8 Values

Why Checking Government Powers Matters More Than Ever

When people think about free speech, they usually think about being able to say what they want or share opinions online. But one of the most important reasons free expression exists is to keep the government in check. Out of the eight values of free expression, the one that stands out to me the most is check on governmental power. This value focuses on the idea that speech and press act as a watchdog, making sure those in power are held accountable for their actions. Without it, there would be very little stopping abuse of power.

The check on governmental power is what allows journalists, citizens, and organizations to expose wrongdoing. Investigations, reporting, and even everyday people speaking out all play a role in this. A good example of this is investigative journalism from outlets like The New York Times, which has uncovered corruption, unethical behavior, and misuse of power in government. Without the protection of free speech and a free press, stories like these might never come to light.

This value also feels very relevant today because of how quickly information spreads. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter)and YouTube allow people to share news, opinions, and evidence in real time. While this can sometimes lead to misinformation, it also gives people the ability to call out issues immediately and bring attention to things that might otherwise be ignored. In a way, everyone now has the ability to contribute to holding power accountable, not just traditional journalists.

For me, this value stands out because it shows how important individual voices really are. It is not just large media companies that keep the government in check, it is also everyday people who are willing to speak up. Whether it is sharing information, questioning decisions, or starting conversations, these actions all play a part in making sure power is not abused. This connects to real life because it shows that free speech is not passive. It requires people to actually use their voices.

You can also see this value in action when people speak out about issues that directly affect them. When citizens protest, post online, or engage in public debate, they are participating in this watchdog role. These actions can lead to investigations, policy changes, or at the very least, more awareness. Even if change does not happen immediately, the act of speaking out still limits how much power can go unchecked.

Overall, the value of checking governmental power shows why free expression is essential to a functioning society. It keeps leaders accountable, exposes wrongdoing, and gives people a voice in how they are governed. Free speech is not just about personal expression, it is also about responsibility. When people use their voices to question and challenge authority, they help protect the balance of power. That is why this value stands out to me as one of the most important.

AI Brainstorm

Ai Brainstorm and My Career in Sport Management 

When I first came to HPU as a Sport Management major, I imagined my future being all about working live games, interacting with fans, and being part of the energy that makes sports so exciting. I still see that as the goal, but now AI is clearly going to be part of that world too, whether I planned for it or not.

AI is already starting to change the sports industry in a lot of ways. Teams and organizations are using it for things like ticket pricing, fan engagement, marketing, and even game-day operations. Instead of relying only on people, organizations can now use data and AI tools to make faster and more accurate decisions. That doesn’t mean jobs are disappearing completely, but it does mean they are changing.

For someone like me, that’s honestly a little intimidating. A lot of entry-level roles in sports already feel competitive, and now there’s an added expectation of understanding technology and data. It’s not just about being passionate about sports anymore. You also have to know how to use tools that can analyze fans, improve experiences, and help organizations run more efficiently.

At the same time, I don’t think AI replaces the most important parts of sports. Things like creativity, communication, leadership, and building relationships still matter a lot. If anything, those skills might matter even more now. The difference is that the best people in the field will be the ones who can combine those human skills with AI.

So when I think about the hopes I had coming into HPU, I don’t think AI ruins them. It just changes them. My dream job is still possible, but the path to get there is going to require more adaptability and learning than I originally expected. If I can figure out how to use AI instead of compete with it, I think I’ll be in a much better position going into the sports industry.

Thank You For Smoking Reflection

My brief reflection after watching Thank You For Smoking

The movie Thank You for Smoking takes a different approach to talking about advertising, especially when it comes to products that are clearly harmful. Watching Nick Naylor do his job made me realize how much of marketing is not just about selling something, but about how you frame the message. What stood out to me most is the idea that something can be completely legal, but still feel wrong.

I don’t think I could do Nick Naylor’s job, even if the money was really good. Obviously, getting offered $100,000 or $200,000 right out of college would be hard to turn down. That’s life-changing money. But at the same time, I’d always have in the back of my mind that I’m helping promote something that harms people. That would probably get to me over time. The vape example makes it a little more complicated. It’s marketed as a “better alternative” to cigarettes, which sounds easier to justify. But when you look at how many teenagers are getting hooked on vaping now, it doesn’t feel much better. Even if it’s slightly less harmful, it’s still creating a problem.

One part of the discussion that I didn’t agree with was the idea of going back and removing cigarettes from old movies. I get why people would want to do that, especially to avoid influencing younger audiences, but it feels like changing history. Movies reflect the time they were made in, and taking things out like that doesn’t really solve the issue. It just hides it. I think it’s better to leave things as they are and focus on educating people instead.

The reporter in the movie was interesting too. She was clearly trying to expose something important, and I think what she uncovered mattered. At the same time, the way she got her information didn’t sit right with me. Using personal relationships to get a story feels like crossing a line. It kind of shows that even when someone is trying to do something good, their methods can still be questionable.

When it comes to why the government doesn’t just ban advertising for things like tobacco or alcohol, I think it mostly comes down to legal rights. The First Amendment protects commercial speech to a certain extent, so it’s not that simple. Personally, I wouldn’t support a full ban, but I do think there should be stronger limits. Especially when it comes to advertising that reaches younger audiences. There has to be some kind of balance between freedom and responsibility.

Marijuana advertising is probably the most confusing situation. It’s legal in some states and illegal in others, which makes everything messy, especially online. Ads don’t just stay in one place anymore. I don’t think companies should automatically be punished if their ads show up in states where it’s illegal, but there should definitely be clearer rules so everyone knows what’s allowed.

Overall, the movie made me think about the kind of work I want to be part of in the future. Just because something is legal and pays well doesn’t automatically make it something I should do. At some point, your own values have to come into play, and that’s probably the biggest takeaway I got from it.

The Myth of Data Privacy

The Myth of Data Privacy 

When I go onto a new website or download a new app, I usually don’t think twice about accepting the terms and conditions or entering my personal information. It’s almost automatic at this point. That process has become so routine that it barely feels like a decision anymore. For me, and for a lot of other people, creating a new account is treated as a quick task to get through, not a moment where privacy or personal control is really on the line. Convenience almost always wins. The faster I can get to whatever service I want, the less I stop to think about what I might be giving up in the process.

A good example of this is creating an account for something like the McDonald’s app. I’m usually fine giving basic information like my name, phone number, email, and even my home address. At the time, it feels reasonable. I assume the information is being used to make ordering easier, remember my preferences, or send the occasional deal. In my head, it feels like a fair exchange. I give a little information, and in return I get convenience, rewards, and quicker access to food. It never feels like I’m agreeing to anything beyond that.

The issue is that this assumption is mostly wrong. The information I provide rarely stays within just one app or company. Instead, it often becomes part of a much larger system where my data is shared with or sold to third parties. These can be advertisers, analytics firms, or data brokers I’ve never heard of and don’t really understand. What starts as a simple account setup quietly turns into long-term data collection that has very little to do with ordering a meal.

Over time, that data is combined and analyzed to build a detailed digital profile of who I am. This can include where I go, what I buy, when I’m active, and patterns in how I spend money. From there, companies can even make assumptions about my interests, lifestyle, or economic status. None of this seems especially alarming on its own, but when it’s all put together, it creates a surprisingly accurate picture of my daily life. The most concerning part is that I never clearly agreed to this. My “consent” was buried in pages of legal language that I scrolled past without reading.

The way these agreements are designed makes this even worse. Terms and conditions are long, dense, and written in a way that almost guarantees people won’t read them. Apps are also structured to push users toward accepting everything as quickly as possible. Privacy settings are often hidden, confusing, or take extra time to adjust. Sometimes, declining certain permissions makes the app harder to use or stops it from working altogether. While consent technically exists, it’s hard to argue that it’s fully informed.

Another problem is how invisible all of this is. Unlike handing someone physical information, digital data collection happens quietly in the background. I don’t see my data being copied, shared, or stored. There’s no immediate consequence, which makes the risk feel distant or unreal. Because nothing bad happens right away, it’s easy to ignore the long-term effects. That invisibility is a big reason why large-scale data collection continues with very little resistance.

There’s also a larger ethical issue behind this system. When companies collect and profit from personal data, users stop being just customers and start becoming products. The convenience these apps offer is often paid for not just through the service itself, but through the value of user data. That creates a power imbalance. Companies have the tools and knowledge to use data in ways most individuals can’t fully understand or control, while users are left with limited transparency and almost no leverage.

This normalization of giving up personal data has cultural consequences too. As people become more used to trading privacy for convenience, expectations around privacy start to change. Things that once might have felt invasive now feel normal. Younger generations may grow up assuming that constant tracking is just part of everyday life. That raises serious questions about what privacy will look like in the future and whether individuals will still have meaningful control over their own information.

In the end, the issue isn’t using apps or valuing convenience. It’s how casually and unknowingly personal data is handed over, often without a clear understanding of the long-term impact. By treating terms and conditions like a formality instead of a real agreement, users end up giving companies access to far more than they realize. Until transparency improves and people become more aware of how their data is used, this cycle will likely continue shaping behavior, influencing decisions, and quietly redefining what privacy means in the digital age.

My Top 5 News Sources

My Top 5 News Sources And Why I Choose Them 

WXII12  

Im very invested in my community and whats happening around me so when wanting to see local articles and coverage I tend to lean on WXII12 News which offers a good mix of local and statewide news coverage. Small news providers like this also often seem to steer away from leaving left or right so many of the articles on big events are purely facts and lack bias which I like. 

Aaron Parnas

Aaron Parnas is a journalist that primarily reports on TikTok and Substack. These are two places I often find myself looking for news or coming across it as they simplify many stories and make them easy to understand fast. Around 2020 Aaron Parnas started to emerge on TikTok as the primary reporter on the app for national and world news. Today he's amassed over 4.5 million followers on the app and is many people primary news source as a whole. I find myself checking his profile a few times throughout the day to get quick reports on different events happening in real time. 

The Athletic 

As a Sport Management major myself and sports fan I find it super important to keep up with whats going on in the fast changing world of sports. The Athletic is one of the largest sports industry networks that I use to keep up with sports related news and events. A lot of the news covered impacts my fixture and career aspirations so it's beneficial for me to monitor it and stay up to date. 

Substack

I don’t use Substack constantly, but it’s something I usually turn to when I want to slow down and actually understand what’s going on around me. It feels different from most platforms because the focus isn’t on quick reactions or headlines, but on explanation and context. I mentioned Aaron Parnas earlier, and he’s one of the writers I find myself going back to the most. What I like about his work is that it blends straightforward facts with opinion, without pretending the opinion part isn’t there. That balance helps me process information more critically instead of just absorbing one side or being pushed toward a conclusion. Overall, Substack gives me access to perspectives that feel more thought-out, and it’s a space where I can engage with different viewpoints without everything being boiled down to soundbites.

CNN

When I’m looking for detailed coverage of current world events, the primary news source I
usually turn to is CNN. I know it’s often labeled as left-leaning, but from my experience, I’ve found it to be one of the more consistent and reliable options among major news networks. What really keeps me coming back is how accessible the information feels. Their app, especially, has become my go-to. It’s usually the first place I get breaking news notifications, which means a lot of the time I’m already aware of what’s happening before I even start actively looking for updates. Because of that mix of depth, convenience, and reliability, CNN has ended up being my main source for staying informed.