Dagger

 A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that govern how data is transmitted and received between computers, enabling them to communicate effectively over networks like the internet and the Web. It functions much like a language that ensures all parties involved in communication understand each other, despite using different devices, operating systems, or networks. Protocols define the structure of the data, how it is packaged, addressed, and ultimately how it is sent and received. For example, the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and internet Protocol (IP) form the backbone of the internet, determining how Data packets are transmitted across the vast global network. The internet and the Web, although often used interchangeably, are not the same thing. The Internet refers to the physical infrastructure-- the vast network of interconnected computers and routers while the Web is a service that runs on top of this infrastructure, consisting of websites and online content acces...

Reflecting on the class presentation about artificial intelligence, I found myself in awe of how rapidly and dramatically AI is transforming our world. The comments from Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates were eye-opening, especially Hawking’s stark warning that “the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” It's almost hard to wrap my mind around this– what starts as a technological marvel could potentially become a threat to our very existence. Elon Musk’s concerns about AI outpacing human control make it feel like we’re standing on the edge of something dangerous, while Bill Gates focuses more on AI’s potential to improve productivity and solve global problems. It's this tension between AI's promise and its risks that really got me thinking. I had never realized how far AI had come, and tracing it back to Alan Turing's work made me appreciate the depth of its history. Turing envisioned machines thinking like humans, a...

 The short films "The Machine is Us-ing Us" and "Epic 2014" presents thought-provoking insights into the evolution of the web, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between technology and human interaction. "The Machine is Us/ing Us" explores the shift from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, highlighting how we transitioned from static, creator-driven web pages to a more participatory, user-centered environment. The film argues that we are not just users of the web but creators and curators of content, reinforcing the idea that our digital footprint and contributions continuously reshape the webs infrastructure. In contrast, "Epic 2014" imagines a speculative future where media and technology converge to create a monopolized, personalized information environment. The film cleverly highlights how the rapid acceleration of technology has blurred the lines between media producers and consumers. Both films underscore how time has sped up, especially in the context o...