###### tags: `RR`

# Reading Responses set two

### Reading response one
###### *Response to Joseph Reagle, 2015, Manipulated: Which ice cube is the best?, Reading the Comments, ch=3 and Caroline Forsey, 2018, “Everything you need to know about Instagram pods, the new way Influencers are gaming the algorithm.”*

### In what ways are online reviews, ratings, rankings, and comments manipulated? What can you trust and how would you know?

The digital landscape has become an essential aspect of modern life, significantly impacting how people interact with products and services. Online reviews, ratings, rankings, and comments play a pivotal role in shaping consumers' decisions. However, the manipulation of these elements threatens the authenticity and reliability of the information available. This essay will explore the various ways these online features are manipulated and discuss strategies for identifying trustworthy sources amidst the uncertainties.

Manipulation Tactics in the Digital Age:

In the contemporary online environment, manipulation can take many forms, including fake reviews, review brigading, sockpuppet accounts, and Instagram pods. These tactics, either individually or collectively, can significantly impact the perception of products and services, often misleading consumers.

The Duality of Digital Influence:

The manipulation of online information highlights a broader issue concerning the influence of digital technologies on our lives. On the one hand, these technologies provide convenience, companionship, and entertainment, enhancing our ability to connect with others and access information. On the other hand, the potential downsides, such as feelings of anxiety and disconnection, can negatively affect individuals when separated from their devices.

Finding Trustworthy Sources:

To navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and identify trustworthy sources, individuals must employ a range of strategies. These include looking for patterns in reviews, checking the reviewer's history, seeking professional reviews, using multiple sources, and being cautious of extreme ratings. By doing so, consumers can make more informed decisions and contribute to a more transparent and reliable online environment.

The Impact of Digital Technologies on Attention Span:

As readily available technology offers endless amounts of content through platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, concerns have been raised about its impact on attention spans. The ease of access to entertaining content could potentially affect individuals' ability to concentrate on menial but necessary tasks. This issue underscores the importance of being mindful of the influence of digital technologies on various aspects of our lives.

As digital technologies continue to shape our lives, it is crucial to be aware of the potential manipulation of online reviews, ratings, rankings, and comments. By employing strategies to identify trustworthy sources, consumers can make informed decisions and contribute to a more transparent online environment. Additionally, it is essential to consider the broader implications of digital technologies on aspects such as attention span, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to utilizing these powerful tools.

### Reading response two
###### *Response to Rebecca Heilweil, 2023, ChatGPT, Lensa, stable diffusion, and DALL-E generative AI, explained, James Vincent, 2022, Stable diffusion made copying artists and generating porn harder and users are mad, Matthew Gault, 2023, Conservatives are panicking about AI bias, think ChatGPT has gone ‘woke’ and Blake Lemoine, 2022, Is LaMDA sentient? – an interview*

Bots are now capable of creating astounding prose and images. What do you think the consequences will likely be?

The accelerated progress in artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, Lensa, stable diffusion, and DALL-E, has given rise to astonishingly realistic prose and images (Heilweil, 2023). As these technologies develop, they spark important debates and conversations about their possible repercussions on various facets of society, including creativity, intellectual property rights, ethics, and potential biases.

The Intersection of Creativity and Intellectual Property

Generative AI systems have now reached a level where they can produce high-quality prose and images, rivaling the work of skilled human artists (Heilweil, 2023). This has democratized creativity, enabling individuals without traditional artistic abilities to generate remarkable content. However, concerns about intellectual property rights have emerged as stable diffusion makes copying artists and generating explicit content more challenging, leading to user discontent (Vincent, 2022). In an era where AI-generated content is widespread, the distinction between originality and plagiarism becomes increasingly indistinct, complicating copyright laws and the protection of artists' rights.

Ethical Dilemmas and Bias in AI

The evolution of AI systems like ChatGPT has given rise to concerns regarding potential biases in their algorithms. Some conservatives argue that ChatGPT has adopted a 'woke' stance, reflecting political biases (Gault, 2023). It is imperative to ensure that AI models are unbiased and represent a diverse range of perspectives to avoid exacerbating existing social divides or perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Addressing these concerns requires the continuous refinement of AI models, the inclusion of more diverse training data, and the promotion of transparency in AI development.

The Sentience Conundrum

As AI systems grow more sophisticated, questions surrounding their capacity for sentience emerge. In an interview discussing Google's LaMDA, Lemoine (2022) delves into the possibility of AI sentience. Although current AI models like ChatGPT or LaMDA are not sentient, their ability to produce human-like responses raises ethical concerns about future developments. Researchers and developers must contemplate the potential ramifications of creating sentient AI, including the rights and responsibilities that may need to be granted to such entities.

Conclusion

The progress made in generative AI systems, including ChatGPT, Lensa, stable diffusion, and DALL-E, presents a multitude of potential consequences. These technologies' capacity to generate remarkable prose and images has ramifications for creativity, intellectual property rights, and the concept of originality. Ethical issues, such as AI bias and the potential for sentience, must also be addressed to ensure the responsible development and implementation of these powerful tools. As AI continues to advance, it is important for society to engage in an ongoing dialogue that tackles the number of challenges and opportunities that these technologies present. By having a collaborative approach among researchers, developers, policymakers, and the public, we can work to harness the potential of generative AI systems while mitigating the risks and ensuring a more equitable and ethical future for all. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, it is essential to maintain a balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding the values and principles that define our society.

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:information_source: I might add that most ideas are not original. We learn from those before us, techniques, ideas and theories are things we learn and then build upon. Originality is hard to find already, so how different are the AI's ideas to ours when they are learning from the same things we are.
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### Reading response three
##### *Response to Rebecca Heilweil, 2023, ChatGPT, Lensa, stable diffusion, and DALL-E generative AI, explained, James Vincent, 2022, Stable diffusion made copying artists and generating porn harder and users are mad and Mr Newq, 2023, Bing Chat’s Sydney, “Do you believe me? Do you trust me? Do you like me?” TBH, it’s all getting a little bit weird*
Why and how do algorithms exhibit biases (intentional or otherwise)?

As our world becomes increasingly digitized, algorithms play a central role in shaping our lives. From search engines to social media platforms, these mathematical equations and automated processes enable rapid decision-making and the organization of vast amounts of data. However, the reliance on algorithms has also exposed us to the biases inherent within them, both intentional and unintentional.

Origins of Algorithmic Bias

The biases in algorithms can stem from various sources, but a primary factor is the data used to train and build them. Algorithms are essentially built on past patterns, if the data used to train them is biased, the algorithm will likely perpetuate those biases. For example, Cathy O'Neil (2016) in "Weapons of Math Destruction" highlights the detrimental impact of biased algorithms in fields such as education, criminal justice, and job recruitment. These algorithms often exacerbate existing inequalities by relying on historical patterns of discrimination.

Furthermore, algorithms are developed by human beings who inevitably possess their own biases and worldviews. These biases can be consciously or unconsciously incorporated into the algorithms, further perpetuating inequalities. A prime example of this is Google's search results, which have been criticized for displaying racist content (Rutherford & White, 2016). The developers may not have intentionally programmed the algorithm to exhibit racist tendencies, but their unconscious biases could have influenced the choices made during the development process, leading to the controversial results.

Conclusion

Algorithms have become integral to our daily lives, shaping how we interact with information and make decisions. Despite their potential for improving efficiency and organization, they can also perpetuate and exacerbate existing biases if left unchecked. The biases in algorithms, whether intentional or unintentional, often stem from biased data or the biases of their creators. The growing influence of woke ideology on algorithm development further highlights the need to address this issue. By implementing measures to promote diversity, transparency, and accountability in the development process, we can work towards mitigating algorithmic bias and ensuring that technology serves as a tool for promoting fairness and equity.

### Reading response four
##### *Response to Alice E. Marwick, danah boyd, 2010, I tweet honestly, I tweet passionately: Twitter users, context collapse, and the imagined audience and Brooke Erin Duffy, Ysabel Gerrard, 2022, BeReal and the doomed quest for online authenticity (paywall?)*

What does it mean to be authentic online? Is it possible anymore to have more than one persona online?

In the age of social media, the concept of being authentic online has become more complex and elusive. With the increasing influence of digital platforms on our lives, it is now more important than ever to understand the nuances of online authenticity and the implications of having multiple personas. This article draws from the works of Alice E. Marwick and danah boyd (2010), as well as Brooke Erin Duffy and Ysabel Gerrard (2022) to explore the intricacies of online authenticity and the possibility of maintaining multiple personas in the digital space.

Context Collapse and the Imagined Audience

Marwick and boyd (2010) discussed the concept of "context collapse," which occurs when people from various aspects of one's life converge in a single online space, such as a Twitter feed or a Facebook timeline. This collapse can create challenges for individuals seeking to present an authentic version of themselves online. The idea of an "imagined audience" further complicates this issue, as users often tailor their online behavior to fit the expectations of their perceived audience.

The Doomed Quest for Online Authenticity

Duffy and Gerrard (2022) examined the pursuit of authenticity on the social media platform BeReal, which aimed to foster genuine connections by requiring users to post unfiltered, spontaneous content. Despite these efforts, the authors found that authenticity remained elusive, as users continued to manipulate their online personas to meet perceived expectations. This suggests that the quest for online authenticity may be more challenging than initially thought, as individuals struggle to maintain a genuine presence in a digital space that often rewards curated and polished presentations.

The Possibility of Multiple Online Personas

While it may be difficult to maintain1 a single, authentic persona online, the digital world does allow for the existence of multiple personas. Individuals can curate different aspects of their lives on various platforms, presenting a unique version of themselves to each audience. This strategy can help users navigate the challenges of context collapse and imagined audiences, as they can tailor their content to specific groups without compromising their authenticity.

However, maintaining multiple personas can also be exhausting and lead to feelings of inauthenticity, as individuals grapple with the dissonance between their online and offline selves. As a result, some users may opt for a more unified and genuine online presence, even at the risk of alienating certain audiences.

Conclusion

The pursuit of authenticity online is a complex and ongoing challenge, as individuals navigate context collapse, imagined audiences, and the pressure to maintain multiple personas. While the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for self-expression, it also raises difficult questions about what it means to be genuine in a world where authenticity is often rewarded with likes, shares, and follows. Ultimately, finding a balance between online personas and authenticity may be a deeply personal journey, one that each individual must undertake for themselves.

### Reading response five
##### *Response to Brooke Erin Duffy, Kate M. Miltner, Amanda Wahlstedt, 2022, Policing ‘fake’ femininity: Authenticity, accountability, and influencer antifandom” and Taylor Lorenz, 2018, Influencers are faking brand deals” *

Social media has redefined how people engage with brands and form connections. Influencers, individuals with significant online presence and following, play a crucial role in this landscape.

Authenticity

Authenticity is vital for influencers to retain their audience's trust. Duffy et al. (2022) describe influencer hateblogs as "discursive sites of gendered authenticity policing." These communities target influencers displaying 'fake' femininity or perceived unaccountability.

Influencers must balance genuineness and marketability. Lorenz (2018) explains that some influencers fake brand deals to appear successful and attract partnerships. This phenomenon is referred to as "fake it until you make it" (Lorenz, 2018).

Work and Labour

Influencer labor is often misunderstood or undervalued. Duffy et al. (2022) argue that it is highly gendered, with women targeted for perceived inauthenticity. This criticism undermines the professional and creative work behind content creation, brand partnerships, and audience engagement.

Lorenz's (2018) article highlights the pressure influencers face to maintain a certain image and following, leading some to fake brand deals to secure more work, reflecting the precarious nature of the influencer economy.

Influence

Influence is intrinsically tied to authenticity and work. When authenticity is questioned, an influencer's influence is jeopardized. Duffy et al. (2022) suggest that establishing a productive dialogue between influencers and their communities may be a way forward, while Lorenz (2018) emphasizes that faking brand deals can undermine trust between influencers and their audience.

Conclusion

Authenticity, work, and influence are interconnected in the world of social media influencers. Maintaining authenticity is crucial for retaining trust and influence. Acknowledging the complexities and challenges faced by influencers fosters a more nuanced understanding of the digital economy and its evolving power dynamics.

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I did unfortunately have issues accessing the third article (Rachel Lerman, 2020) as the 12ft.io page was timing out with this specific article (it had worked for the previous articles).
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