Surveillance Technology Toward a Dystopian Future

There is a continual debate between individuals who attempt to measure the individual’s right to privacy against the government’s right to know as an exchange to provide for the security of all citizens. Questions that demand an answer are whether the individual’s right to privacy outweighs the government’s duty to provide security; and if security is considered more important, can there even be a right to privacy. When questioning the right to privacy and state surveillance, there are three key goals. First, to investigate whether the human right to privacy should exist, considering the continued threat of terrorist attacks and public safety. Second, to question if state surveillance both actual and imagined are the fundamental means for governing state population, and individual citizens. Lastly, to assess if surveillance technology and state surveillance can be both a force of good and equal source of harm in society. To illustrate this debate, the focal point of this paper will be centered on power relationships in society as expressed through language (e.g., The Constitution) and practice (Laws). Therefore, this Honors Thesis Project surveys the historical background of surveillance technology and how the global surveillance industry uses its power to justify its decision-making in crisis\u27s while violating Americans\u27 civil liberties,human rights, and inflicting harm

Unveiling the waves of mis- and disinformation from social media

In the digital era, social media platforms have become the focal point for public discourse, with a significant impact on shaping societal narratives. However, they are also rife with mis- and disinformation, which can rapidly disseminate and influence public opinion. This paper investigates the propagation of mis- and disinformation on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. We employ a multidimensional analytical approach, integrating sentiment analysis, wavelet analysis, and network analysis to discern the patterns and intensity of misleading information waves. Sentiment analysis elucidates the emotional tone and subjective context within which information is framed. Wavelet analysis reveals the temporal dynamics and persistence of disinformation trends over time. Network analysis maps the intricate web of information flow, identifying key nodes and vectors of virality. The results offer a granular understanding of how false narratives are constructed and sustained within the digital ecosystem. This study contributes to the broader field of digital media literacy by highlighting the urgent need for robust analytical tools to navigate and neutralize the infodemic in the age of social media