###### tags: `CDA`
# Reading Responses (Set 2)

- Checklist for a [good reading response](https://reagle.org/joseph/zwiki/Teaching/Best_Practices/Learning/Writing_Responses.html) of 250-350 words
- [ ] Begin with a punchy start.
- [ ] Mention specific ideas, details, and examples from the text and earlier classes.
- [ ] Offer something novel that you can offer towards class participation.
- [ ] Check for writing for clarity, concision, cohesion, and coherence.
- [ ] Send to professor with “hackmd” in the subject, with URL of this page and markdown of today’s response.

## Reading responses 5 out of 5

### Mar 19 Tue - Ads & social graph background

Web browsers suffered from short-term memory loss before the cookie came along, but Lou Montulli's invention changed the game, turning tracking into a powerful tool for online advertising. Cookies gather user data like browsing history, location, time spent, email addresses, and phone numbers. This personal data helps create targeted ads that follow users across platforms. However, the use of third-party cookies adds another layer of intrusiveness, as they track users across multiple websites, without the consent of the user. Which causes multiple challenges to arise like intrusive ads, bandwidth issues, and consumer advertising fatigue, says Strokes. But miserable scrolling through the ad-infested web, it's not our only option. Users can take control of their online experience by using tools like AdBlock Plus or adjusting their browser settings to block these third-party cookies.

As I was reading the chapter, I came across the term "Contextual advertising," which refers to ads shown to you based on what you're currently looking at or doing online. This led me to question: What are the benefits of contextual advertising for users, and how does it enhance the web experience? As a traveler who frequently browses multiple travel blogs, apps, and videos, I find it helpful when ads introduce me to new products, services, or information that I might not have been aware of but need for my upcoming flights. I find these types of advertising extremely helpful and overall enhance my web experience compared to other irrelevant and annoying ads.

### Mar 26 Tue - Bemused

Online rating systems can be puzzling, with stars holding more mysteries than answers. In their analysis, the author Joseph Reagle focuses on the complexities of online rating systems, paying close attention to the mysterious dynamics of star ratings. Through a case study involving a review of a carbon monoxide alarm, which surprisingly received 4 out of 5 stars despite saving a life. Reagle carefully examines why such inconsistencies occur, suggesting that they stem from differences between what users expect and what the product delivers. Also, Reagle discusses broader issues related to rating systems, including their scale, relevance, and interpretation, highlighting the difficulties users face when trying to make sense of them. It also makes us wonder if current rating systems capture all the different aspects of human experiences and preferences, especially in online reviews where lots of different opinions come together. When creating new rating systems, it's essential to consider how people from diverse cultures may interpret scales differently.

Online comments are intertwined with online rating systems, serving as platforms for individuals to express their opinions and perceptions of things. Many comments and ratings can be beneficial but also misleading. This raises the question: How do online comments/ratings influence consumer behavior and decision-making processes?". As someone who relies on platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews to decide on restaurants, nail salons, or even job opportunities, I believe that they significantly influence my choices and decisions. If a job or restaurant has mostly negative reviews, I tend to steer clear of those places because, according to the reviews, they're not worth my time. On YouTube, there's a trend where youtubers visit one-star business to determine if the establishment truly deserves such a low rating. They often document their experience and provide their viewers with detailed reviews or vlogs. I find this trend sheds light on how reviews influence our behavior and what we choose to consume.

### Apr 05 Fri - Algorithmic bias

"It's very easy to see stereotypes in Google. That tells us a lot about society," says Johana Burai, a Swedish graphic designer. Burai created the "World White Web" project to combat Google's algorithmic bias by promoting more diverse imagery online. She became concerned after noticing that Google Images search results predominantly displayed white people, even for generic searches like "hand" or "woman". Burai even found that searches for “black hands” tended to show images with added context like “white hand offering help” or “black hands working in fields.” reflecting Google’s algorithmic biases and stereotypes across the web and media. The article gave more examples of this issue, such as searches for "unprofessional hairstyles" showing images of black women's natural hair, while "professional hairstyles" mostly showed images of white women. Burai's project shows the deep-rooted racial biases present in online content, which continues a harmful cycle of stereotyping and prejudices.

While reading this article, it reminded me of my experience with the Pinterest app, which I used to find different hairstyles for my curly hair. As a teenager, when I searched for "cute and easy hairstyles," I was overwhelmed with pictures of straight hair and white women. Unfortunately, this lack of representation made me feel insecure about my hair because I didn't see anyone who looked like me, leading me to believe that straight hair was considered better and "cuter." However, I've noticed that Pinterest has evolved and now includes pictures of all different hair types, even allowing users to specify their hair type to receive more relevant results. This positive change promotes inclusivity and helps users embrace their natural beauty.


### Apr 12 Fri - Digital language and generations

Our language is evolving lol, or should I say, it's becoming a chaos bdijgbqweog;jb. The digital age has changed the way we communicate and express ourselves with others, which leaves room for misinterpretation. When communicating through the internet the essential properties of communication like nonverbal and tone are out of the equation, causing individuals to create their own Interdialog of the message they receive. However, this can also vary depending whether you are a digital native or a digital immigrant highlights Audie Cornish. The evolving use of the word "lol" has transitioned from expressing genuine laughter to conveying irony, softening messages, or showing no hostility, making it challenging for many people to pick up on these "texting cues" instead of facial cues. Another “texting cue” that can have a significant meaning online is the use of period. Adding a period in a text or email can unintentionally make the message sound serious or formal, leading to misunderstandings and even a sense of passive aggression. Our evolving internet language demands a new level of digital literacy and empathy, in order to avoid misunderstanding. Cornish suggests individuals to talk with each other when there is confusion about the message. A simple wym? Can save you from misunderstanding.

While reading the article, I questioned how "Internet languages" vary in different languages? As an individual who is bilingual (spanish & english), I see how slang and expressions vary online across different cultures. It's interesting to see how humor and tone change depending on the language people use online. When texting in Spanish, "Klk" stands for "Qué lo que hay?" and can mean "what's up" It's commonly used as a form of greeting. Also, when laughing through text in English, people will text "hahaha", however, in Spanish, they text "jejeje". It's interesting to see that internet language can be unique depending on where you're from, whether it's a different country or state.

### Apr 16 Tue - Pushback

Feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending stream of information on your screen? In their article, Stacey L. Morrison and Ricardo Gomez examine the growing trend of people resisting constant connection to digital devices like smartphones and computers. They explore the reasons behind this shift, identifying primary motivations such as dissatisfaction with excessive screen time and concerns about privacy. Also, they outline five common strategies individuals use to limit their technology use: adjusting their habits, agreeing with others to limit use, using tech solutions to control usage, completely cutting off from tech, or denying any issue. The authors conducted extensive research, analyzing various sources from personal blogs to academic studies, to gain more insight into this phenomenon. Morrison and Gomez advocate for further research to explore the connections between these motivations and actions and to better understand the relationship between technology and privacy.

As I read the article, I reflected on my own experiences and recalled instances where I personally felt the need to push back against constant online connectivity. One approach I took was to stop using any social media for a month. I gave myself a social media detox because I noticed I was spending too much time on my phone rather than investing in hobbies and self-improvement. During my break from social media, I could focus better on my work and other stuff I needed to do. I wasn't distracted by notifications or scrolling through feeds. I got more things done and felt more productive.