The Cloud: And It's Impact on Communication

The cloud connects our digital world, making information accessible anytime, anywhere.

When I first heard the term “the cloud,” I assumed it was something only people in technology careers needed to understand. The funny thing is, most of us use it every day without even realizing it.

If you’ve ever saved a file to Google Drive, backed up photos to iCloud, streamed a movie on Netflix, or worked on a shared document for a class project, you’ve used cloud computing.

John McCarthy

The idea behind the cloud has actually been around for much longer than most people think. In the 1960s, computer scientist John McCarthy imagined a future where people could access computing power the same way they access electricity. Instead of owning expensive computers and equipment, they would simply use what they needed when they needed it. 

Back then, computers were huge, expensive, and only available to large organizations. Most people could not have imagined having access to the kind of technology we carry around in our pockets today.

As the internet grew and technology became more advanced, that idea slowly became a reality. A major turning point came in 2006, when Amazon Web Services introduced cloud services that let people and businesses store data and access computing power online instead of maintaining their own servers. 

Today, cloud computing is woven into almost everything we do online. It has changed the way we work, learn, communicate, and even entertain ourselves.

One of the biggest changes has been in communication and collaboration. Think about how group projects work now compared to even a decade ago. Instead of emailing different versions of the same document back and forth, everyone can work on one file at the same time.

As a college student, I honestly can't imagine doing group assignments without cloud-based tools. Being able to leave comments, make edits, and see updates in real time makes collaboration so much easier, especially when everyone has different schedules.

The cloud has also made remote work and online learning possible on a much larger scale. People can attend meetings, access important files, and communicate with others from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

While the cloud has created a lot of convenience, it has also introduced some concerns that are hard to ignore.

Terms & Conditions

The first is privacy. Every photo, document, email, and file we upload is stored on servers owned by large technology companies. Most of us click "accept" on terms and conditions without thinking twice about where our data is going or who has access to it. 

Security is another concern. Companies spend billions of dollars protecting their systems, but data breaches still happen. When a company storing millions of users' information gets hacked, the consequences can affect people all over the world. 

There is also the issue of how much information companies collect about us. Many cloud-based services track our habits, interests, and online activity. In exchange, we get personalized recommendations and a more convenient experience, but it raises an important question: how much personal information are we willing to share for that convenience? 

Internet Crash

Another downside is how dependent we have become on technology. When the internet goes down, everything seems to stop. We lose access to assignments, documents, communication tools, and sometimes even the services we rely on every day. 

The cloud has completely changed the way we live and communicate. It makes collaboration easier, information more accessible, and technology more convenient than ever before.

At the same time, it forces us to think about privacy, security, and who controls our information. As cloud technology continues to grow, those conversations will only become more important. For something most of us never think about, the cloud has had a huge impact on our daily lives.

AI Disclosure: This post was a collaboration using Microsoft Copilot. I asked Copilot to find research on the history of "The Cloud" along with the impact it has on communication. I then prompted it to take this research and turn it into a blog post, using prompts such as "write the blog post in heavy academic prose, but instead in professional writing."  I asked Copilot to help shape the text into a blog format, and I added links to related resources, along with appropriate images and captions.

Privacy Issues and Surveillance Ethics

Our digital footprints are always being tracked. 

Before watching these videos, I knew privacy was becoming a bigger issue, but I didn't realize how much information about our lives is collected every day. 

What surprised me most was learning that surveillance is not just focused on people who have committed crimes. Technologies like automatic license plate readers collect information on everyone, creating records of where people have been and storing that data even if they have done nothing wrong. The example of a man being photographed with his two daughters in his own driveway really stuck with me because it showed how even ordinary moments can end up in a database.

Students on Social Media

These issues affect me because, like most college students, I use technology constantly. My phone is always with me; I use social media every day, and I rarely stop to think about how much information I am sharing. The videos made me realize that my friends and family are in the same position. 

We leave digital footprints wherever we go, whether it is through our phones, online accounts, or social media posts. It is honestly a little unsettling to think that information about where we go, who we spend time with, and what we do online could be collected and stored without us even realizing it.

Facebook

The section about Facebook was especially eye-opening. I was surprised to learn about data mining, digital dossiers, and behavioral marketing. The idea that companies can combine small pieces of information to create detailed profiles of people is concerning. Learning about facial recognition and "electronic tattoos" was probably the most alarming part because it suggests that our digital footprints may outlive us. 

I think the government should place stricter limits on how long data can be stored and create more oversight over surveillance programs. At the same time, we need to be more careful about what we share online. These videos made me realize that privacy is much more fragile than I once thought, and once information becomes digital, getting that privacy back may be impossible.

AI Disclaimer: The post was a collaboration using Microsoft Copilot. I emphasized my own reactions and opinions while watching a video on privacy and surveillance. I then asked Copilot to help me shape the text into a blog post format. After reviewing the text, I added links to related resources and appropriate images and captions. 

Eight Values of Free Expression: My Favorite

The First Amendment protects our freedom to express our thoughts, opinions, and ideas.

Of the eight values of free expression, my two favorites are Individual Self-Fulfillmentand Promote Innovation. These values stand out to me because they reflect beliefs that are important to me personally and professionally. As someone who is interested in pursuing a career in law, I believe that freedom of expression is one of the most important rights people have. I also believe that diversity of thought and experience helps society grow and improve. Together, these two values show how free expression benefits both individuals and society as a whole.

My favorite value is Individual Self-Fulfillment, sometimes called self-actualization. This value argues that free speech allows people to express themselves, develop their identities, and exercise their autonomy. I strongly agree with this idea because every person deserves the opportunity to share their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. Free expression is a fundamental part of human dignity. When people can speak freely, they can discover who they are, stand up for what they believe in, and connect with others who share similar values. Without this freedom, people may feel pressured to hide parts of themselves or remain silent about issues that matter to them. 

Woman Protesting for First Amendment Rights 

This value is especially meaningful to me because of my interest in law. One of the main purposes of the legal system is protecting individual rights and freedoms. As I explore careers in the legal field, I have become more aware of the importance of ensuring that every person has a voice. 

Whether someone is advocating for themselves in court, speaking about injustice, or simply expressing an opinion, they should have the right to be heard. I believe free expression empowers individuals and allows them to participate fully in society. It also encourages personal growth because people learn from sharing their ideas and listening to the ideas of others. 

For me, protecting the right to express oneself is about respecting people as individuals and recognizing their worth. 

My second favorite value is Promote Innovation. I am a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and I believe they are major reasons why societies continue to grow and improve. This value suggests that communities that protect free expression tend to be more creative, energetic, and innovative. I completely agree with this idea because innovation often comes from people who think differently or approach problems from unique perspectives. 

Diversity is about much more than differences in background. It also includes differences in experiences, viewpoints, cultures, and ideas. When people feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, they contribute perspectives that others may not have considered. These different viewpoints can inspire new solutions, challenge outdated assumptions, and encourage progress. Whether in law, business, technology, or education, some of the greatest advancements happen when people are free to share their ideas without fear of being silenced. 

I also think inclusion is essential to innovation because people are more likely to contribute when they feel valued and respected. When a society welcomes different perspectives, it creates opportunities for collaboration and creativity. New ideas emerge when people with different life experiences come together and learn from one another. In my opinion, this is what keeps society moving forward and helps solve complex problems. 

Overall, Individual Self-Fulfillment and Promoting Innovation are my favorite values of free expression because they emphasize both personal freedom and social progress. Individual Self-Fulfillment protects each person's right to be themselves and to have a voice, while Promoting Innovation highlights the benefits of embracing diverse perspectives. Together, these values create a society where people are free to grow, contribute, and make the world a better place.