Thank You for Smoking - Blog #3

Nick Naylor, the charming tobacco lobbyist in Thank You for Smoking, isn’t your usual villain. He never lights up on screen. Instead, he wins people over with words, debates, and clever arguments, which makes him even more unsettling. Watching him made me ask myself a tough question: Could I do what he does? The movie is funny, but underneath the humor is a serious ethical issue: what responsibility do we have to the public when we’re paid to promote things that can hurt them?

Honestly, if someone offered me $100,000 a year, I’d have to think about it. If it were $200,000, I’d think even longer, and that hesitation means something. The money doesn’t make the harm go away; it just makes it harder to listen to my conscience. I know a former student who now works in marketing for RJ Reynolds’ Vuse vape line, and I understand why it’s attractive. It’s a real job, not in the cigarette division, the product is legal, and the benefits are good. But Vuse is marketed in ways that have led millions of teenagers to get addicted to nicotine. According to the CDC, e-cigarettes are still the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students, with about 2.25 million young people using them as of 2023 (CDC, 2023). Just because you’re not directly causing harm doesn’t mean you’re not involved.

The film suggests digitally removing cigarettes from the hands of actors like Bogart and Bacall in old movies. I’m strongly against this. Changing historical art to match today’s standards feels dishonest. Those films were made in a specific time and place. Taking out the cigarettes doesn’t erase the era; it just changes the record. Tobacco companies would actually benefit from this kind of editing because it makes the past look cleaner than it really was, even though the industry spent years hiding what it knew about cancer. If we want to teach people about the history of tobacco advertising, it’s better to show the original films.

The reporter in the film, Heather Holloway, turns out to be more complicated than she first appears. She seduced Naylor to get information and then published it, which clearly breaks journalistic ethics. Still, the facts she uncovered were true. The industry really did the secretive things she described. Her methods were wrong, but her belief that the public deserved to know was not. This kind of tension is common in investigative journalism, and the movie makes sure viewers notice it. Being right doesn’t always justify how you get there.

The film also asks a bigger question: why doesn’t the federal government just ban all ads for harmful products like tobacco and alcohol? The answer comes down to the First Amendment. Commercial speech is protected by the Constitution, though not as much as political speech, and the Supreme Court uses a multi-part test (the Central Hudsontest) to decide when restrictions are allowed. The government must have a strong reason, the rule must directly support that reason, and it has to be narrowly focused (Central Hudson Gas v. PSC, 447 U.S. 557, 1980). Alcohol ads are limited but not banned, and cigarette ads have been off broadcast TV since the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1970. Legally, a total ban is possible in some cases. Ethically, I would support stronger limits on ads for things like tobacco that target minors, especially on social media, since that’s where most young people see them now.

Marijuana advertising is where all these issues come together. Cannabis is still a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, but in states like Colorado it is sold legally and advertised openly on billboards, in magazines, and online. When that advertising crosses state lines, like when a Colorado dispensary's Instagram post reaches a teenager in North Carolina where marijuana is not legal, it creates a real legal puzzle. The FTC and FCC are not eager to regulate it aggressively, and state attorneys general have little power over digital publishers from other states (Marijuana Policy Project, Advertising Guidelines). I don’t think those advertisers should be criminally punished for appearing in states where marijuana is illegal, since the internet doesn’t have state borders. But I do think it’s time for federal rescheduling and a unified national advertising framework.

           Nick Naylor wins almost every argument he enters, and the movie asks us to notice that winning arguments is not the same as being right. Vice advertising — whether it hawks cigarettes, vodka, sports betting apps, or vape pens — operates inside a legal framework that permits a great deal. The ethical question is what we do with that permission. The law sets a floor, not a ceiling. Just because you can doesn't mean you should, and a paycheck, however generous, does not resolve that tension. It simply raises the price of ignoring it.

How AI is Going to Impact My Future - Blog #4

 As a double major in social media and digital communications and dance, I am aware that artificial intelligence is already significantly influencing both of my future fields of study. AI is already transforming the production, distribution, and analysis of content in social media. Platforms employ algorithms to determine what users see, and artificial intelligence tools are now so advanced that they able to edit films, create captions, examine engagement data, and even forecast trends now. 

In order to target certain audiences, customize content, and enhance brand strategy, experts in this sector will need to learn how to deal with AI in the future. AI will probably improve creativity rather than replace it by freeing up time for monotonous work and enabling creators to concentrate more on strategy and narrative.

AI may initially appear less evident in dance, but its impact is expanding. AI-generated music, virtual choreographic tools, and motion-capture technologies are extending the potential of training and performance. Apps with AI capabilities can be used by dancers to assess technique, enhance alignment, and avoid injuries. These days, social media is also very important for dance careers. By determining what content works best and when to share it, AI can assist dancers in developing their personal brands.

AI has the potential to be one of my most useful tools for my future profession. I could utilize AI to market myself, expand my audience, edit dance reels effectively, and examine engagement statistics to make better judgments as someone who want to integrate performance with digital media. AI will probably change employment rather than replace them, which will increase the value of flexibility and innovation. I believe I can stand out, work more productively, and have a long-lasting career in both industries if I can strategically apply AI.

Privacy in the Digital Age: Are We Really in Control? - Blog #3

 

In all honesty, the privacy-related TED Talks this week made me uneasy—not in a dramatic sense, but in a very real, everyday way. Although we typically consider privacy infractions to be severe, such as identity theft or hacking, the discussions demonstrated how much of our personal data is continuously gathered, examined, and profited from without our conscious awareness. It goes beyond what we post. It concerns our clicks, our movements, our interactions, and even the duration of our pauses. That information creates a profile of us that may be exploited to shape our thoughts, our purchases, and even what we see.

The way businesses like Facebook (now a part of Meta Platforms) collect vast amounts of personal data was one of the main concerns brought up. We are feeding algorithms even when we believe we are simply scrolling for fun. The fact that this data is shared, sold, and occasionally made public really caught my attention. You can't truly take back your information once it's out there, and data breaches happen frequently. That's the reason it's so scary. It is both permanent and imperceptible.

My friends and I are undoubtedly impacted by these problems. Since we grew up online, sharing seems natural to us. It's commonplace to post whereabouts, tag friends, and use applications that monitor everything from spending to sleep. However, the conversations helped me to see how exposed we are. Even if my family doesn't use the internet as much, they still use streaming services, smartphones, and online banking, all of which gather data. Privacy is a problem that affects everyone, not just "young people on social media."

I believe that more should be done by the government to control how businesses gather and use data. Laws pertaining to consent should be more transparent, and businesses that exploit information should face harsher sanctions. The majority of consumers simply click "agree" with lengthy and unclear privacy regulations at the moment. Meaningful consent shouldn't include that.

However, we also bear accountability. We can use two-factor authentication, create stronger passwords, limit what we post, change privacy settings, and be more selective about the apps we download. Since technology is here to stay, it is imperative that we understand how to defend ourselves. Not only did these TED Talks educate me, but they also increased my awareness of the need to actively protect privacy in the digital age.

Eight Values of Free Expression - Blog Post #2

The First Amendment took a long time to make, and it wasn't easy. It took about two hundred years for it to happen. During this time, arguments, deals, and changing political ideals slowly shaped the freedoms we enjoy today. In the end, these amendments served to clarify the relationship between the government and the people, especially when it comes to free speech and individual rights.

The First Amendment started to take shape as the Constitution was being written. Slavery was one of the most controversial problems for the states at this period. There were several concessions between Northern and Southern states since they couldn't agree on how to count enslaved individuals. These agreements decided how enslaved people would be counted when it came to representation and political power. This had an effect on future arguments over rights and equality in the country.

Even though the Constitution was legally enacted in 1789, many Americans were unhappy with it since it didn't clearly safeguard individual rights. People like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were quite vociferous about this topic. They said that without a Bill of Rights, the government could go too far and hurt people. Madison's ideas, in particular, became very important to the growth of free speech and the safeguards we now think of as the First Amendment.

Scholars came up with the Eight Values of Free Expression to help people understand why freedom of expression is so vital. These beliefs elucidate the importance of permitting individuals to freely express ideas, opinions, and feelings within a democratic society.

The Marketplace of Ideas 

The Marketplace of Ideas is one of the most well-known ideals. It says that the truth is most likely to come out when ideas are allowed to compete with each other. Debate and discussion help people get rid of faulty beliefs and accept stronger, more accurate ones. This ongoing interaction makes society's understanding of the truth stronger as a whole.

John Milton was the first to say this idea. He fought for free speech by resisting the government's licensing of printed publications. His argument stressed the importance of being responsible while also protecting people from libel, which is when false statements are made as if they are true. This value is especially important on social media these days. There is a lot of inaccurate information, confusing content, and hurtful remarks on social media, but the Marketplace of Ideas believes that free discussion can bring out the truth and keep people safe from lies that aren't vetted.

Participation in Self-Government 

Participation in Self-Government is another important value. It says that people can't make good political decisions if they can't speak freely. Free speech lets voters hear what candidates have to say, think about their policies, and join in on political debates. This value is very clear in today's elections, when journalists, analysts, and fact-checkers work to check claims and keep the public informed. Access to information is important, especially in presidential elections, because the choices made in those elections will affect the destiny of the country.

Stable Change 

Stable Change's main goal is to let those who are unhappy or on the outside express themselves calmly instead of using violence. The government can better understand social tensions and act before they get worse by letting people speak their minds. This value is still important today since people from other countries come to the United States looking for safety and a better life. Many people feel alone or out of place, and being able to freely express themselves helps them voice their concerns, share their experiences, and fit in with society better.

Individual Self-Government 

Individual self-fulfillment is one of the most important ideals to me. This theory says that free speech is important for human dignity because it lets people find out who they are and say what they believe. People utilize speech to say who they are, whether it's through protests, art, or social media. Being able to say what I think is a big part of who I am, especially in creative and professional settings where ideas are crucial.

Check on Governmental Power 
Another important value is the Check on Governmental Power. A free press lets people find out about and understand abuses of power, which helps voters make smart decisions. This way, the public plays an active role in the system of checks and balances. Without this protection, the power of the government could develop unrestrained, which could be bad for democracy and people's rights.

Promoting Tolerance

Promoting Tolerance understands that preserving speech, especially speech that is hurtful or contentious, can help society grow more tolerant over time. People are forced to think critically and learn from their differences when they are exposed to different points of view. There is a lot of talk about hate speech these days, and sites like Facebook, X, and YouTube are working to get rid of dangerous information, especially in Europe. People in the United States are still talking about where to draw the line between safety and danger.

Promoting Innovation 

Promoting Innovation shows how free speech leads to new ideas and progress. When people are free to share their thoughts, civilizations become more creative and dynamic. I agree with this concept when I'm in a team, like my basketball team, where talking openly and sharing ideas makes working together easier and more successful.

Protect Dissent 

Lastly, Protecting Dissent makes sure that unpopular and minority views are protected. The First Amendment protects the right to speak out against the government, which is not only allowed but also important in a democracy. Dissent not only checks the power of the government, but it also stops authority from becoming absolute and strengthens the belief that people have both the right and the duty to criticize actions they think are wrong.

My Top 5 News Sources - Blog Post #1

 It doesn't have to be hard or boring to stay up to date on current events. There is so much news coming in all the time that it's important to locate sources that are trustworthy, interesting, and worth your time. These are my top five news sources, the ones I check every day to remain up to date on anything from breaking news to culture and trends. These recommendations have a mix of reliability, viewpoint, and accessibility, so they are good for both news junkies and anyone who just want a fast, reliable look at what's going on in the world today.

News Source #1 - Instagram 

Instagram is a terrific way to get news since it gives you information rapidly in a style that is easy to understand and fits into your daily life. Users may stay up to current on breaking news, social concerns, and worldwide events through postings, stories, and reels. They can also see real-time views from journalists, organizations, and people on the ground. The site helps people share different points of view and get updates right away, which makes news more interesting and easier to understand, especially for younger people who like short, visual stories over traditional news sources.

News Source #2 - Tik Tok

TikTok is a great source of news since it delivers information in short, interesting movies that make hard-to-understand issues easy to understand. Creators, journalists, and specialists talk about current events, politics, and social concerns in a way that makes them easier to understand and less scary. Its algorithm also shows users a lot of different points of view and keeps them up to speed on the latest news, giving TikTok a great way to remain up to date on hot stories and events as they happen.

News Source #3 - Google 

Google is a great news source because it brings together information from countless reputable outlets in one convenient place. Users can rapidly find breaking news articles, see other points of view, and learn more about issues they care about using tools like Google News and real-time search results. You may easily remain up to date on your special interests with its customization choices. The news is always timely, reliable, and easy to find.

News Source #4 - Fox News

Fox News is a popular news source since it always covers national and worldwide events from a conservative point of view. It appeals to people who like opinion-based commentary combined with breaking news since it gives clear opinions on politics, economy, and cultural topics. Many people watch Fox News to be informed and get insight that fits with their values and beliefs.

News Source #5 - Family and Friends 

Friends and family can be a good source of news because they talk to each other and share their own experiences. News that originates from people you know and respect typically feels more real and trustworthy this way. They also assist give background, viewpoints, and local knowledge that you might not find in regular news sources.