EOTO 1 Presentations: What I Learned

    After listening to everyone's presentations, one that stuck out to me was the history of social media. I use social media every single day, and was not aware of the history behind it. To begin, social media is a very large part of our society today. It is used for entertainment, marketing, business, communications, and so much more. More than half of the global population is on social media and constantly using it. Social media will be in our lives for the rest of time. 

    During this presentation, we learned about the history of Facebook and Instagram. These are two of the most popular social media platforms today. Starting with Facebook, it was founded in 2004 by Zuckerberg, Saverin, Moskovitz, and Hughes. In the beginning, it was used to let Harvard students rate female attractiveness. That didn't work well, so it was then turned into Facebook.com. It was initially only for students who attended Harvard to share information, photos, and schedules. Then, it expanded to Yale, Stanford, and other similar universities. By June 2004, 25,000 students from 24 universities had joined Facebook. 

    We then learned about the history of Instagram. It launched in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Instagram was created to share photos and experiences in an easier way. It prioritized images over text as people shared their posts. Instagram gained popularity for its sharing focus and photo filters. Photo filters used to be very popular in posts, as they elevated them immensley. Eventually, influencers became a trend on Instagram. Influencers posted brands, products, and services on their accounts, gained large followings, and made millions. Instagram transformed marketing strategies and digital advertising, changing the game in these fields. This is still one of the most popular platforms today, with top influencers achieving great wealth and success.  

EOTO 1: The Invention of Personal Computers

    

    When I started researching the invention of personal computers, I had no idea how fascinating the story would be. What I found was not just a tale of tech innovation, but one of risk, creativity, and a few unexpected twists along the way. At the center of it all was a man named Henry Edward Roberts. Roberts wasn’t just an engineer — he was also an entrepreneur and even a medical doctor at one point. Back in 1975, he built the first commercially successful personal computer, a moment that quietly set the stage for the digital world we know today. A few years earlier, in 1970, he had started a company called MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems). At first, they sold pocket calculator kits, but with bigger competitors driving prices down, Roberts found himself deep in debt. Instead of giving up, he decided to take a gamble. He shifted gears and started designing affordable computer kits for hobbyists. He called his creation "the ultimate gadget," and it turned out he was onto something big. One of these kits, the Altair 8800, didn’t even have a display screen, but it still caught the attention of two young programmers you’ve probably heard of: Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

    Gates and Allen saw huge potential in Roberts' Altair. They developed software for it, a programming language called Microsoft BASIC, which became the very first product of what would grow into Microsoft. It’s wild to think about, but this little hobbyist computer was the spark that helped ignite the software giant we know today. Of course, the story didn’t stay smooth. Gates and Allen eventually clashed with Roberts when they started selling their software to MITS’ competitors. Not long after, in 1977, Roberts decided it was time to step away from the tech world. He sold MITS for $2 million and went back to Georgia to live a simpler life as a farmer. Who would have thought he would go from computers to farming? 

   

     Roberts' invention had already started something that couldn’t be undone. The personal computer has completely transformed our lives. It’s changed the way we work, learn, and connect with each other. PCs opened the door to email, social media, and online communities. They created millions of jobs and gave rise to entire industries like digital entertainment, gaming, and streaming. On the flip side, personal computers have also brought some challenges. Issues like screen-related health problems, online addiction, cybercrime, privacy concerns, and even social isolation are all part of the story too. Technology always comes with a balance of good and bad, and the PC is no exception.

   Still, it’s amazing to think about how one person’s idea to build a simple, affordable computer could spark such a massive shift in the world. Henry Edward Roberts might have left the tech scene behind, but the impact of his invention is everywhere — from our classrooms and offices to the very devices we’re reading this on today. I found this research to be very interesting. Prior, I did not have any knowledge of the invention of the personal computer. 

The Eight Values of Free Expression

    In class, we have discussed how important it is to be able to express your own opinions. The First Amendment plays a large role, as we have freedom of speech. The Eight Values of Free Expression explain why freedom of speech is essential in our democratic society. I have enjoyed learning more about these eight values, which are Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, Check on Government Power, Promoting Tolerance, Encouraging Innovation, and Protecting Dissent. After learning about each one, I find two values specifically important to me. 

    To begin, I find Participation in Self-Government to be very important. This principle argues that citizens need to be informed and able to discuss/criticize government policies and actions. I believe that it is very important for Americans to be aware of what is going on within our government and country. Decisions are best made when people have access to this information and provide diverse opinions and perspectives. Without the freedom to speak or protest, our democracy wouldn't be all that it could be. This leads to a healthier and fair society and community. Our democracy gives power to the people by allowing us to participate in the decision making process. Without our voice or opinions, this would not be possible for us as citizens. We recently had a presidential election, in 2024. President Donald Trump made a comeback by defeating Kamala Harris. Donald Trump received 312 electoral votes, while Harris received 226. Trump passed the 270 votes he needed to achieve his victory. Without our citizens voices and opinions, this would not have been possible. This election was greatly influenced by economic concerns and very strategic campaign decisions on Donald Trumps part. Our voices played a large role in this election. 

    In addition, I find Protect Dissent to be very important, as well. This value explains the importance of the right to disagree with the government and our society. Have you ever been uncomfortable or scared because you didn't have the same views as your best friend or a family member? You should not feel this way. Everyone has the right to believe what they chose, and no one should be punished for feeling that type of way. The day after the 2024 election, I posted the results of Trumps victory on my Instagram story. It received many likes, but also some hate. I lost many followers. I felt like I had done something wrong and I felt insecure. I immediately deleted the post, as I felt uncomfortable. My parents have always told me not to post politics, so this was a new feeling for me. People I had known for years unfollowed me over one post. It was very hurtful that I lost these friends over a political post. Why can't we keep our beliefs out of our friendships. Friendships are so much for than that. In the end, you should believe what you believe and not let anyone tell you otherwise. 

    I strongly emphasize the importance of Participation in Self-Government and Protecting Dissent. Citizens must stay informed about our government policies and care about a healthy democracy. Our citizens play a very crucial role. In addition, your right to disagree with the government and societal norms is a important right that we all have and need to work on understanding. Stay true to your beliefs and do not let differing views and opinions ruin friendships or families. 

The Supreme Court

    Throughout my four years of high school, I learned about the Supreme Court, but not in much detail. For example, the Supreme Court has nine justices. It primarily serves as an appellate court, reviewing lower court decisions. 

    While watching these videos, there are a few things that I learned that I would like to touch on. To begin, the Supreme Court is the most powerful judicial body on earth. For example, they reach their decisions in private, they are quiet, their power rests on public faith in their independence and impartiality.  In American history, there have been over a hundred Supreme Court Justices. They serve an average of sixteen years. Next, I learned that there is a statue of John Marshall in today's court building. On the statue, is inscribed the words of his opinion in the case of Marbury vs. Madison. The statue says, "We must never forget it is a constitution we are expounding." This statue has great meaning, and is an important part of the Supreme Court today. Lastly, I learned about Dred Scott, who was a Missouri slave. This was one of the biggest issues in American history. He claimed his freedom under an act of congress. 

    In the end, I recognized one important key take away about the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court plays a very crucial role in interpreting the constitution. Not only does it interpret the constitution, but it makes decisions that greatly impacts our laws and society. Their decisions shape the legal side of our country. The Supreme Court has the power to determine our laws. In addition, I was surprised to learn that Supreme Court Justices serve for life, unless they chose to retire. I had not learned this part in the past, which is why I was shocked to learn about it from these two videos. Each Supreme Court Justice has a long lasting impact on our countries law and society. Lastly, these two video changed how I view the Supreme Court. I did not realize all that the Supreme Court has control of. I now have great respect for it, as I view all that they do. I see them as being necessary and making right decisions, most of the time. These videos taught be many new things that I did not know before and I enjoyed learning more about the Supreme Court, as it plays a large part in our country. 

My Top 5 News Sources

 1. Tik Tok  

    I get most of my news from TikTok. I find myself scrolling on my FYP most days. TikTok is a great place to get news from because you are able to get fast and frequent updates. In addition, it is a great way to get different perspectives from people who are posting about certain topics going on around the world. Many TikTok users share footage from first hand experiences and it is a great way to see different points of view. Lastly, TikTok curates news based on what I am interested in. It adds things to my FYP that I will want to watch and learn about. This is a more entertaining way to get news. 

2. Fox News     

    I enjoy watching Fox News for several reasons. First, it has a wide reach and influence. Fox News is one of the most watched news networks. There is a reason for that. I feel as if I can trust their facts and learn new things every time I watch it. My parents always watch Fox News and have since I was little. They are the reason I watch it. I like that Fox offers a mix of news and opinion based shows. It gives multiple view points, which I think is very important. Lastly, Fox News is always quick to report on important events happening around the globe. 

3. My Parents 

    I talk to my parents at least once a day on the phone. I always ask them if there are any news updates that they have seen, since I am not always able to keep up with the news. This is beneficial for several reasons. To begin, I trust my parent's perspectives. We agree on most things and have the same view points. My parents were born in a different generation. They offer view points and insights that are interesting to me and great to learn from. They share news with me that they think is important, instead of random things that aren't relevant to what is going on around us. Lastly, hearing news from my parents forces us to have a conversation about it, which furthers my understanding and opinions. 

4. Wall Street Journal 

    Wall Street Journal is a great news source. This has been a trusted news source since 1889. WSJ is a the best place to find economic news. This includes things like stock market, corporate news/insights, trade, global markets, and much more. My parents got me to start watching this news source as I saw them watching it at home. Their facts are very well researched and trust worthy. Not only do they provide facts, but they also provide details. That is very important to know when watching the news. They are known for sharing stories that are being investigated, as well as scandals and government affairs. If you enjoy learning about these things, this is the news source for you!

5. Newsmax 

    I just recently started checking Newsmax for news. I like the conservative aspect to it, in addition to other reasons. They report very current events through a viewpoint that I understand. Newsmax speaks mostly about politics and global affairs. I/m not very big on politics, but when I want to learn more this is where I go. This is a free source online and on cable. That is important for college students. There is no subscription needed. In addition, they feature commentators who give strong viewpoints. This makes debates possible and interesting. All of their stories are recent, relevant, and trustworthy. I find this all to be entertaining. They criticize mainstream media, offering "unfiltered" news.