In the NPR talk show, TED speakers reveal how easily manipulated individuals are. Manipulation, according to the talk, is to get someone to think a certain way and to act a certain way. There are four sections to this 50 minute podcast. The speakers first begin by talking about how technology is used to persuade people and how humans’ minds have been shaped by technology. With time, technology is becoming more intelligent and personalized. They also compare social media (like snapchat) to a cult — one that is effecting peoples’ ability to have good conversations and connections with people. The podcast then talks about fake news and how false information can be used to manipulate people. This portion of the podcast is completed by Ali Velshi who is a journalist. Furthermore, Professor Loftus researchers false memories and explains how peoples’ memories can be controlled and manipulated. According to Loftus, our memories tell us who we are as well as who we want to be. She talks about a man named Titus who was accused of raping someone, yet in actuality, he was innocent. She argues that contrary to popular belief, memory is not a recording device; in fact, memories work like a Wikipedia page in which you could change it/alter it and so can other people. Finally, Professor Ramirez talks about the pros and cons of erasing memories. He describes that he performed a research study on mice in which he implanted a new memory in place of an old one
I really enjoyed listening to this podcast; I think it may have been my favorite homework assignment thus far! I was able to make many personal connections to various points made in the talk. In the beginning of the podcast, Tristan Harris talks about the detrimental effects of constantly using our cellphones use and he specifically talks about snapchat streaks. I had a snapchat streak with one of my friends back home and every morning I would send her a snapchat to keep our streak “alive.” The type of snapchat pictures I would send her were truly meaningless and pointless; it did not reveal anything about my day, how I am doing or feeling, etc,. The picture was either a selfie or even a photo of the wall or floor. I wrongfully convinced myself that because of our ongoing snapchat streak, her and I were “always talking.” When I went on vacation and did not bring my phone along with me, I was so worried about loosing my streak with this friend. After listening to this NPR podcast and looking back at this memory, I am amazed by how addicted I was to keeping my snapchat streak alive.
Questions:
- Is checking your cellphone (I.e. your missed calls, text messages, scrolling through social media, etc,.) the first thing you do in the morning?
- Have you ever been convinced that an event occurred, but people around you tell you that you are going crazy and that you are remember that event incorrectly?
UWP 104D 