Blog#8 At Home Detectives

 At Home Detectives

In my family, true crime isn’t just a casual interest, it’s practically a full-blown obsession. Whether it’s watching shows like The First [48] or binge-listening to the Dateline podcast, it seems someone in my house is always delving into the world of crime and mystery. At first, I wondered why so many people are drawn to these often dark and disturbing stories. Over time, I realized it’s not just the shocking crimes themselves, but the process of uncovering the truth that hooks people in. There’s something satisfying about piecing together clues and solving the mystery alongside the detectives, even from the comfort of your couch.

One reason true crime attracts so many is that it feels interactive. As viewers, we become at stay-at-home detectives, trying to connect the dots, analyze motives, and anticipate the next twist in the case. This engagement is part of what makes it so addictive.

In addition to the interactive nature, true-crime shows also tap into our natural curiosity about human behavior. The question of "why" is what makes these stories so interesting. Why did the suspect commit the crime? What was their motive? What drives a person to commit such acts? These questions linger deeply within viewers because they touch on universal themes of morality, justice, and the complexity of the human mind. As we follow the investigation, we not only learn about the crime itself, but also gain insights into the motivations and behaviors of those involved.

Also, one main thing I learned from my Victimology course is that true-crime shows and analyzing cases in general can have a unique ability to bring attention to real-world situations. It can actually make people more aware and cautious in their everyday lives. Many of these stories highlight the importance of personal safety, whether it’s being mindful of your surroundings, avoiding certain situations, or recognizing red flags in relationships. In this way, true-crime content can act as an informal form of education, keeping us not only entertained but also more prepared for the risks we may face in the real world.

The obsession with true crime isn’t likely to fade anytime soon. As long as these shows continue to blend storytelling with investigation, viewers will remain hooked by the appeal of solving mysteries and understanding the minds of criminals. Whether you’re simply enjoying the narrative or genuinely trying to solve the case yourself, the world of true crime encourages its viewers to engage, learn, and even become more cautious about our own security.

Blog#10 Influence of AI generated Images

Influence of AI generated Images

In our generation, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real from what’s fabricated, especially when it comes to photos. Thanks to AI technology, creating hyper-realistic images is now easier than ever. While this can be exciting for creative professionals and artists, it also raises serious concerns about misinformation, manipulation, and deception issues that can have real-world consequences.

Take, for instance, the image shown below. See how the woman looks real? She’s AI-generated. I had her generated on a website called Leonardo.Ai, all I simply asked was for the AI to generate a realistic looking woman. The most noticeable clue is how the AI made an error when creating her hands, giving her six fingers instead of five. This is one of the small but significant details that can reveal the artificial nature of an image.

Additionally, one of the most recent examples of AI-generated photos being used for malicious intent occurred during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton, where scammers created fake images of victims to trick people into donating to fraudulent charities. The images, which featured heart-wrenching scenes of dogs stranded on rooftops and children with their pets, quickly went viral. People, understandably moved by the emotional impact, shared these photos widely, unknowingly supporting fake causes. This incident highlights the darker side of AI-generated content and the growing need for skepticism when consuming visual media.

This isn’t the first time scammers have taken advantage of disaster relief efforts, but the use of AI-generated images has made the process way more convincing. Cybersecurity experts, like Marcus Sachs, warn that while technology has made it more difficult to hack into systems, scammers are now turning to more psychological tactics playing on emotions rather than vulnerabilities in hardware or software. (Cowell). The rise of deepfakes and AI-created content is not just an issue for charity scams, but for all types of media, from political manipulation to online harassment.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the consequences of these shady practices could be even more dangerous. The ability to manipulate public attitudes with realistic visuals could affect everything from how we view major global events to how we make decisions about donations and political stances. We should all take a step back before reacting to emotionally charged images, especially those shared in the aftermath of crises. Tools like fact-checking websites can help verify the authenticity of images, preventing us from falling victim to scams.

As AI-generated content becomes more wide-spread, we must remain cautious about the images and information we encounter daily. While AI offers exciting possibilities for development and creativity, it also carries risks, especially when used to deceive. The examples of charity scam during disasters illustrate just how powerful and manipulative these images can be. It’s crucial for us as consumers of media to adopt a more critical approach, questioning what we see and seeking verification from trusted sources. Through increased awareness and cautiousness can we protect ourselves and others from the growing threat of digital manipulation from AI.

Citations

Cowell, Noah. "AI Photos Created of Hurricane Victims in Disaster Relief Scam." WAFF 48 News, 9 Oct. 2024, https://www.waff.com/2024/10/10/ai-photos-created-hurricane-victims-disaster-relief-scam/.

Leonardo.AI. "Generated AI Image of a Woman." Leonardo.AI, 2024, https://app.leonardo.ai/.

Blog#9 Media influence

 Media influence

Media is everywhere... literally, it’s on our phones, in our conversations, and even in how we see ourselves. Since we started discussing the power of media in class, I’ve begun noticing just how much influence it holds over daily life, including my own. I’ve always known media is persuasive, but now I find myself analyzing it in ways I hadn’t before. For example, when I watch a YouTube ad or scroll through Instagram, I catch myself asking: What’s the message here? Did they say that on purpose? These moments of reflection have made me far more critical of what I consume, and it’s opened my eyes to the subtle ways media shapes my thoughts and behaviors.

One area where I’ve noticed this influence is in how news outlets frame their stories. A single event can be spun in completely different ways depending on the network or publication. For instance, I’ve started comparing headlines from multiple news sources to see how their language either emphasizes or downplays certain aspects of a story. It’s fascinating, and a little unsettling, to see how assumptions can shift public opinion. This has also made me more aware of how easy it is to spread misinformation. When my friends or family share news articles or information they've seen from a TikTok video, I often find myself checking the source or looking up additional facts before forming an opinion. It’s a habit I wouldn’t have picked up without taking the time to understand how media can manipulate our perception.

The effects of misinformation are far reaching, and the more I think about it, the more I realize just how much it impacts us. Misinformation isn’t just about getting a fact wrong, it’s about creating narratives that can lead to misunderstanding, mistrust, and even harm. For example, during the pandemic, false claims about treatments and vaccines spread like wildfire on social media. These claims didn’t just confuse people; they had real-world consequences, leading some to make dangerous decisions altogether. It’s crazy to think how a single viral post can have that much influence.

Platforms like TikTok and Twitter make it easier than ever for misinformation to spread. A well-crafted video with thousands of likes can seem credible, even if it’s far from the truth. I’ve noticed how quickly my friends or family will repost a post without stopping to question its accuracy. The thing is, we often believe things that align with our emotions or prexisting beliefs, which makes going against misinformation even more challenging. This is why critical thinking and fact-checking are so important in our age of information.

Additionally, one tool I’ve found useful in combating misinformation is Snopes, a website dedicated to fact-checking rumors, viral posts, and news claims. It’s honestly kinda fun to scroll through their trending page and see the kinds of stories that people are questioning or falling for. For instance, recent rumors include everything from Elon Musk allegedly buying McDonald’s to claims about compromised elections. These are the kinds of headlines that grab attention but often lack evidence.

What I like about Snopes is how thorough their investigations are. They break down the origins of a rumor, trace its spread, and provide evidence to confirm or debunk it, here you can find Snopes front page for more. Snopes.com

in conclusion, media shapes our perceptions in ways we often overlook, but by staying curious and questioning what we consume, we can claim control over its influence. With tools like Snopes and a critical mindset, we can navigate the flood of information more thoughtfully.

Citations

Nisa, Shams un. "The Media's Mighty Influence: Shaping Our Ever-Changing World." LinkedIn, 18 July 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/medias-mighty-influence-shaping-our-ever-changing-world-shams-un-nisa. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Snopes. Trending. Snopes Media Group, https://www.snopes.com/top/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Blog#7 Power of the Hashtag

 Power of the Hashtag

The hashtag # has become more than just a symbol, it’s a social trend shaping conversations, movements, and even identities. Did you know the hashtag was first officially used in 2009? Originally introduced on Twitter to categorize content, hashtags have grown into tools for activism, branding, and expression. Whether you're an active hashtag user or someone who just observes their influence like me, it’s impossible to deny their impact on modern communication.

Personally, I don’t use hashtags, but I see them everywhere. From trending topics like #ClimateProtest to fun ones like #ThrowbackThursday, hashtags rule social media, advertisements, and even casual conversations. They seem to act as shortcuts to larger conversations, allowing people to connect with global movements or share relatable moments in seconds.

One of the more interesting parts of hashtags is their role in bringing people together. Movements like #ClimateProtest showcase how people from different parts of the world can rally together for a common cause. Seeing these hashtags pop up in my feed, even without participating, makes me feel connected to the community. On the other side, hashtags can also just be a form of fun and friendly engagement. For example, #ThrowbackThursday offers a chance to share old memories, adding a playful side to social media interactions.

While I don’t use hashtags myself, I can appreciate their impact. They’ve become tools for expression, activism, and even branding, shaping how people communicate and connect online. Whether it’s creating a social movement or simply tagging a funny meme, the hashtag has transformed how we share ideas in this digital age.

Citations

Google. “#ThrowbackThursday.” Google Search, www.google.com. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Platform81. The History of the Hashtag: How One Symbol Changed How We Use Social Media. Platform81, www.platform81.com/the-history-of-the-hashtag-how-one-symbol-changed-how-we-use-social-media/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.