EOTO Email - Blog Post #4

 

      Imagine a world where sending a message would take days, weeks, or even months. This was the case until 1971 when Ray Tomlinson invented internet based email. Email gained its popularity through the military because ARPANET encouraged it. ARPANET is the Advanced Projects Research Agency and is an international network that connects research organizations around the United States. Tomlinson wanted to create a system that allowed users to send information between different computers, rather than on the same computer. His invention created the possibility for one person to message another person on different devices within that network. Timeline of Email

 

    While emails looked a lot different 54 years ago from today, there are some factors that stayed consistent. When Tomlinson created email, he developed the "@" symbol which showed the location of the sender. That same symbol is used today to display the email service providers (ESPs). While the invention is highly significant today, Tomlinson did not understand the importance of his invention. He was not trying to solve a problem but rather thought it would be a cool thing to invent. While inventing this 'cool' new thing, he created a form of communication is used 376.4 billion times per day. Here you can find the statistics on the usage of the emailing system. 

    

    Roughly 20 years later is when email picked up its popularity. Prior to the 90s, email was mainly limited to communications within one network rather than multiple. In 1988, Microsoft created the first commercially available email product: MS Mail. MS mail was a product for local area networks. One year later, the first server provider email with dial-up internet connections was formed by CompuServe. Following these inventions, there were constantly new inventions/updates that created the emailing system we know today. While the rise of other messaging platforms have also picked up popularity, instant messaging or video conferencing, email is still going strong. Email has become a critical tool for not only businesses, but digital services. 

    

    This cool new invention ended up revolutionizing communication which completely transformed the way we communicate today. Email has allowed for many benefits in modern society. Email allows for speed/efficiency, cost effective communication, and worldwide connectivity. Email allowed for speed and efficiency by eliminating the need for traditional postal services. However, this can be viewed as a negative because it places pressure on the need for an instantaneous response. A second way this revolutionized technology is by eliminating costs that come with phone calls and the postal service. When sending a letter in the mail, the sender needs to purchase a stamp, paper, and envelope to send their message to a recipient, however, when sending an email, all that is needed is wifi and a piece of technology that can be found in a public library. This is especially important for those contacting someone in a different country. When sending a text and/or phone call to someone in a different country, a significant phone bill is charged. One more benefit of email is the global connection it allows. Email allows people to stay connected across different time zones, critical for business or personal relationships, with zero cost. 

    While there are many positives, there are negatives too. Email contributes to the takeaway of personal touch. It reduces face-to-face interaction and handwritten letters that can eliminate emotional/personal connections. A second negative impact could be the information overload. Whether it be spam, or emails from an acquaintance, the overload of emails can lead to increased stress. 

    Without question, email has transformed communication by enabling faster, more economical, and worldwide contacts. Just like every technological advancement, it has its disadvantages. With these difficulties, email continues to develop along with modern communication and is still a vital tool in both personal and professional settings. What began as a straightforward experiment, has now grown into a vital tool with an even greater impact on society.

Eight Values of Free Expression - Blog Post #3

 

     The eight values of free expression is the reason society is allowed to function properly.  Each of the eight values highlight a distinct manner where first amendment benefits people's personal lives as well as the United States as a whole. Since they have a direct impact on the strength and integrity of democratic processes, I identify most strongly with the ideals of Participation in Self-Government and Check on Governmental Power. Because they emphasize the value of making educated decisions and defending individual rights, two things that are critical to a just society, these principles also feel the most personal to me.

    One very important aspect of democracy is participation in self-government. I really believe in the idea that voters are essential in making decisions. Citizens in modern civilizations are responsible for electing leaders and establishing laws that affect their daily lives. People must have access to a variety of viewpoints and information in order for this to happen successfully and enable them to make educated decisions. People can now more easily express their opinions thanks to the growth of social media and digital platforms, but there are drawbacks as well, such as the increase of false information and advertisement.

    

    The use of free speech in an informed voter is more critical than ever in today's world due to the popularity of social media platforms. For example, the spread of false information on social media during the recent 2025 presidential elections has raised concerns about how free speech can be twisted for political gains. This highlights the importance of being alert and responsible when using this information as credible sources.  Even though there is a chance that people will still spread false information, participation in self-government is important since it guarantees that people can openly express their opinions and access a variety of ideas. This allows citizens to make educated decisions for society which is vital for democratic processes.

    

    The Check on Governmental Power is another value that really resonates with me. This principle shows the importance that free speech has  in making governments accountable for their decisions. It opens the door for transparency and honesty.  Open communication between the public and the media allows them to disclose wrong by the government, corruption, and abuse of power. The ability to question those in authority is important because it allows us to ensure that their is fairness and honesty in a country.  Given increasing concerns about political corruption, government spying, and a lack of accountability, the idea that free speech serves as a "watchdog" over government actions seems to be more important today.   

1. Marketplace of Ideas - Free expression allows debate and discussion to reveal the truth.

2. Participation in Self-Government - Free speech guarantees that people have access to a variety of opinions.

3. Stable Change - The idea that it is acceptable to give voice to groups of individuals who are feeling excluded.

4. Individual Self-Fulfillment - Having the freedom to express ourselves helps us feel like individuals with different opinions.

5. Check on Governmental Power - This focuses on the press's ability to reveal any abuses of authority by the government.

6. Promote Tolerance - This suggests that the more we experience things that anger us, the better off we will be since it will make us more tolerant in other areas of life.

7. Promote Innovation - By promoting a diversity of viewpoints, societies that uphold free speech encourage creativity.

8. Protect Dissent - Viewpoints are protected by the First Amendment, which gives citizens the confidence to question authority figures.