Society Archives

Why Surveillance Capitalism Is Google’s Brainchild

What is surveillance capitalism? What role did Google play in its creation? What are the consequences? According to author Shoshana Zuboff’s explanation of surveillance capitalism, Google’s development of targeted advertising and data predictions played a major role in its creation. Zuboff claims that Google now holds a dangerously powerful position in surveillance capitalism and our rights to privacy. Read on to learn the connection between Google, surveillance capitalism, and advertising, according to Zuboff.

Regulation of Cryptocurrency: Why Are Lawmakers Wary?

Why are some lawmakers nervous about the regulation of cryptocurrency? What risks does the crypto industry create? The explosive growth of cryptocurrencies is attracting the attention of regulators who range from wary to enthusiastic about the industry. Cautious lawmakers worry about crypto’s potential for criminality and its susceptibility to cyberattacks. Keep reading for a brief overview of where lawmakers currently stand on cryptocurrency regulation.

Who Has Long-Term Unemployment Hurt the Most?

What does long-term unemployment (LTU) mean? What are the risks of LTU? Which workers have been affected the most? A year after Covid-19 was declared a pandemic and the economy ground to a halt, 4.1 million workers fell into long-term unemployment—unemployment for six or more months. Workers experiencing LTU are finding it increasingly more difficult to rejoin the workforce. Read on to learn how long-term unemployment is harming workers post-Covid.

The Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education for Students & Society

Why should you choose a liberal arts education rather than a program that emphasizes career development? How is it advantageous both to you as an individual and to society as a whole? William Deresciewicz believes that a college education should benefit both students and society. He contends that the ideal education is a liberal arts program that cultivates students’ self-insight and gives them the skills to uphold democracy. Read more to learn about the benefits of a liberal arts education, according to Deresciewicz.

Security After 9/11: The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism

How has security after 9/11 affected the world? What are the consequences to society? Bestselling author and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff created the term “surveillance capitalism” to describe the invasive practices of big tech companies gathering user data. According to her, the 9/11 terrorist attacks paved the way for surveillance capitalism to take hold. Read on to learn why Zuboff says security after 9/11 created the perfect conditions for surveillance capitalism.

How to Overcome Bias: James O’Brien’s Path Toward Change

Do you look down on others? Do you have empathy for all kinds of people, or does bias sometimes get in the way? Radio personality James O’Brien has been known for his ability to argue his guests into submission and prove his own rightness. In his book How Not to Be Wrong, he explains how he realized his misguided beliefs about himself and others and ultimately changed course. Continue reading to learn how to overcome bias as O’Brien has.

The Hiring Bias Is Surprisingly Hurting These People

How does hiring bias affect different groups of workers? Why are educated (knowledge) workers experiencing more hiring bias currently? Educated workers have been disproportionately trapped in long-term unemployment because of biases potential employers have. These include age biases or the belief that something must be wrong with someone who’s been out of work for a while. Keep reading to learn why the stigma of hiring bias is disproportionately affecting educated workers.

Is Voter Fraud Real or Are We Fighting Imaginary Threats?

Is voter fraud real or a nonexistent threat? What does the evidence reveal? Having to prove your identity in order to vote in a U.S. election seems like common sense. According to surveys, over 80% of people believe it prevents voter fraud. Yet the major parties remain deadlocked over instituting voter ID. Keep reading to learn if voter fraud is a real problem or just an overhyped issue.

Weight-Shaming: How James O’Brien Changed His Mind

Why do some people engage in weight-shaming? How can they turn that around and show kindness instead? Radio presenter James O’Brien used to bully overweight people. He came to understand that he was using some of the same tactics that others use to dehumanize various kinds of people, and he eventually learned to change his mind—and his ways. Keep reading to learn how O’Brien turned things around—and how you can, as well.

How Neoliberal Capitalism Endangers Personal Freedom

What is neoliberal capitalism? What is the underlying ideology? What’s the connection to surveillance capitalism? Author and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff claims that neoliberal capitalism is one of the contributing factors to surveillance capitalism, where big tech companies monitor and manipulate user behavior. In her book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, she explains the connection and consequences. Keep reading to learn what neoliberal capitalism is and how it endangers personal freedom, according to Zuboff.