government due to the Watergate scandal. 

In this song, Lennon encourages the audience to imagine an alternative world to the one they lived in in the 70’s. He encourages us to imagine a world without borders, war, violence, greed, or hunger. 

“Imagine there’s no countries

It isn’t hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion, too”

These lyrics reflect his criticism of war and senseless deaths, along with his disdain for the division and prejudice caused by differing religious views or nationalities. 

“Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man”

In the early 1970s, capitalist industrialized countries experienced an economic boom after enacting the Agricultural Act of 1970, all while two million people around the world were starving to death due to these new policies. 

Lennon encourages the audience to turn away from materialism and greed, yearning for a global society that takes care of each other as a family would. 

“You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one”

John Lennon is expressing his hope that one day the world will be like the one he imagined; one that is free of hatred, senseless death, violence, and suffering. In these lyrics, he also encourages the audience to join those who share this dream of a united and peaceful world.

This imagined alternative to life in the 70s would require a lot of technological and systemic change. The world that Lennon imagines is one without borders separating nations, without division caused by nationality or religion. 

This alternative world would not have a single occupant go hungry, as greed and materialism would not exist to encourage the unequal distribution of wealth and resources around the globe.

Over 50 years have passed and these are still issues that remain at the center of heated debates and policy issues. Border control and national security are still pressing issues, with President Donald Trump declaring building a physical wall to separate the U.S. from Mexico is one of his top priorities, rather than encouraging open borders. 

We currently have the highest number of countries in conflict since World War II, with 56 conflicts around the world. This starkly differs from Lennon’s reimagined views on war, where the world would be at peace with no one dying to defend their country. 

The operating system of our society is now based solely on economic growth, an ever-increasing rate of production and consumption that we will not be able to keep up with. This is the complete opposite of the possession-less, greedless society in Lennon’s imagined world.

Some elements are reflected in current conditions around the world, as many still advocate and protest for the social and political issues John Lennon touched upon in his song. 

However, feelings of division have been rapidly increasing since the coronavirus outbreak and continue to divide those of differing political or social views. 

While these issues are still around and impacting much of the world today, there are still dreamers who imagine and believe that society will one day evolve to allow for peace and equality for all.  

I have noticed many stereotypes or generalizations about Italian Americans in the media, which is the culture I grew up in because of my Italian mother and her close-knit family.

The most prevalent sweeping generalization I observe in the media is that most, if not all, Italian American families have connections to the mob or organized crime.

Other stereotypes about Italians include speaking with their hands and being loud or passionate. While these portrayals can reflect certain truths, they do not reinforce the association of Italians with dangerous criminals in popular media.

Many of these representations are largely inaccurate. However, TV shows like The Sopranos, which focus on crime families, offer one of the most authentic depictions of Italian American culture, including its slang, dialect, family dynamics, and values.

Associating Italian American families with organized crime glosses over the experience and perspective of most Italian-Americans, as less than 0.0025% are involved in organized crime. So, yes, someone’s perspective or story, as well as information and context, is missing.

I believe that these generalized portrayals also include implied biases of Italian Americans, as Italian migrants became victims of prejudice and discrimination. Migrants from the Mediterranean were labeled carpetbaggers and dagos, viewed as inferior beings here only to take advantage of America’s opportunities.  

While The Sopranos is much more complex than just a show about the Italian mafia, its depiction of mafia activity is one of the few inaccuracies regarding Italian American life.

The Sopranos shares stories of Italian migrants facing discrimination and, with hard work and determination, becoming successful and able to provide for their families.

In this clip, Tony Soprano brings his daughter to the church where her great-grandfather worked with his brother alongside a team of other stone and marble workers after migrating from Italy.

He voices his admiration for the work done by his grandfather, showing his pride in being the grandson of an Italian migrant. This is an accurate and positive portrayal of Italian Americans, unlike other moments in the show.

Tony Soprano eventually becomes the boss of his crime family, exhibiting traits of narcissism and even sociopathy as he does anything necessary to earn more money for himself and his family.

In this clip, his daughter asks if he is in the mafia due to his strange behavior during her college visit trip. What she doesn’t know is that while she was taking tours on campus, her father was tying up loose ends of unfinished mafia business.

While this is a lot less relatable to Italian Americans, the personalities and attitudes depicted in characters often resemble someone familiar. A phrase or word our grandfather used a lot, or the personality of our grandmothers being reflected through the elderly Italian women on the show.

Inaccurate portrayals only push the idea that Italians are disruptive, violent, aggressive, and money-hungry, which are the same sentiments that negatively affected my ancestors and extended family.

However, the portrayal of Italians as mafia-related criminals no longer holds the ramifications it once did. Mob movies are now classics of American cinema, which reflects that while the stereotype is still around, it is no longer as harmful as it once was.

This causes me to believe that these depictions are more positive than negative, as it is a way to reclaim a negative stereotype or idea forced upon a group of people. While not every storyline is accurate or relatable to Italian Americans, other aspects of the show and its characters are.

Representation is something many take for granted. To find a show that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, including common phrases used to reprimand and quiet the kids, I feel grateful for the experience and opportunity to relive those moments again.

On December 14, 2012, the lives of 20 first graders, six school employees, and his mother were tragically ended at the hands of Adam Lanza. 

The Clearing: Sandy Hook Memorial

The devastating mass shooting that destroyed the lives of countless individuals has been at the center of controversy, as some believe the shooting never actually occurred.

They believe it is a hoax to further the support of gun control, with some extremists even believing it is meant to incite the repeal of the Second Amendment.

Alex Jones is an American far-right radio show host and conspiracy theorist. The shooting had just occurred when he began pushing the idea that it was a hoax, with parents and their deceased children accused of being government actors, or never existing in the first place. 

Due to Jones’ influence over public opinion, victims’ families were subjected to years of torment, threats, and abuse by his followers, being denied the time to properly grieve before they had to defend the death of their loved ones. 

How did Alex Jones persuade hordes of individuals to question and even attack the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting?

1. Fear: Alex Jones profited from the fear of rights being taken away, demeaning this tragedy down to an attempt by the government to seize control of Americans’ guns. The families or loved ones of victims were accused of being actors hired by the government to spread propaganda regarding gun control.
2. The Big Lie: Conspiracy theorists often believe they have to be smart enough to look closely and identify lies and contradictions in the accounts of the event. They studied the spoken accounts of the events and cast extreme doubt upon the smallest inconsistencies. 
3. Extrapolation: Alex Jones would broadcast a small moment in the interview of a victim’s parent, in this moment a small laugh or gasp could be heard, and this would be considered proof of the parent’s deceit. 
4. Slippery slope: Alex Jones influenced the belief that a disdain for gun violence would result in the repeal of the Second Amendment. The idea that enacting stricter gun control laws would inevitably lead to the seizure of all guns owned by American citizens is insinuating that a small step would lead to a plethora of negative outcomes. 

I would say that today, the issue is resolved. Alex Jones has been ordered to pay at least 1.1 billion dollars in defamation damages to the families of Sandy Hook victims and has since acknowledged that the shooting did occur.

This was accomplished by the decade-long battle between Alex Jones and the families of Sandy Hook victims for defamation and the inciting of criminal acts. 

While there are still individuals who deny the events that took place on December 14, 2012, the widespread discussion of the event has sparked conversations regarding social change and the treatment of victims and victims’ families after tragedy occurs. 

Survivors of the Sandy Hook shooting graduated from High School in June of 2024, bringing with them constant reminders of the attack, memories of the friends they lost, and aspirations to help others in similar situations or experiencing similar symptoms of trauma.

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. 

6:00 AM: TikTok and iMessage 

TikTok tracks a lot of data, including private messages within the app. iMessage, however, is an encrypted service.

I am ashamed to say that I start my day off by checking my phone notifications and scrolling through social media. Based on the content I interacted with on TikTok, the algorithm will show me videos personalized to my interests and behaviors. 

6:20 AM: Peacock 

Personal and Behavior Data.

While I make breakfast and eventually get ready for work I enjoy having noise in the background. At the moment, I still pick the show Vanderpump Rules as my background noise of choice.

By watching Vanderpump Rules, Peacock will recommend other reality shows based on my prior viewing behavior.

7:40 AM: Spotify

Personal, Behavior, and Interests Data.

My drive to work is only about ten minutes, which calls for music. This playlist makes me feel confident and energized, perfect for my usual lazy mornings.

Spotify will notify me when artists I listen to release new music or have concerts in my area, as well as create personalized playlists for me based on my behavior and interests.  

10:00 AM: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat

Personal, Behavior, Interests, Brands, and Biometric Data.

While on my first break, I scroll through various social media platforms as I eat. On these platforms, I will share content with friends, like and repost content, and occasionally leave comments on posts. 

Due to the TikTok ban and the rise of Elon Musk’s political career, I have been more exposed to data collection and what it means to me. Meta has been at the core of several controversies regarding the massive, possibly illegal, collection and processing of data.

The influx of information I have received regarding Meta and other instances of data collection has caused me to go into my phone and change settings to further protect my data and privacy. 

4:45 PM: ASU, Google Slides, Zoom, and CapCut

Personal, Behavior, Biometric Data

When I returned home from work, I used the ASU website, Google Slides, Zoom, and CapCut to edit, finalize, and submit a project. 

For sites that were referred to me by professors or teaching assistants, I do not worry about what data is being collected.

However, with video editing software CapCut, I was concerned to learn they track users‘ physical and mental health through the content they upload, create, or access. 

7:00 PM: YouTube

Personal, Behavior, and Interests Data

To wind down my day, I go on YouTube to watch my favorite virtual pilates instructor, Move with Nicole.  Due to my viewing of her content, YouTube will recommend me with related videos and channels.

Recently, I have been reconsidering how I interact with media. Whenever I am on my phone, I get a notification concerning data collection or data breaches and leaked personal information.

This, along with the growing market for buying and selling user data, has forced me to consider removing my presence on social media platforms. I have fallen victim to unknowingly allowing my data to be collected, and it angers me that this has become a new norm.

Rather than exploit natural resources, corporations have found a way to exploit and take advantage of users and their behaviors for monetary gain. 

Thursday, January 16, 2024.

Thursday was an average day for me. I worked my usual shift, beginning at 8 a.m. After arriving home from my shift, I had to complete coursework for a different class I am currently enrolled in. In my spare time, I often enjoy painting, exercising, or reading. The weather in Ohio has been particularly cold and bitter, which has impacted my energy levels. However, on Thursday, I was able to complete my responsibilities and exercise, as well as enjoy the free time I had.  

6:10 AM: TikTok, Instagram

I begin my day by scrolling through social media platforms, I enjoy doing this as it gives me a chance to wake up a bit more before I officially start my day. I like and share posts with friends and interact with stories.

6:30 AM: NBC News: Brittany Watts on being arrested after miscarriage.

Over breakfast, my mom and I discussed a breaking news story in our area. I Googled the story to check on any developments, which led me to this NBC News article. I don’t usually seek out News websites, as when I am on social media, I often see things regarding current events. However, for local news, I usually seek it out through social media and Google searches.

7:00 AM: Peacock

When I begin getting ready for work, I enjoy putting one of my favorite TV shows on as background noise. Now, I am rewatching the show Vanderpump Rules, which is what I had playing this morning.

7:40 AM: Spotify

During my 15-minute journey to work, I enjoy listening to Spotify playlists. I usually choose music that is upbeat and gets me ready for my day at work.

Noon: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook

While on lunch breaks at work, I enjoy using social media as I eat.

2:05 PM: Spotify

Around this time, I got into my car after working my shift. For my ride home, I once again open the Spotify app, continuing to play the same playlist before I begin my drive.

2:45 PM: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat

After settling in at home after my shift, I will again visit social media as I have a snack and unwind. I use Snapchat a lot throughout the day to contact my boyfriend and my friends, but I only go on the app to answer any notifications I get.

4:30 PM: Tech Startups: These 6 corporations control 90% of the media outlets in America.

For a different course assignment, I had to discuss my definition of free expression. While writing this discussion post, I had to visit several websites and course learning materials to further explain my viewpoints and opinions.

These materials are as follows:

5:00 PM: Free Press: Media Control

5:45 PM: Akademie: The cost of silencing the voices.

At this point, I take a break from my writing assignment so I can eat dinner. I prepare a southwestern-style salad with chicken, all while my favorite background noise plays in the background.

6:00 PM: Peacock

While I prepare my food and eventually eat, I have Vanderpump Rules playing. My love for reality television can be alarming to some.

6:45 PM: Films for the Feminist Classroom: When Rivers Were Trails

Back to my assignment. This is the last article I used to wrap up my discussion post.

7:15 PM: YouTube: Move with Nicole Pilates

After I finish my coursework for the night, I do a follow-along Pilates video. I enjoy the YouTuber Move with Nicole as she thoroughly explains each movement and how to properly do them.

8:00 PM: Spotify

After my workout, I prepare to shower. I enjoy showering with music blasting as I can sing along shamelessly. I decided on a different playlist, one that is moodier and more emotional. After showering, I stay up a bit longer to work on a painting. I continue listening to music until I turn it off to go to sleep.

I believe the most credible media sources I viewed on Thursday are those from course materials, Free Press, and NBC News. I am highly critical of media, especially news companies or sources. I believe that a lot of information supplied is given to us due to its profit-making abilities, which concerns me over the validity of what’s being reported. However, I would trust one of these sources over random social media users and reality television stars.