FINAL BLOG POST

 
My Digital Footprint on Society: 

April 26, 2021

by Julianna Rigoglioso 

Insight on My Personal Relationship with Technology 

I always have been fascinated with computers and technology. I love saving up for the newest tech product or gadget. The first technological gadget I used was my family's Dell Desktop Computer. When I was in elementary school, I used to play games and watch videos in my free time. My dad had to limit my screen time because he "didn't want my brain to fry by looking at a screen for that long." Who knew that years later, screens would be surrounding our everyday lives? Screens project the content of the gadget acting as a vehicle as we progress and become more technologically advanced. When determining whether my relationship with technology is healthy or unhealthy, I have concluded that it is complicated; similar to a high school boyfriend or girlfriend. As an online student, I rely on my technology to allow me to excel in my courses through a screen. Without technology, we would not be able to continue our educational and professional lives during the current national crisis, COVID-19. It is truly astonishing that we are still able to compete for job interviews, attend college classes, and work from home during these unprecedented times. 

However, technology and moderation have a hard time coinciding with one another. Technology creates such an efficient lifestyle. Why go to the store and when you can place an order online through an app? Why should I commute to work if I can work at my desk at home? Technology's efficiency becomes addicting. Our society today relies on it and this is where one's relationship with technology can become detrimental to one's health. 

Mental Health and Social Media

There is no coincidence that mental health issues have risen at the same time technology advances. According to a September 2020 report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the suicide rate for pediatrics rose 57.4% from 2007 to 2018. Most teenagers in today's society have a habit of checking their phones every five minutes. The innovation of social media apps like Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, Facebook, is something so dramatic that most of the population uses these platforms daily. Social media creates this false ideal of reality when it comes to browsing on these sites. Influencers and celebrities choose to show the best version of themselves and label it as relatable. They post going to the grocery store in thousand-dollar jumpsuits or go to the gym with their hair and makeup professionally done. Now, there is nothing wrong with living a lavish lifestyle. But, as an audience, we must not forget that they have so many resources available to them as a celebrity. I cannot compare myself to a Victoria's Secret model, and I am okay with that. But when I was an immature and vulnerable teen, I thought as if the only way to be cool was to have a six-pack, glowing skin, and a European boyfriend. 

When posting, they have a photographer to create the best angles, an editor to blur out any wrinkles or blemishes, and expensive clothing to attract the public eye. They create this false image to normal teenagers that to be cool or to fit in, you have to look or act a certain way. I know I constantly struggled with my appearance growing up because I stick out like a sore thumb. I have bright red hair and freckles; people made it known to me that I looked different. When I would scroll on my Instagram as a high school freshman, I would get upset because I wasn't tall, skinny, and blonde. I am not alone, though. Social media has become a place where people post something they are not. People could be going through the most difficult time in their life; nonetheless, it could look like a completely different story in the public eye. 

I was the only member of my family to grow up during the realm of extreme technological advances (my youngest brother is nine years older than me). This contributes to all the different relationships we have with technology. My Dad has the healthiest relationship, in which he only really uses his phone to talk to his patients for emergencies or to get in contact with family. He uses his phone every day to call me and ask what Mom is making for dinner. My Mother, on the other hand, loves to post on Facebook. She isn't reliant on technology, but for some reason, finds great joy in posting her political beliefs. She is the worst texter I've ever met; she has 300+ unopened messages and the only way for me to reach her is through phone call. My six older brothers also have a healthy relationship only really using their phones for work and business. They have social media but really could care less—they use it more to stay up to date on various news and sports topics. 

I do find myself getting way too caught up in social media, and this is something I am working on. I realized that it affects my own mental health and the only solution is for me to put the phone down. Instagram and Snapchat pictures do not tell the full story. I am one of those people who get serious FOMO. I think this is part of being the youngest sibling—I always want to be included. When I was getting surgery over winter break, I would view my friends going out to dinner, hanging out, going to the beach, and although I am happy that my friends are having a good time, seeing their posts makes me feel so left out. This is my current struggle with social platforms. People claim, if you didn't take a picture, did it even happen? This is unhealthy and a problem with my generation. We forget to stop and smell the roses. Instead, we stop, take a picture, edit it, think of a caption, and stalk the number of likes it gets without appreciating life's beauty. Society now finds pleasure in public reaction. Whenever I find myself becoming caught up in this is when I need to put my phone down and appreciate life in front of me; not through my 6x3inch handheld computer screen. 

My Digital Footprint: My Social Media 

I have six older brothers; yes I am the youngest of seven children, me being the only girl. My brothers have watched me like a hawk throughout my childhood and teenage years. At the time, I thought it was annoying; however, as a nineteen-year-old college student with an appropriate online presence—I am so thankful. They stressed to never share anything you wouldn't want to see years later. While my friends were posting videos and pictures of underage drinking, I never participated in either of the two. Although it might seem fun and cool at the moment, I knew that one day I wanted to become something in this world. I never wanted my digital footprint as a high school teenager to jeopardize my future plans. I am proud to say I am not ashamed of anything I posted on social media and if all my posts were to wash up back to the public eye, I would be totally okay with this. Although, I may judge myself based on my chipmunk voice doing beauty tutorials at age nine using my mom's makeup (like I knew what I was doing.) My online presence does not need editing, however, there is an opportunity for improvement in all aspects of life. As I am approaching adulthood, in the future when I am employed, I may edit my social media platform to become more professional, rather than personal. I think my digital footprint will help me secure jobs in the future. I use Linked In to communicate with professors and career professionals. 

I was exposed to the media and technology at a very young age. I am an actress and have been performing in front of a camera or on a Broadway stage since the age of five. Without technology, the entertainment industry would be nonexistent. The creations of cameras, monitors, and editing softwares fuel the industry and allow the best content to be created. I was professionally trained in how to manage myself in the entertainment industry while also creating an online presence. My manager created a website for me to disclose my acting reels and resume. https://www.juliannarigoglioso.com/

I, unfortunately, admit that my daily life is influenced by the media tremendously. I say unfortunately because I believe I am an old soul and I wish I grew up in different times. But, I am grateful and will use these tools to my advantage when accessible—and ethical, of course. I do enjoy seeing what others are up to: as nosey as that sounds. I go on the internet daily to see how my friends are doing at college and view how my family is celebrating the holidays during the pandemic when we can't be together. I use it to keep up with the news and the latest social media buzz. I am not alone in this; I'm not the only one hooked on the internet.

Sources

-  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/youth-suicide-rates-are-on-the-rise-in-the-u-s
-  https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health 
-  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/NVSR-69-11-508.pdf?_ga=2.57817962.1595091322.1600113401-938738154.1600113401 

#11 Key Post

What is CONFIRMATION BIAS? 

March 3, 2021

by Julianna Rigoglioso 

Where do your opinions, beliefs, and values come from? If you're like most people, your beliefs and values form from experience and your personal knowledge. When forming these opinions, as humans we tend to be found guilty in a way where we only listen to information that suits our interests or beliefs. This is called confirmation bias—"the tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with one's existing beliefs" (Brittanica).  This was first described by Peter Wason in 1960. Confirmation Bias can be completely unintentional; it is human nature to be most interested in information that suits one's beliefs. Nonetheless, confirmation biases result in ignoring inconsistent information because the person is gathering or recalling information selectively. It is hard to change or open one's mind up to opposing information once one has developed an opinion on the issue; the human should be emotionally distant from the issue. In turn, all biases are removed because one is able to take a step back, interpret the information and situation, and make a judgment.  

How Confirmation Bias Works:

Instead of seeking all information and listening to counterarguments, one instead chooses to avoid looking for objective facts. They interpret information that only supports their existing belief. Rather than learning all the facts, they ignore all information that challenges their belief. Now is this something that sounds familiar? 

Sometimes we don't notice, but confirmation bias always has an opportunity to be present in our everyday lives. It is important as a society to notice when you're thinking this way. With the countless news outlets available, we must fact-check our information because let's face it, the media cares more about public reaction than the truth. We must not strictly rely on Instagram or Twitter for our news. I follow political accounts on Instagram; however, I always ensure to research about it elsewhere before I form an opinion or make a claim—and you should too! 

Example of Confirmation Bias

We are all culprits of confirmation bias whether we notice it or not; humans lack a sense of self-awareness sometimes. One example is sorority and fraternity recruitment in college. When students pick between sororities and fraternities, some already have their ideal sorority/fraternity choice—maybe their mom was in that same sorority 30 years ago. Now, say one girl hears a rumor that her top choice sorority hazes and abuses alcohol. She then hears that the school was involved in a conflict with that same sorority regarding a hazing issue years back. However, she claims that's an untruthful rumor and proceeds to rush that sorority, dismissing all negative statements about her top choice. Now, someone completely different, with no knowledge of college Greek life, wants to join and hears those same rumors. Immediately, she is turned off by that group and chooses to not visit the house and meet the girls. This is confirmation bias! First, these two girls are making judgments before even knowing the truth; neither of them has first-hand experience or knowledge. Second, they avoid any other judgments or values other than their own. 

How Confirmation Bias Affects the World:

Confirmation Bias can be positive and negative. It is negative because it creates stereotypes where people will form pre-made judgments based on one's appearance or what they have heard about them. People create judgments about race, ethnicity, religion, social status, wealth. This affects society as a whole; creating a division in our community. Confirmation Bias is judging a book by its cover without not knowing the full story. Your judgments could make you close-minded—unaware of other information or experiences. However, this could also be seen as a positive. These pre-existing judgments could save you from making poor decisions. If someone offered me to smoke pot, I would say no because I don't know how my body will react, to my knowledge it's unhealthy and can cause lung damage. There are people, however, who argue that it helps their anxiety. Now, I don't have any first-hand experience with smoking, nor do I live with anyone who smokes. I don't research about it; however, by my own knowledge, I think it is bad. With this, I form a bias against it. 

I think confirmation bias affects society today more than it's ever had in history: we can thank technology for this. There are countless platforms to receive news and information; therefore, it is important to be aware of the credibility of the sources who created that post. Social media platforms love to encourage confirmation bias. To keep us entertained on their platform, tech companies create algorithms to display content that supports our bias, encouraging stronger and deeper opinions to form. This negatively impacts society and our political system. The media interprets a political issue on way and releases information to the public. The public takes it and runs with it, no matter how truthful it is or not. 

In the end, people like to be right. It can lower one's self-esteem when one is proven wrong. This is another reason people display confirmation bias: to protect their self-esteem and ego. People like to feel good about themselves and knowledge gives people confidence. They want to feel as if they know everything, and their information is always correct. However, life isn't about being correct all the time. Sometimes you need to be wrong so you can recollect your thoughts, find the truth, and become educated. Society must accept this and become more open-minded to issues and values in opposition to their beliefs. 

References:

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/confirmation-bias-examples-in-real-life.html

https://www.britannica.com/science/confirmation-bias

https://fs.blog/2017/05/confirmation-bias/

#10 Blog Post

 Privacy Online and Offline: 

March 1, 2021

by Julianna Rigoglioso 

The Deciet of Connecting Online:  

We are all connected as a society through the World Wide Web. We type our information, otherwise known as personal data, into our computers, iPhones, tablets, and trust it with our lives. Did you know that from your social media posts to your search history, all of it is being tracked? Once something is on the internet, it can never go away. This makes our data is everlasting, it will outlive us all. As a society, "we have lost control over data and our privacy" (Think your email's private? Think again, 1:20). They see what we buy online, what we post about, what games we play, and they even have access to our own "private" email. Even our phone calls are monitored and saved into the company's private data. With this, as technology advances, society loses the idea of privacy itself. This generation is taught at a very young age to post their social lives online and engage in social media. In a Ted Talk, scientist Andy Yen points out that "this is a generation that is not going to remember when data was private," and I find this terrifying (Think your email's private? Think again, 9:37). For me personally, I do enjoy posting on social media; nonetheless, I value my privacy much more. I do not share every minute of my life on my socials. 

Computing has changed everything in the world we live in. Phones and computers are owned by almost everyone and technology companies take advantage of this. It is easy to surveil when the mass population is distracted by their new phone features: like being able to unlock your phone with the touch of a thumb or scan of someone's facial features (known as Apple's Face ID). When I received the new iPhone with a fingerprint unlocking system, I was amazed by the simplicity, convenience, and innovation. Maybe it was my vulnerability talking, or my youthful mental state, however, I never considered the thought my very own fingerprint being stored away and used as data. From facial recognition to Touch ID,  technology companies store and use our personal information for data. These tech companies actually built surveillance features in the core of their network (How to avoid surveillance... with the phone in your pocket, 1:20). Our own cell phones are being monitored. When you are talking on the phone to someone, your call could be monitored by another party. This party could be the government, foreign intelligence service, hacker, or even a foreign government. 

There are some ways around this, though. Some companies have built strong encryption technology that makes surveillance difficult. Apple, for example, claims that iMessage and Facetime Audio calls are very hard to monitor. I always was very suspicious of technology companies and would read about how they monitor our devices and calls. I had no idea that Apple tries to avoid that. When you send a message to another person with an iPhone (this is called iMessaging), it is difficult  to track and wiretap—even Apple can't view your messages. I always thought Apple was the bad guy when it came to technology and monitoring devices because they hold so much power in the country. There are 193 Million iPhones in the US. This means almost 67% of the population own an iPhone. 

After watching "How to avoid surveillance... with the phone in your pocket," I became very skeptical when talking on the phone. It's not that I have anything to conceal, but, the fact that someone could be listening to my argument on the phone with my mother; makes me feel uncomfortable. Technology companies began installing encryption software into their devices; this angered governments from all around the world. The argument that these surveillance features are designed for solving crime investigations does make sense to me. However, but at what cost? These surveillance systems, which were designed to respond to lawful surveillance requests from the police, are being hacked anyway by other nations' governments. For example, in 2009, Google and Microsoft's systems were hacked and compromised by the Chinese government.  There is no way of controlling who goes through the data; good or bad people. Although encryption may make it more difficult for the police to catch these "bad guys," at least we won't live in a world where our personal information could be potentially intercepted by a terrorist, criminal, or opposing governments. 

Privacy must become more accessible to society. Nonetheless, if we want our privacy, we must act together and use encrypted communication tools. The entire globe must start taking steps to be as secure as possible. I chose my privacy over everything...and you should too. 

#9 Blog Post

 REACTION TO :

FRONTLINE THE FACEBOOK DILEMMA

February 26 , 2021

by Julianna Rigoglioso 

After watching Frontline The Facebook Dilemma, I couldn't help but reminisce on how I first joined the Facebook social media platform myself. When I was about ten years old, my mom and manager created a separate Facebook page for myself in which they posted and monitored for me. I am an actress, so my management and agents suggested for me to become more active on social media. Nonetheless, at the time, the new "Facebook Fan Page" feature was a great way to start. My mom and I took pictures and posted together about different Broadway/off-Broadway shows I was in at the time, where I was performing on tour, backstage photos with fans, movie and television premieres, and more. It wasn't anything crazy, nor did I go on it every day. That account was eventually shut down; my mom and I gave up and I was more into managing my own social media as I hit my pre-teens. This was when I became interested in Instagram and Twitter. I didn't create my own Facebook profile until 2019! I realized that there were various Facebook groups for incoming freshmen at colleges I was interested in attending. I used Facebook to connect with my future classmates and peers! 

It is because of Facebook that social media has evolved into a creation so advanced, interactive, important—yet dangerous. The key to audience engagement is finding and displaying information that suits them; personalized ads, news, tweets, pictures. Facebook created and used algorithms to find this information from user's data, keeping them intrigued. 10 years ago, we did not notice these things; society was more concerned about their Facebook post for that day. Throughout the years, we as a society, however, have become more aware of social media companies, like Facebook, and how they unethically operate their business. Companies thrive off of storing, purchasing, and selling personal data. They use their creations to over-step into our personal lives—without users even knowing it.

After viewing Frontline The Facebook Dilemma, boy do I wish I never joined the app as a young girl. To think that my personal searches and data were/are being tracked, stored, and sold, is very unsettling. I am not surprised, however. If I shop for clothes online early in the day and browse news feeds later that night, ads for that brand, or similar brands, will pop up on the site—I notice this happens daily. I try to clear my cookies and search engine weekly to remove my search data from these websites. Facebook users are treated as pixels: this is just so unethical. The documentary highlights the issue that after Facebook partnered with brokers, data is collected and sold: more importantly, our private data is being sold—let that sink in. 

 

Sources:

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-facebook-dilemma-part-one-s43cuc/

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/facebook-data-privacy-scandal-a-cheat-sheet/

#8 Blog Post

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS

February 21, 2021
by Julianna Rigoglioso

The Diffusion of Innovation Theory was developed by E.M Rodgers in 1962. The theory explains how over time, an idea or product will gain popularity, momentum, and then will spread, or diffuse, through a specific population system. This results in society adopting a new idea or belief: out with the old and in with the new. We become more advanced, especially with our friend, technology. Technological innovations are the key to adoption. People want the newest gadget with the best features. 

Let's take a look at the innovation of the iPhone through the lens of diffusion theory. 

Steve Jobs created the iPhone and it hit the market in 2007. This handheld computer screen transformed the "mobile phone business, internet economy, and society as a whole. " Steve Jobs created a touch screen mobile device that could make calls and texts while also featuring internet browsing use. In 2021, there are more than 113 million iPhone users in the United States, accounting for about 47% of all smartphone users. And certainly, this number continues to grow each year. The iPhone caught on to society and went widespread due to its convenience and innovative features. 

Steve Jobs introduces iPhone in 2007

One positive consequence of the creation of the iPhone was that sparked a dramatic change in the economy. Technology and phone companies now try to create their own version of the smartphone to compete with Apple's iPhone. As a result, in 2021, technology businesses are thriving and one of the top money-making industries in the world. Because tech is in such high demand, companies continue to produce more products to gain higher revenue. Companies launch newer and more advanced features each year drawing in the public eye. Now, if all companies compete against each other in a race to wealth and popularity, this ultimately results in better, faster, and more advanced gadgets for society. In 2017, Apple launched its most innovative feature for the iPhone allowing users to unlock their phones using facial recognition. The iPhone outshines all smartphones and Apple has projected the theme that with the advancement of their products, the possibilities are endless. The beautiful design, along with the excellent performance, and high-quality software of the device mesmerizes users. The power it holds over the public is insane. Now, this brings me to the negative consequence of the device.

The public's obsession with the iPhone stems from how convenient it makes completing most professional and personal tasks. Nonetheless, we as a society are becoming more reliant on the device. Now I believe things in moderation are fine. Although, staring at a screen for hours and hours a day simply isn't the best way to treat your brain. Studies have shown that too much screen time can lead to retina damage and even sleep deprivation. 

This is the main reason why some people choose to not adopt this new version of the cell phone. They witnessed their children slowly becoming more and more addicted to the device and didn't want the same thing to happen to them, especially as an adult. As for late adopters, like my parents, they waited long before purchasing their first iPhone because they didn't see the need for it, nor did they want to become reliant on it either. My dad enjoys keeping his files in Manila folders, responding to emails from his work computer, and reading news from the paper each morning. He says that "I don't like to mix work and play, I'll get too used to it. My phone is strictly used as a cellular device." He has a point, the iPhone merges all aspects of our lives into one device–hence its convenience. Additionally, late adopters— and those who chose not to adopt it at all—were more concerned about how it was too advanced for their knowledge. Nonetheless, Gen Z and Millenials were the early adopters in which they were quick to purchase the device as soon as it hit the market because they understood the concept of technology through the use of computers. After all, isn't the iPhone just a smaller version of the computer that can make calls and texts? For someone who isn't technologically savvy, adopting this innovative piece could cause more stress than just sticking with their blackberry or flip phone. 

iPhone's ultimately acted as a vehicle to the innovation of social media platforms as well—which is a positive consequence... right? This again, resulting in more companies, businesses, and industries earning an even higher revenue, which is great for the economy. Nonetheless, because these devices are addicting to society, private social media companies, like Facebook, abuse this concept to their advantage. Facebook sells and stores our personal data on our iPhones; acting as if we human beings are computer codes. 

Now, do you like your iPhone? Do you like having everything you need on one screen, all in one place? Documents, pictures, the internet, contacts, conversations all on your small, 6-inch screen. However, do you like how private tech companies have all your information: passwords, search engine data, pictures, fingerprints, facial recognition? Do you feel like you are monitored on social media through your iPhone? This is the ultimate downside to these technological advances and innovations: the lack of privacy and ethics. 

References: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnrJzXM7a6o 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/236550/percentage-of-us-population-that-own-a-iphone-smartphone/#:~:text=How%20many%20people%20have%20iPhones,users%20in%20the%20United%20States. 

https://theconversation.com/understanding-the-real-innovation-behind-the-iphone-79556 

https://www.activehealth.sg/read/screen-time/what-are-the-negative-side-effects-of-too-much-screen-time#:~:text=Spending%20long%20hours%20staring%20at,retina%20damage%20and%20blurred%20vision. 

https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangetheories4.html

#7 BLOG POST

EOTO: 

N  E  T  F  L  I  X

 February 17th, 2021

 by Julianna Rigoglioso

In the 21st century, Live Television has taken the backseat to Online Streaming Services. Society said goodbye to waiting weeks before you can watch the next episode of your TV Show. Everyone's favorite television shows and movies are now in one place and accessible at any time; as long as you pay the $15 a month of course. Online streaming services have taken over the world— and you can thank Netflix for that. Netflix started this wave that society continues to surf.

Founded in 1997, Netflix has adapted and innovated the world of watching: the entertainment industry has forever been changed. And it is because of this that it will still continue to adapt as we become more technologically savvy. First beginning as a DVD rental company, Netflix has become almost everyone's obsession in today's society in 2021. Before becoming the ultimate "go-to" streaming service, Netflix first gained popularity by selling DVDs to people online. 

You would pick out movies from Netflix's website and wait for the movies to deliver to you at your door; similar to online shopping. Customers typically rented it for a monthly fee for as many movies as they wish. The number of DVDs in their possession at any one time was not always available depending on certain subscriptions. The movie catalogs were limited.

In 2021, the movie catalogs and selctions are endless. With less than 10 clicks of my remote, I can entertain my brain for hours on end. And once I am done with one movie, I can move on to the next within minutes. 

After Netflix hit the web; Hulu and Amazon Prime were later created. Evidently, Netflix created a pathway that many entertainment companies now follow—Hulu was created in 2008, Amazon Prime in 2006. Society loves television and now, with such advanced devices to watch these shows on, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime have all become billion-dollar companies. Even Disney followed in Netflix's footsteps; finally creating their own streaming service in 2019 for all Disney classic movies and shows. 

Netflix ultimately created the avenue of innovation for streaming services. It is now a race to see which company can add the coolest features and best movies to their platform. Great for society, big tech/entertainment company competition leads to new and more advanced features for us movie watchers. For example, to amp their streaming service, Netflix began creating their own content. In 2012, Netflix decided to make their own TV Shows and Movies to add to their website; titled Netflix Originals. 

Some argue that Netflix ruins TV for people because it is so easily accessible now. You can binge-watch any show at any time. Its convenience ruins the suspense you would have to endure while waiting for next week's episode for your favorite TV show.  Netflix, and other streaming services, are also slowly taking people away from going to the movies. Especially now with the pandemic, no one is going out, let alone going to the movie theatre. Who knows if they will ever open back up again? Like I mentioned in my introduction, Live Television and movies have taken the backseat to Online Streaming Services like Netflix.

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2019/02/19/what-is-the-netflix-effect/?sh=16a1bdaf5640

https://ted2srt.org/talks/reed_hastings_how_netflix_changed_entertainment_and_where_it_s_headed

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Netflix-Inc

#6 KEY POST

  

Innovation of HEADPHONES

                (Feb. 5. 2021): 

           by Julianna Rigoglioso

TIMELINE

1881: Used by telephone operators

1885: Electrophone SystemListen to Local Opera Houses 

1910: Nathaniel Baldwin manufactured first modern headphones

1937: the "DT-48's" from Beyerdynamic 

1949: AKG produced their first pair of headphones called the "K120'S"

1958: John C. Koss invented first pair of stereoheadphones "(Koss SP-3)" 

1959: Stax debuted first electrostatic pair of headphones 

1960: "SR-1's" went into production

1968: Koss released first US electrostatic model headphones "ESP-6's" (weighing 2lbs)

1979: SONY: "The Walkman" (First Portable Headphones: MDL-3L2 headphones came with the purchase of the first Walkman) 

1980: Earbud and in-ear headphone became popular 

1997: SONY Neckband headphones

2000: BOSE "QuietComfort" (noise cancelling technology)

2001: "The IPod" created by Apple

2008: Dr. Dre, Jimmy Lovine, Monster created"Beats by Dre" headphones popular to athletes especially NBA All Stars

2012: The style of headphones : Beats are seen as trendy and luxurious 

2016: Wireless headphones (Apple, Bose)

2020: Noise Canceling wireless headphones (Apple, Bose)

What Do You Use to Listen to Music?

Do you own a pair of headphones? Are they noise canceling? Do you use earbuds with a string? Do you use wireless ear-buds produced by Apple or Bose? Have you purchased Apple's newest noise-canceling AirPods? 

In 2021, the options and colorways are endless when deciding on what headphones to purchase. Companies produce headphones for various reasons such as sleep help, editing movies, listening to music, studying, working out. Have you ever wondered what life would be like if we didn't have headphones? No more Justin Bieber blasting in your ear on the walk to class...No more listening to music on the beach, while studying for an exam, or even warming up before a big playoff game. Before the first pair of headphones were created in the 1880s, life was quite different without this piece of technology; and when they were created, however, they were not nearly as advanced and trendy as they are now.

Until the late 19th century, the earliest of headphones had nothing to do with music; instead, they were used for radio communication and telephone operators. First created in the early 1890s by a British company called Electrophone, headphones first made their mark on the world as a "single earpiece that rested on the user's shoulder and weighed over 10 pounds"  Next, in 1885, families could listen to the local opera houses nearby through a large metal piece that kind of looks like a stethoscope. Those who could afford it would subscribe and enjoy the music from their local opera house—giving signals and providing music—miles away. Moving later into 1910, Nathaniel Baldwin created the first-ever modern headphones from his very own kitchen and sold them to the US Navy. Almost 30 years later, in 1927, the "DT-48's" from Beyerdynamic became were the first headphones ever to hit the market. This product sparked the innovation of headphones. AKG followed and produced in 1949 the "K120's": their first pair of headphones. Ultimately, in 1958, the game changed when John C. Koss created the first pair of stereo headphones (Koss SP-3). He developed an entire private listening system for enjoying music by plugging in your headphones to your stereo.

After 1958, the revolution of headphones began. 

 

We can thank the Sony Walkman, which was on the market in 1979, for headphones' popularity and success. The Sony Walkman was the first ever portable music player. Listening to music was now something you could do from anywhere. This changed the game; people now incorporate music into their daily lives because it is more accessible than ever before. Companies cater toward the average person and what their day consists of. From 1980-1997, the headphones' main concern was the comfort and weight of the product. Companies now try to design a product that people could use to work out in or do other tasks without the weight of bulky headphones on top of their head; the solution: earbuds and neckband headphones.

Generally speaking, the innovation of headphones is remarkable. I find it crazy how something can change and improve so dramatically over time. Headphones originally were used by telephone operators. The headphones were large, heavy, and the audio was mediocre; the practicality was not near where it is today. When you think about the innovation of headphones from 1880 to 2021, the product literally shrank and multiplied: everyone has a pair now. Now, in the 21st century, headphones have been innovated and adapted into a piece of technology smaller than a person's ear, with quality better than ever before. Almost everyone has a pair of headphones or earbuds: especially now as we live in an era of such technological reliance. According to countless surverys, Derek Thompson, from The Atlantic, reports "with confidence, that music makes us happier, better at concentrating, and more productive." (2012). Today, people rely on their headphones for studying and concentration purposes. Even athletes rely on their music and headphones to play their "Pump Up" playlist before their big game to get them in the right mind set. In 2020 and now 2021, people rely on headphones to listen to their online classes and watch lectures. 

Headphones also caused a change in people's mental health and how they cope with their emotions. After portable headphones hit the market, listening to music became a private thing: a thing that only you could hear. It allowed people to escape their daily lives and tune into a song, listen to the lyrics, and be in their own world: music therapy. 

The revolution of headphones impacted the growth and innovation of various new technologies. Without the invention of headphones, portable music devices, like IPods, wouldn't have been invented. Headphones also impacted the music, film, and entertainment industry as well. They allow people to listen to whatever, wherever. More people were listening to music; therefore, more artists were releasing music. 

After the internet became more popular, users would put on their headphones and listen to their sound privately. With the birth of Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming platforms, headphones and sound companies were determined to up their product. 

In 2021, almost everyone owns a pair of headphones or earbuds. In college, I used my earbuds every day: listening to music on my walk to class, while studying, when I am at the gym. Whether I am in an online lecture or on vacation on the beach, my headphones are always with me. Are yours? 

https://coolmaterial.com/roundup/history-of-headphones/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-partial-history-of-headphones-4693742/

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech-life/how-headphones-evolved-over-the-years/1880s/slideshow/54389668.cms

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/05/how-headphones-changed-the-world/257830/