This blog is a showcase of various homework assignments I did over the course of my ENG110 class.

Discussion questions – 10/10/22

The homework assignment for the class today was to read “‘Rise of the Machines’ is Not a Likely Future” by Michael Littman and create three questions that can be used for discussion in class. This article was about the rise of technology and artificial intelligence, and its potential threat to humanity. I produced the following questions to discuss in class:

1. Either presented by the authors, or your own idea, what would you say is the most effective way that humans can control the advancement of threatening AI?
2. Due to the inherent trait of greed in humans, do you see software engineers and large corporations taking responsible actions towards AI development, or do you see them turning a blind eye to potential villainous aspects of AI in order to make a profit?
3. Do you think the numerous benefits of AI and technology progression outweighs the potential for disaster such as those depicted in science fiction novels and films?

Discussion questions – 11/16/22

For homework, my classmates and I were asked to watch Jon Ronson’s TED talk, “How One Tweet Can Ruin Your Life,” and produce three discussion questions for class. This TED talk unraveled the rise of cancel culture and the use of Twitter to punish offensive behavior. After watching and considering Ronson’s seminar, I produced the following questions for discussion:

• Has history repeat itself in its lack of free speech? It appears that present day society has backtracked on our ability to speak freely without scrutiny, would you agree?
• What is the criteria for a “fair” punishment for people exercising their right to free speech on social media platforms, that may have offended a certain group of people?
• How can someone defend themselves from fake tweets and misinformation that effect someone’s lives and careers?

Discussion questions – 11/21/22

The TED talk that my classmates and I were asked to watch and form discussion questions for was “Strange Answers to the Psychopath Test,” presented by Jon Ronson. This TED talk examined the psychology of psychopaths’ and Ronson’s theories that surround their behavioral patterns. From which, I created the following questions for class discussion:

1. Should the signs of psychopathy (manipulation, inflated self worth, conflicting with social norms) be seen as negative traits, and should these traits be scrutinized by others because they stand out. (As long as the person is not violent)
2. Why is it that we want to put labels on regular human emotions titling them as having mental disorders? Is it to separate them from “normal” people to protect our insecurities?
3. Does society tend to suppress emotions and behaviors that tend to make us human? If so why? What is to gain from seeing everything as simply black and white when human nature cannot be further from it?