Unit 1 Project - Curated Source Collection

A Pencil Shop, for Texting the Old-Fashioned Way 

The "Brick and Mortar" store concept has become slightly obsolete in recent years. The in-person retail market has been slowly dying (now growing because of COVID), and we have seen that consumers prefer to shop online rather than go to the physical store. The pencil is a perfect parallel; digital writing tools have also been known to be obsolete. The innovation of technology has changed our traditional ways of writing by hand.

With all of that in mind, C.W. Enterprise stays away from what is the "norm" and has a business plan that strays from the constant rapid innovation, and as the article states, targeting those who “text the old-fashioned way.” Caroline Weaver's store evokes a certain nostalgia and authenticity that we seem to have lost as an ever-changing society. This store provides an experience for shoppers and reminds us that we still value the sensory experience of a brick-and-mortar store.

Caroline Weaver's market comprises like-minded individuals who value quality, expertise, and the tangible experience of shopping for pencils in person. They appreciate the curated selection, the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, and the personal touch Caroline and her staff provided.

Weaver has cultivated a sense of traditional centuries-old craft that makes buyers feel like they have stepped into a time machine. She also makes her customers feel the nostalgia and excitement she feels about the craft. Each pencil goes beyond its purpose as a mundane writing tool; it represents a piece of history that connects us to a time when craftsmanship and attention to detail were highly valued.

In the digital age, where online shopping, typing by computer, and texting dominate, traditional stores, pencils, and handwriting face challenges. Caroline Weaver offers a level of service that is too compelling to resist; her passion continues to feed the fire of the traditional and ignite it in consumers who stick to the norm. Caroline Weaver has revalued the art of handwriting in our digital world and taught us that while technology will continually advance, the wheel does not always need to be reinvented. Therefore, the demand for pencils will always be around.

Google Tests A.I. Tool That Is Able to Write News Articles

The recent and ongoing chatter of artificial intelligence (AI) is an ever-growing constant conversation. I have found myself going back and forth between excitement and concern about the potential impact on the journalism industry. Was the four-year undergrad degree that I am pursuing worth the investment if there is potential for computers to replace my spot in my dream career? Although journalism is not something I am studying, the New York Times has reported that Google is testing new AI technology called “Genesis,” which is designed to write news articles. According to this article, Genesis is pitched to significant news sources like the New York Times and the Washington Post to automate aspects of news article creation. With ignorance or no further research, this could make writers panic, but it could revolutionize the industry.

The introduction of artificial intelligence, like Genesis, might cause a shift in how news content is produced. This advancement in technology brings up questions about the role of human writers. Human writers bring creativity, critical thinking skills, and an overall human touch that AI cannot replicate. AI might be helpful and more efficient for more factual articles in the future, but I do not see AI as very useful for opinion pieces. Artificial intelligence cannot yet replace humans' unique perspective in telling stories.

The integration of AI in the newsroom and classroom makes us think about how writing and journalism are ever-changing in today’s technology-driven society. Using tools like Genesis could simplify tasks and boost efficiency, but writers will always play an incredibly crucial role in preserving human creativity and storytelling in the media.

What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children’s Brains?

As someone with cousins ranging from 6 to 18 years younger than him, I have witnessed the influence of screens on children’s lives, and it’s getting worse.

According to Common Sense Media, “Nearly half of all children eight and under have their tablet device and spend an average of about 2.25 hours a day on digital screens.” This is an incredibly alarming statistic that encapsulates our issue at hand.

A study was done, and data was collected from approximately 8000 children aged 2-4 years old. They discovered that screen time may be associated with developmental delays, communication, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and social and personal development.

Fortunately, one of my aunts is very strict about how much screen and artificial light she exposes her 1 and 6-year-olds to. These children excel in reading and writing and are even in the process of becoming trilingual.

However, on the other side of the family is Alec, my 12-year-old cousin. Despite being older, one may think this article does not apply to a child his age. But knowing that he has had an iPad ever since it wasn’t too heavy for him raises some concern. Alec was not an early reader, walker, or talker, making me question whether the role screens play in his life is related to his delayed progress.

The first three years of life are crucial to developing your five senses, and excessive screen time and 2-D experiences through the phone or tablet may delay a child's ability to engage with the world around them fully. “’ There is emerging evidence that there may be some structural brain changes associated with greater exposure to screen time as a young child,’ says Dr. Jennifer F. Cross, attending pediatrician and a developmental and behavioral pediatrics expert at New York-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital.”

Technology can be helpful in more ways than we know. However, technology before learning how to walk and talk can harm development. We need to ensure that children’s screen time is monitored and even limit our own as well.

New York City lawsuit accuses social media companies of fueling youth mental health crisis.

In my recent marketing lecture, we explored the concept of “dystopia,” a term that seems overlooked yet increasingly relevant and becoming our reality. We discussed how individualized advertisements—like collecting browsing history, tapping into social media to see what images or products we may have clicked on or bought, or listening through the microphone on our devices—benefit corporations. This use of data without consent is undeniably unsettling and an invasion of privacy. It’s almost like we’re living a dystopian life sooner than anticipated.

The recent lawsuit against the four largest social media companies, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, plans to hold these companies accountable for the youth mental health crisis. These platforms are being accused of exposing our youth to addictive content, and the advanced algorithms and technology are doing more harm than good. Interestingly, social media was created to connect us, yet it harms our well-being—especially my generation and those below it.

As someone who had social media develop in front of their eyes, I can fully support the City of New York’s claim. I can see firsthand how social media has negatively impacted my and many others' mental health. I feel anxious thinking about missing important notifications or when I catch myself doom scrolling, consuming an unhealthy amount of unreliable news, and exposure to self-esteem-lowering influencers. It is pretty unsettling when Instagram threads on my feed contradict my values and identity and lean toward being offensive. The fact that youth have access to such content that is offensive to someone with thick skin, like myself, is evident that there is an issue. This lawsuit is vital for our generation because we are the world's future leaders. These companies should be held accountable.

We can create a healthier digital environment and save lives by raising awareness and demanding change.

The recent lawsuit against these social media companies asking them to take accountability for the youth mental health crisis emphasizes the urgent need for action. The youth mental health epidemic paints a dystopian picture and ties into the way corporations take advantage of their consumers. This is a constant reminder of corporate powers' impact on the well-being of our youth and society.