comm 001 final reflection

Futurism

the study or exploration of future possibilities in technology, economics, politics, society, and culture

Futurist

a person who studies or predicts future trends using current and historical data

Trend

a data-based pattern that helps suggest what the near future may look like

UGC

user-generated content created by everyday users instead of studios or corporations

Content creator

someone who makes and shares digital media that can compete with traditional media for attention

What is the impact of UGC?

it shifts audience attention away from studios and toward creators on platforms like tiktok

AI in film

artificial intelligence may change how films are made, edited, marketed, and even written

Deepfake

manipulated audio, images, or video made to look or sound real

Zero trust environment

media climate where people cannot easily tell whether content is real or fake

Why are deepfakes a concern?

they can spread misinformation, damage reputations, and increase distrust in media

Non-consensual pornographic deepfakes

fake sexual images or videos made without permission, often used as digital harassment

Virtual boyfriend

an ai-driven digital companion that simulates romantic or social interaction

Metaverse

a future or emerging digital world where people may work, socialize, and consume media in immersive virtual spaces

Why is the metaverse speculative?

it is a possible future, not a guaranteed one, and its success depends on technology, adoption, and business support

Technological determinism

the idea that technology is a major force shaping culture and the direction of history

Thorstein Veblen

the thinker credited with coining the term technological determinism

Langdon Winner

the scholar who refined technological determinism and explained its main hypotheses

What is technological drift?

unintended or unexpected consequences that happen as technology spreads and people adapt to it

ChatGPT

an ai tool launched in 2022 that rapidly affected education, work, and public debate

Why do new technologies create policy problems?

law and regulation often move slower than technology, so rules lag behind new risks