Discuss your use of social media in both a personal and professional context by selecting one example of each. How do the numerous avatars from the contexts relate to one another? How do they lend themselves to self-mythologizing? How closely related are these avatars to creation myths? Explain.

QUESTION

Please read the following JSTOR article:
Lord Ragland, “Myth and Ritual.”
Please view the following video on Netflix:

“Nosedive,” Black Mirror (Season 3, Episode 1).

Please view the following TED Talk:
Juan Enriquez, “Your Online Life, Permanent as a Tattoo.”

Please read the following articles on China’s “social credit system”:
Rachel Botsman, “Big Data Meets Big Brother as China Moves to Rate Its Citizens”- https://www.wired.co.uk/article/chinese-government-social-credit-score-privacy-invasion
Meg Jing Zeng, “China’s Social Credit System Puts Its People Under Pressure to Be Model Citizens”- https://theconversation.com/chinas-social-credit-system-puts-its-people-under-pressure-to-be-model-citizens-89963
Alexandra Ma, “China Has Started Ranking Citizens with a Creepy ‘Social Credit’ System—Here’s What You Can Do Wrong, and the Embarrassing, Demeaning Ways They Can Punish You.”
Discussions- https://www.businessinsider.com/china-social-credit-system-punishments-and-rewards-explained-2018-4

Technology: Role and Place
For this discussion, respond to two of the five prompts below:

1. Discuss your use of social media in both a personal and professional context by selecting one example of each. How do the numerous avatars from the contexts relate to one another? How do they lend themselves to self-mythologizing? How closely related are these avatars to creation myths? Explain.
2. Discuss how the internet is both a platform for belief and for ritual. Select at least four websites or forums with which you participate regularly, and evaluate your participation.
3. Discuss Juan Enriquez’s notion of “electronic tattoos” and their threat to privacy.
4. Summarize Ragland’s argument regarding the relationship between myth and ritual. How do these issues inform contemporary uses of technology? How is the ever-growing promise of technology’s possibilities mythic? Why does this understanding matter? Explain.
5. Select one of the three articles related to China’s proposed social credit system, and discuss potential impacts, either positive or negative. How realistic does Black Mirror’s “Nosedive” episode seem as an artistic rendering of such a future? Explain.

ANSWER

Technology and Society: Exploring the Role and Implications

Introduction

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, shaping the way we interact, communicate, and perceive the world. In this essay, we will delve into various aspects of technology and its impact on society, drawing insights from academic articles, a TED Talk, and the popular TV show Black Mirror. Specifically, we will discuss the use of social media, the internet as a platform for belief and ritual, the concept of “electronic tattoos” and privacy concerns, the relationship between myth and ritual, and the potential impacts of China’s social credit system.

 The Use of Social Media: Personal and Professional Contexts

In both personal and professional contexts, social media platforms play a significant role in shaping our digital identities and how we present ourselves to the world. For example, on Facebook, individuals often curate their personal profiles to project a desired image or narrative about their lives. This self-mythologizing aspect allows individuals to construct an idealized version of themselves, aligning with the concept of creating avatars.

In the professional context, platforms like LinkedIn serve as a digital resume, allowing individuals to showcase their achievements, skills, and professional network. These avatars created in different contexts may differ, but they are interconnected as they contribute to the overall narrative and perception of one’s identity.

The Internet as a Platform for Belief and Ritual

The internet not only serves as an information-sharing platform but also provides spaces for communities to form around shared beliefs and engage in virtual rituals. Online forums and websites cater to specific interests and ideologies, offering individuals a sense of belonging and connection. Participation in these communities can range from casual engagement to deep involvement, shaping beliefs and influencing behavior.

Evaluation of participation on websites or forums depends on individual experiences and preferences. It is essential to critically assess the credibility of information, engage in meaningful discourse, and be mindful of the potential impact on one’s beliefs and attitudes.

“Electronic Tattoos” and Privacy Concerns

Juan Enriquez’s TED Talk highlights the concept of “electronic tattoos” that are permanently imprinted on the internet, posing threats to privacy. These digital footprints, consisting of personal information and online activities, have lasting consequences. The ease of accessing and aggregating such data can lead to privacy breaches, surveillance, and the manipulation of personal information for various purposes.

Protecting privacy in the digital age requires conscious efforts, such as understanding and utilizing privacy settings, being mindful of the information shared online, and advocating for robust data protection regulations.

Ragland’s Argument on Myth and Ritual

Ragland’s exploration of the relationship between myth and ritual is relevant to contemporary technology use. Myth and ritual provide narratives and practices that shape our understanding of the world and guide our behaviors. Similarly, the ever-growing promise of technology’s possibilities can be seen as mythic, evoking visions of a utopian future where all problems are solved.

Understanding the mythic nature of technological promises is crucial to approach technology with a critical mindset, ensuring that expectations are grounded in reality and potential risks are considered.

China’s Social Credit System: Impacts and Black Mirror’s “Nosedive”

China’s social credit system, as discussed in the provided articles, has the potential to impact society positively or negatively. It aims to incentivize responsible behavior while penalizing undesirable actions. The system’s implications include enhanced social cohesion, reduced crime rates, and improved trust in society. However, concerns over privacy, surveillance, and the potential for abuse raise ethical questions.

Black Mirror’s “Nosedive” episode provides an artistic rendering of a society heavily influenced by a social credit system. While the episode may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, it highlights the possible consequences of a surveillance-based social ranking system.

Conclusion

Technology plays a significant role in shaping our society and individual lives. Exploring the multifaceted nature of technology, from social media usage to privacy concerns and societal implications, is essential for understanding its impact. By critically examining these issues, we can navigate the complexities of technological advancements and make informed decisions that align with our values and societal well-being.

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