Reclaiming the Internet: Battling Algorithmic Monotony
The internet was once a vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating place. It was a digital frontier where creativity, innovation, and uncertainty flourished. However, over the last few years, many users have found the internet increasingly mundane and predictable. The reason? Social media algorithms. These invisible architects of our online experience have transformed the internet from a wonderland into a wasteland. And today, we’ll explore how and why this transformation occurred.
The Met Gala 2024 Controversy
The Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual high-profile fundraiser organized by the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Despite being considered one of the most prestigious and exclusive events in the fashion world, the 2024 edition sparked intense debate about the influencer economy (income generation through online content) and its implications, which had a massive impact on social media.
This year’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” provoked significant controversy in the digital landscape.
Breaking Barriers: Being a Woman in Tech
Despite early pioneers like mathematician Ada Lovelace and computer scientist Grace Hopper, women make up less than one-third of information technology (IT) professionals today. In fact, according to a study by Accenture and Girls Who Code, “the percentage of tech workers who were women in 1984 (35%) was actually higher than it is today (32%).”
At Champlain College, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that keep women from entering or advancing in the industry, and we’re proud to offer a variety of forward-thinking programs and opportunities for female-identifying students to help shape the future of the field, from applied mathematics to cybersecurity.
Beyond Pride Profits: Bud Light and Target
In recent years, the marketing and advertising industry has witnessed brands aligning themselves with social causes, particularly during Pride Month. However, the experiences of two major U.S. brands, Bud Light and Target, have raised critical questions about the sincerity of their support for the LGBTIQ+ community. These stories serve as a learning experience, shedding light on the consequences of using Pride solely for profit while failing to wholeheartedly stand behind the people they ask to take hate and discrimination.
