Blog #4: EOTO The History and Impact of Netflix

Netflix revolutionized television and changed how people watch entertainment.

Netflix is one of the most influential companies in modern entertainment. What started as a small DVD rental service eventually transformed into a global streaming platform that changed how people watch movies and television. Today, Netflix is used by millions of people worldwide and has become a major force in shaping viewing habits and entertainment culture.

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as an online DVD rental company. Instead of traveling to a video rental store, customers could order DVDs through the internet and have them delivered directly to their homes. According to the History of Netflix, this business model offered a more convenient alternative to traditional rental stores and quickly attracted customers.

In 1999, Netflix introduced a monthly subscription service that eliminated late fees. This was a significant advantage over competitors such as Blockbuster because customers no longer had to worry about penalties for returning movies late. As a result, Netflix continued to grow and establish itself as a leader in home entertainment.

Netflix popularized streaming

The biggest change in Netflix's history came in 2007 when the company launched its streaming service.
Instead of waiting for DVDs to arrive by mail, customers could instantly watch movies and television shows through an internet connection. According to Netflix and the Streaming Revolution, this innovation changed consumer expectations and helped create the modern streaming industry.

As streaming became increasingly popular, Netflix expanded beyond distributing content and began creating its own original programming. Shows such as House of Cards, Stranger Things, and The Crown became major successes and attracted viewers from around the world. These productions helped Netflix become not only a distributor of entertainment but also one of the largest creators of entertainment content.

Netflix has had many positive impacts on society. One of its greatest contributions is accessibility because people can watch content whenever and wherever they want. Whether using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or television, viewers have immediate access to thousands of movies and shows.

Another positive impact is the promotion of global culture. International programs such as Squid Game gained worldwide popularity because Netflix made them available through subtitles and dubbing. According to The Netflix Effect, the platform has helped audiences discover stories, cultures, and perspectives that they may never have encountered otherwise.

Netflix has also made an economic impact by investing billions of dollars into film and television production. These investments create jobs for actors, writers, directors, camera operators, editors, and many other professionals. The company's spending has supported entertainment industries in numerous countries and contributed to economic growth.

    The most popular streaming service

Despite these benefits, Netflix has also faced criticism. One concern is binge-watching, which occurs when viewers watch multiple episodes or entire seasons in a single sitting. According to The Netflix Effect on Society, excessive binge-watching can increase screen time and may negatively affect sleep schedules, physical activity, and overall well-being.

Another criticism involves Netflix's recommendation algorithm. The system makes it easier for users to find content, but it also influences viewing decisions by suggesting specific programs. Some critics argue that this can limit exposure to different perspectives and encourage viewers to remain within their normal viewing preferences.

Netflix also played a major role in reducing the popularity of older entertainment technologies. Its streaming platform contributed to the decline of DVD rentals and helped push video rental chains such as Blockbuster out of the mainstream market. In addition, Netflix challenged traditional cable television by allowing viewers to watch content on demand instead of waiting for scheduled broadcasts, a shift that has been documented by Britannica

In conclusion, Netflix transformed from a small DVD-by-mail company into one of the most powerful entertainment businesses in the world. The company changed how audiences consume media by making entertainment more accessible, supporting global content, and creating new opportunities within the film industry. Although concerns about binge-watching and the decline of traditional media remain, Netflix's influence on technology, business, and society is undeniable. 

Its history demonstrates how innovation can completely reshape an entire industry and change everyday life for millions of people.

AI DISCLOSURE: The post was created using Microsoft Copilot. I told Copilot that I was a college student and told it that I had an assignment where I have to teach the class about a topic. Then I instructed Copilot to do research on the History and Impact of Netflix beforehand. Then I instructed it to make a 3-minute script on the research it did. I then told Copilot to  use that script and turn it into a professional blog. 

Blog Post #6: The Missing Anti-War Rhetoric

 

The Anti-Vietnam War Movement at the University of Michigan, 1965-1972.

Quick question how many organizations can you name that are openly anti war. You may be able to think of like one or two, but considering how the majority of America is against war this doesn't make sense. The anti war voices in articles and press media seem to also be far and few between as well but why? Well in this blog we will be attempting to find out these questions and more. 

Anti war censorship propaganda

Well here's what we know anti war media and advocates do exist for example antiwar.com which is a website with the goal of spreading their non-interventionist beliefs to the public. Why aren't there more of these on the internet. Well because during wartime the U.S. government gets special privileges and one of those is prior restraint. Which is the ability to stop a person from expressing speech before they even say anything. 

This also explains why these anti war advocates stay undercover and do not openly express so much as to get the government's attention. So no they won't be in your typical mainstream media they'll be much more harder to find. The American Conservative is a good example of this too a group that openly criticizes with much caution. Now let me ask you a question is that fair? If I had to answer that I would say absolutely not.

Speaking out against injustice

The reason as to why the government is able to use prior restraint during wartime is to protect national security. Which is like someone trying to leak crucial military information. To stop that information from getting to the opposing country the government has the right to stop them before that information gets out. 

Which is all fine and dandy until the government starts using it in ways it was not meant for. For example silencing anti war advocates the government will deny the protest permits. During the Vietnam and Iraq war 2003 the government would make public safety and traffic ordinances as a way to deny anti war protester permits. When the government requires a permit to speak or protest and selectively denies it based on the viewpoint, it acts as an unconstitutional prior restraint. 

So what can we do? We can keep calling things like out even if it means we are stopped from saying it. Eventually more will hear about it they can't stop everyone from speaking out so get more to join you and we won't stop until those corrupt practices are gone and done with.

 

Blog Post #5: Privacy, Online & Off

 

Their is a high chance that a company saw what you searched today.

The government and private companies may know more about you then some of your closest friends. A term that I like from Juan Enriquez used to describe your online info is "electric tattoo". A tattoo can be used to tell a lot about a person without you even knowing or talking to them, and online info is quite similar. The Government and Private Companies can use your electric tattoo to do various improper things 

Mounted Flock Camera

The government uses it's power to see your electric tattoos. The government finds loopholes by abusing State Action Doctrine. Which states that citizens constitutional protections only applies to the government not private establishment. After private companies get your info the government would threaten and harass those companies to give it to them.

Yet all of that is just the tip of the Iceberg when it comes to the government using tactics to get your online and personal info. With the new mass production of flock cameras they have been placed all around the country. 

The government has been using them for various nefarious things like stalking and info gathering. Like for instance the New York City police flock cameras to surveil Muslim people by reading the license plates of people who go to mosques. 

The Stingray tracking device

They also have a variety of ways to track your phone. Cellphones are like tracking devices that the government can use to track you at any time. Which they can legally do via the USA Patriot Act. Giving the government the right to surveil citizens to an extent after the events of  9/11. They also use high tech surveillance gear to get access to cellphone data. For example the stingray which is a device used to spy in people's houses to get access to their phones.

The reason as to why the government is doing this is to fulfill their ultimate goal of creating massive databases full of citizens personal information. Which means they want to collect everyone's electric tattoo to use as they see fit. So for the most part your online life isn't private even the most private sites aren't completely safe. It's important to keep this in mind when going online because you never truly know whose watching.

AI DISCLOSURE: No AI was used on this blog

Blog Post #3: An Important Value of Free Expression

 

History On The Net

Self-government was established in the colonies in limited forms in the 1600s.

Out of the Eight values of Free Expression only one stood out to me, the idea of Self-Government. It is a core principle of our society and America would not exist without it. Salutary Neglect was the start of Self-Government in America. Salutary Neglect gave American colonies the abilities run their own local day-to-day governments. 

Ever since then America would be a place where the peoples voice matters. So when Britain tried to take away power from the colonies they would fight back and declare independence to govern themselves (declaration of independence). Making Self-Government America's foundation and you can even still find forms of Self-Government in modern day America. 

Lawyer Pleading His Case to the Jury

One Important form of modern day American Self-Government is the Jury. Instead of having one person decide cases they leave that decision with a group of everyday regular people. Most people on the jury do not have high status positions and consist of everyday citizens. 

Which is good for the average person getting prosecuted because that means they can relate to the people who are deciding their fate. The Jury is more likely to understand the defendant's perspective than say someone like the Judge. The Jury holds the most power in court second to only the judge. Meaning the jury has a big impact on the overall ruling of a case. 

The Jury has made some very significant verdicts that impacted society largely. For example the "United States of America, Appellee, v. Robert ray Courtney"

Robert ray Courtney pleaded guilty to diluting multiple of his patients cancer drugs which would result in many of them falling ill.

The Jury would make sure to largely compensate the victims of Robert ray Courtney after he pleaded guilty. Helping those who were harmed by Robert ray Courtney's actions. 

U.S. Citizens Voting for Election

From what we talked about we know just how important Self-Government is for making a good civilization. Examples Self government is present in pretty much any country you can think of. 

If a country allows it's citizens to vote then that country contains some aspects of Self-Government. Even the most authoritative countries have some kinds of Self-Government. Democracy or Communism Self-Government is present in all types of countries. 

If all of that is true than what happens to civilizations that don't incorporate any kind of Self-Government? Well they fail consistently almost every time. Whether it's Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union these kinds of civilizations never last very long. 

I think that this is more than just a simple coincidence. I think that this means that civilization requires some form of Self-Government to thrive. Fully controlling people usually doesn't pan out well, people want to be able to live daily life without having to fear about doing something wrong. 

So in conclusion Self-Government is the foundation the United Sates of America's is built upon. We talked about how America Incorporates Self-Government in it's Legal System. How it makes sure that those in court aren't having their rulings decided by just one judge but by a group of their peers. 

We also went over why Self-Government is such a necessary component for a civilization to survive long term. With all this in mind I hope this gives you a new appreciation of all the ways you get to engage in Self-Government. 

 

Blog Post #2: Supreme Court Reflections

 

The U.S. Supreme Court is the most powerful Court on Earth.

Before watching this documentary, I knew the Supreme Court was important, but I did not fully understand just how much power and responsibility it has. The video showed that the Court is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and can determine what the President, Congress, and the states may or may not do. 

One thing I learned that I did not already know was how many cases reach the Court each year. The documentary explained that the Supreme Court receives about 100 cases each week, totaling roughly 7,000 petitions annually. The justices must carefully review those petitions and decide which cases deserve their attention.

I was also interested in learning more about how decisions are made. After hearing oral arguments from both sides, the justices meet privately to discuss the case and work toward a decision. They can even revise and redraft opinions in an effort to persuade other justices to agree with their reasoning.

The most surprising thing I learned was how rare it is to become a Supreme Court justice. The documentary compared receiving an appointment to being struck by lightning because so few people ever reach that position. 

Another surprising point was that Supreme Court justices are often discussed only through their decisions rather than as individuals with their own thoughts and reasoning. The documentary helped me see them as people who must make difficult decisions on issues that affect the entire country.

The video also changed the way I think about the Supreme Court's history. I learned that the Court was not always widely respected and that it gained much of its authority during the Marshall years. I also learned that the Court has made serious mistakes, including the Dred Scott decision. 

My most important takeaway is that the Supreme Court's power depends on the trust of the American people. The justices have an enormous responsibility to uphold the Constitution, and their decisions can have a lasting impact on the nation for generations. 

AI DISCLOSURE: The post was a collaboration using Microsoft Copilot. I took detailed notes while watching a 20 minute video about the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to facts that I learned, I emphasized my own reactions and opinions while watching. I then asked Copilot to help me improve the text by correcting my grammar, spelling, punctuation. I asked Copilot to help me shape the text into a blog post format.

Blog Post #1: My Top Five Sources of News and Information

1. CNN 10: For the most part I get most of my actual official news from CNN 10 since it is packed with important information without taking more than 10 minutes to convey it. It is a very good source of news for people who have a busy schedule. This is because even the most busiest people have at least 30 minutes to spare especially for something as important as being informed of world affairs. It also has really good production even though it's just 10 minutes of content it doesn't feel like it's rushed. So not only does it not take long to watch but it also is enjoyable to watch.

2. IGN: I am a Game Design major so for me this news source is very important. It helps me stay update it on the state of the Game Industry constantly. I also have a deep love for games so I love to see the latest releases and all the new, cool, and innovative things game developers make. Even if your not a game developer I still recommend you try this news source out. You probably play games too so why not stay updated on what's going on with them.

3. Instagram: Instagram has a lot of flaws within it so most would think that using it as a news source probably isn't the greatest idea. Even if that is true that social media is unreliable at most times it is also true that it is the most available to most people. Which is why I would recommend it for people because most people get their news from social media. Not because they can't go else where to get their news, but it's because that is simply what's the most available to them. So instead of doom scrolling while on Instagram it might be better to find out what's going on in the world. 

4. NPR: When it comes to informing people how culture and music is advancing I believe this news source is the best. For example when another product of popular culture comes out you can count of NPR to have an articulate article about it. Also when it comes to finding information on certain artist you can find most of that in NPR with lots of content on it. I would suggest this mainly for it's vast culture articles including vast arrays of culture you can research and learn about. So if your interested in learning about a variety of cultures give it a try.

5. Association Press: Association Press is not a household name in the slightest and covers most of the same stuff other news sources do. So why use this one in particular? Well the biggest reason and the reason why I would recommend this news source is that it is completely bias free. They make the most steps out of any other news source to make it's self as unbiased as possible. What makes that great is the fact that this news source isn't trying to make you think a certain way and is just giving you pure information.