Blog Post #6: Technology (Netflix, Google, and Carrier Pigeons)

 Netflix

The ancestors of Netflix were Blockbuster Video and Redbox. I remember Redboxes growing up, but I haven’t seen one in years. Netflix was founded by Marc Randolph, and was originally made for renting DVDs by mail. 10 years later, in 2007, Netflix started offering streaming services. Like so many other innovations, Netflix was considered a joke by its competitors. Netflix eventually eclipsed Redbox, Blockbuster Video, and all other DVD rental services.

Netflix’s Negatives

One major issue that has resulted from Netflix and other streaming services is the common cultural issue of Binge-Watching, or watching a series for hours on end, overloading our senses.  Addictive behaviors around streaming services can also cause sleep deprivation and isolation from friends and family. Netflix can also lead to a major decrease in productivity.

Google

Early search engines, before google was introduced, looked for how many times your word appeared in a website. For instance, if I searched for The Great Gatsby, I might find websites that say the words “The Great Gatsby” fifty times before I find the actual book somewhere. Google revolutionized the search engine game by using an improved PageRank algorithm based on the number of citations your website has. Funnily enough, Yahoo funded Google early on. Google also started the business model of getting paid to display targeted ads.

Bonus Round- Famous Carrier Pigeons

Easily one of my favorite parts of the EOTO, these pigeons were a blast to learn about and somehow, these birds are far more heroic than I am.

Cher Ami

Delivered a message that saved soldiers and lost its leg in the process

G.I. JOE

Flew 20 mile in 20 minutes to save lives by preventing a bombing

The EOTO presentations helped keep all this content engaging and fresh, and I was happy to learn what my fellow classmates had presented.