1. Society
1.1. Misinformation on social media is eroding reasoning abilities. The spread of false or misleading information online has become a significant problem, with studies suggesting it can negatively affect people's ability to think critically and make informed decisions. (Musi 2023), (Newman 2019), (Phillips 2015)
1.1.1. Women's experiences in online spaces are often marked by invisibility and marginalization. One article discusses the underrepresentation of women in online spaces, highlighting how their voices and perspectives are frequently overlooked or silenced. (Wenno 2014)
1.1.1.1. D
1.1.2. Social media platforms like TikTok are shaping perceptions of wellness tourism. The way wellness and tourism are portrayed on these platforms can influence consumer choices and contribute to the commodification of health and well-being. (Shade 2016), (Vasudevan 2022), (Wellman 2024)
1.2. Surveillance technologies are increasingly used to monitor young people's online activities. Schools and other institutions are using various tools to track students' social media use, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of this data. (Shade 2016), (Vasudevan 2022), (Wellman 2024)
1.2.1. The gig economy, fueled by platforms like Uber, relies on gamification strategies that may exploit workers. These platforms use game-like elements, such as rewards and leaderboards, to motivate workers, but this can lead to increased competition and pressure, potentially impacting worker well-being and job security. (Shade 2016), (Vasudevan 2022), (Wellman 2024)
1.3. Algorithmic content moderation can inadvertently reinforce existing social inequalities.
1.3.1. This issue is particularly concerning in educational settings. The sources warn of the growing trend of surveillance technologies being deployed in schools, raising concerns about the potential for these systems to perpetuate existing disparities in educational outcomes
2. Earth
2.1. It connects to the “Custodians of the Internet” subjects we discussed in class as they discuss how much technology has changed and affected many people. In ways they are similar due to how these subject matters are harmful to those involved.
2.1.1. The production and use of electronic devices required for social media and internet access contribute to environmental challenges. Manufacturing these devices consumes significant energy and resources, leading to carbon emissions and electronic waste. The sources don't explicitly state this, but it's a well-known environmental impact of technology [Gillespie, 2018, 2020, 2022]
2.1.2. The data centers that power social media platforms and other online services consume vast amounts of energy. This energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting climate change. [Gillespie, 2018, 2020, 2022]
2.1.3. The emphasis on potential for algorithmic bias to negatively influence public discourse on critical environmental issues [Gillespie, 2018, 2020, 2022]. Algorithms, designed to optimize engagement, can inadvertently prioritize sensationalized or misleading content over factual information, hindering informed debate and action on pressing environmental challenges like climate change [Citron, 2014, forthcoming]. This can result in a misinformed public, potentially delaying or derailing crucial policy decisions and collective efforts to address environmental problably
2.2. There is algorithmic bias on TikTok, highlighting that the platform's AI struggles to recognize darker skin tones as human faces. This bias can result in content from Black creators being pushed down in visibility and recommendations, hindering their reach and opportunities for growth (Morris 2024)
2.3. These data centers, often powered by fossil fuels, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, a key driver of climate change [Bhaskar & Seth, 2023]. As AI applications become more prevalent, the demand for data processing and storage will likely increase, further extending this environmental burden.
2.3.1. A handful of artificial intelligence models can emit over 626,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, as much as five American automobiles do over their lifespans. (Monseratte)
2.4. The sources highlight the considerable energy consumption of data centers, which are essential for the operation of AI systems and digital platforms like TikTok [Alper et al., 2023].
3. Democracy
3.1. Fake news; AI generated news outlets that produce fake information about elections, those running for office, as well as just overall news that isnt real (Jungherr, 2023)
3.1.1. The issues arising with AI-created news and AI news outlets themselves helps in crafting echo chambers (Meikle, G. 2023)
3.1.1.1. When platforms like TikTok rely on algorithms to moderate content, there is a risk that these systems, often trained on biased data, will inadvertently reinforce existing social inequalities [Alper et al., 2023].
3.1.1.2. Eroding public trust in democratic institutions. For example, if people believe that AI is being used to manipulate elections or control public opinion, they may lose faith in the democratic process. (Jungherr, 2023)
3.1.1.3. The sources also emphasize the role of algorithms in shaping public opinion and political discourse. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement can create "filter bubbles" where individuals are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, limiting their exposure to alternative viewpoints and potentially dramatizing political polarization [Citron, 2014, forthcoming].
3.1.2. AI impacts equality of rights among different groups of people in society; at the institutional level, AI impacts the perception of elections as a fair and open mecha- nism for channeling and managing political conflict; and at the systems level, AI impacts competition between demo- cratic and autocratic systems of government (Jungherr, 2023)
3.1.2.1. Access to Information and Misinformation: A functioning democracy relies on citizens' access to accurate information to make informed decisions. When false or misleading information spreads, it becomes challenging for individuals to discern truth from falsehood, potentially undermining public trust and hindering well-informed democratic participation.
3.1.2.1.1. Representation and Voice: Democratic societies value inclusivity and the representation of diverse voices. There is also an underrepresentation of women in online spaces, highlighting how their perspectives are often marginalized or silenced. This lack of representation can skew public discourse and limit the range of viewpoints considered in decision-making processes, ultimately hindering democratic progress. (Wenno 2014)
3.1.2.1.2. Surveillance and Privacy: Democratic societies value individual privacy and freedom from unwarranted surveillance. The use of technology to monitor young people's social media activities, as highlighted in source (Shade & Singh 2016), (Vasudevan & Chan 2022), (Wellman & Germic 2024), raises concerns about the erosion these rights. Excessive surveillance can eliminate free speech and create an atmosphere of fear, hindering open dialogue and dissent, which are crucial elements of a healthy democracy.
3.1.2.2. Power Imbalances in the Gig Economy: Democratic societies strive for fairness and equity, including in the workplace. The rise of the gig economy, facilitated by platforms like Uber, has introduced new power dynamics between workers and corporations. How gamification strategies employed by these platforms can lead to exploitation and exacerbate existing inequalities, potentially undermining workers' rights and bargaining power. (Shade & Singh 2016), (Vasudevan & Chan 2022), (Wellman & Germic 2024)
3.1.2.2.1. The lack of transparency in how these algorithms operate makes it difficult to challenge or contest their decisions, further concentrating power in the hands of the platforms that control these technologies [Gillespie, 2018].
4. creating fake content to post on social media, and fake news outlets for those who only get their poitical information from social media.
5. Carbon Dioxide is what traps heat on earth so with that much carbon being pumped into the atmosphere it’s contributing to climate change.(Monseratte)
5.1. Bhaskar and Seth concludes that AI models’ energy usage and carbon footprint must be understood and reduced. By promoting sustainable practices, the AI community may encourage a more environmentally sensitive and responsible approach to AI development, leading to a greener future that meets global sustainability goals.
5.1.1. The promotion of consumerism and trends through social media, such as wellness tourism, can have environmental consequences. Increased travel and consumption driven by social media can lead to higher carbon emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.
6. There is a connection to the internet being not a tangible item to hold and yet having drastic effects on our atmosphere - having AI and use of the cloud/computers and monitors, be affecting the wrold and destroying our atmosphere (Bhaskar and Seth)
6.1. Content moderation raises concerns about the potential for AI systems to be used to silence or suppress dissenting voices on environmental issues.
6.2. While AI can be employed to identify and remove harmful content, such as hate speech, there is a risk that these systems could be used to censor legitimate criticism or activism related to environmental protection, corporate accountability, or government policies [Gillespie, 2018].
6.2.1. This could limit public participation in environmental decision-making and stifle efforts to hold powerful actors accountable for environmental damage.