Heather Vuong

There are different ways to receive, find, or give information. The transfer of information can range from primary, secondary, or tertiary sources. However, as a 20 year old college student I will be sharing where I get my sources of information from and why.

Google

Before I was introduced to social media, I was taught in elementary school to use google to get my information. Google is a giant search engine that can refer you to websites, magazines, videos or other materials on topics you are searching for.

However, since May 14, 2024, Google AI Search Engine has launched in the United States. Based on my experiences with the AI Search Engine, whenever I am searching for anything on Google I must verify the sources the AI search engine provides for me. Websites that are verify (.gov, .edu) makes me confident that I am presented with reliable facts or details. However, when I click on a link or website that doesn't exist I move on to a different source to find my information.

Tiktok

Another source of information I rely on is TikTok. One great thing about the app is a lot of users share their experiences, knowledges, and findings on many things ranges from how to fix a hole in the wall, a new album drop from an artist, or scientific studies found on women's health.

There is almost a video on every topic on TikTok. Videos with captions are more likely to pop up on search engine since TikTok wants to push relevant content for their target audience or users who are going out of their way to search for specific information.

ChatGPT/Gemini AI

AI is efficient when it comes to assisting users with schoolwork, professional work, planning, and many more. Sometimes it could seem ahead of its time for providing fast information to users. While there are pros to relying on ChatGPT, there are also drawbacks to consider. AI sometimes is not reliable for information because it provides information base on patterns rather than verified sources.

In my Fundamental of Social Media class, I learn that there are two models for learning AI: Symbolist and Connectionist. Symbolist is when AI learns data base on individual codings or instructions. For example if you were to task the artificial intelligence to play Tik-Tac-Toe or Chess you would have to code the space the AI would take up in thousands of different outcomes.

The Connectionist model is when AI does not keep copies of the original data and learn from patterns (connections). But, this might be a problem as, AI will look for the average solution or answer. As a result AI systems like ChatGPT and Gemini AI may lack context. In order for the AI to be precise, as a user you must give it specific instructions.

Instagram

Beside Tiktok, Instagram is a fast way for news to spread. Users can post information on their story and their mutuals or followers will be able to access that information. To a degree, I would suggest to always verify sources and data that comes from Instagram. At the end of the day this is a social media app that is meant for people to engage with one another and connect rather than a verify news app.

With the new age of AI, it can be harder for older generations or even younger generations who haven't been exposed to AI to figure out whether or not a video is generated artificial. In scenarios like this, I
have experience my parents asking me to verify whether or not certain videos are real or fake.

Work of Mouth

Last but not least, a popular source of information I use is words of mouth from people who I am close with. When you hear specific information from a person, you might take a second to ponder how reliable the details they given you are. However, the more you hear the same information from different people the more likely you are to deem the data or details given to you are reliable.

Before watching this documentary, I understood that the Supreme Court was an important part of the U.S. government. What surprised me most was learning how the Court actually operates and how much work the justices do behind the scenes.

One of my biggest takeaways was discovering that there are nine justices who review thousands of petitions from people seeking the Court’s attention. According to the documentary, the justices receive more than 100 cases each week, which adds up to roughly 7,000 cases each year.

Members of the Supreme Court sit for a group portrait.

The Court examines issues ranging from a president defending commander-in-chief powers to a prisoner claiming a wrongful conviction. The justices must decide whether lower courts applied the law correctly and whether a law is constitutional.

I was also surprised by how much responsibility comes with being a justice.

The documentary explained that the justices not only hear cases but also write opinions that explain the Court’s decisions. The justice who is part of the majority is assigned the task of writing the opinion, and drafts may be revised for weeks before a final version is released.

Another interesting part of the documentary focused on oral arguments. The Court hears arguments in public, and the process was described as a conversation within the Court itself, with justices asking questions and attorneys responding.

This gave me a greater appreciation for lawyers.

Most lawyers argue before three or five judges, but standing before nine justices at once seems incredibly challenging. Each justice brings unique ideas, perspectives, and questions, forcing attorneys to think quickly and defend their arguments from multiple angles.

The documentary also explored important moments in Supreme Court history, including John Marshall’s leadership, Marbury v. Madison in 1803, and the Dred Scott case. These examples showed how the Court earned public respect and became influential in major national issues.

Overall, I came away with a better understanding of how the Supreme Court functions. More importantly, I gained respect for the justices and attorneys who work through difficult legal questions in pursuit of fair decisions.