Download the Excel form and see if you can easily modify it. If you prefer, use the PDF form.
Are VPNs private or anonymous? Or both? Learn more about VPNs in this article, and if we want to look at it in class, we can do so.
Is Google Maps brainwashing us?
Is Google Maps Changing How We Think? A Theory to Be Aware Of
More than a billion people use Google Maps each month—to get directions, avoid traffic, and find nearby restaurants. It's a tool many of us rely on every day. But some researchers are now asking an important question: Is it doing more than just helping us get around?
This idea is based on a theory, not proven fact, and it’s important to keep that in mind.
What’s Going On?
Some recent changes on Google Maps, like renaming the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America” and changing “Mount Denali” back to “Mount McKinley,” have raised eyebrows. These changes were made because of political decisions—not mistakes. Even more concerning to some is that Google has reportedly deleted negative reviews from people who disagreed with the name changes.
Why Does It Matter?
At first, it might seem like changing a name on a map isn’t a big deal. But some scientists are warning that it could affect how we think—over time.
This idea comes from a theory called “extended cognition.” It means that the tools we use—like Google Maps—can become part of how we think and make decisions. Instead of remembering directions or using a paper map, we let the app do it for us. Over time, this can affect our memory, our sense of direction, and even our judgment.
Could It Be a Form of Brainwashing?
Some researchers worry that if Google Maps is influencing what we see—and quietly changing place names—it might also be shaping our thinking without us realizing it. They call this passive influence, which is different from direct persuasion. It’s when our thoughts are gently steered over time, just by using the app.
For example, if you keep seeing “Gulf of America” on your map, your brain might eventually just accept it—without questioning it. That’s where the line between helpful technology and possible manipulation starts to blur, according to some experts.
The Bigger Concern
The concern isn’t just about one name change. It’s about who controls the information we see. If the tools we trust begin to quietly change our understanding of the world, we may not notice until our thinking has already shifted.
Again, this is just a theory—but it’s one that experts believe is worth thinking about.
A Final Thought
Technology like Google Maps makes life easier, but it’s good to ask questions too. Are we still in charge of what we believe and remember—or are we letting technology do that thinking for us?
FBI cracking down on pig butchering
What Is a “Pig Butchering” Scam?
"Pig butchering" is a type of scam where criminals trick people into trusting them—often through fake romantic relationships—and then slowly convince them to invest large amounts of money. The name comes from how farmers fatten up pigs before slaughter; in this case, scammers “fatten up” victims emotionally and financially before stealing their money.
These scams often start with a fake message on a dating app or a text sent to the wrong number. The scammer pretends to want a relationship, builds trust over time, and then pushes the victim to invest in what seems like a great opportunity. But it’s all fake—the scammer takes the money and disappears.
Why This News Matters
The FBI just seized $8.2 million in cryptocurrency connected to one of the largest pig butchering scams in U.S. history. More than 30 victims were identified, including a woman from Cleveland who lost over $650,000—her entire retirement savings.
Scammers used complex cryptocurrency transactions to hide the stolen money, but the FBI was able to trace it using advanced tools. These tools will help solve more scams in the future.
What’s Next
The Department of Justice is continuing to investigate these scams, which are growing quickly and may involve even more victims. Authorities hope to return the recovered funds to those affected, but many victims still haven’t been identified.
What You Can Do
Be cautious if someone you meet online quickly wants a relationship or asks you to invest money—especially in cryptocurrency or unfamiliar websites. If something feels off, talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending money or sharing personal information
Midjourney is a digital image generating AI. This resources describes it and provides some help in getting started. If people are interested, we can tackle this in class.
23andMe Declares Bankruptcy: What It Means for You
23andMe, the popular company that offers DNA testing through saliva kits, has filed for bankruptcy. This has raised serious concerns about what could happen to the sensitive personal and genetic information the company has collected from millions of users over the years.
Why It Matters
If 23andMe is sold as part of the bankruptcy process, your DNA information could end up in the hands of a different company — one you never agreed to share your data with. This includes not only your genetic information (like ancestry and health traits) but also personal details such as your name, address, email, and payment information.
Can You Remove Your Data?
Yes — 23andMe is still operating for now, and users can delete their accounts. Here’s how to do it:
Go to Settings under your profile.
Scroll to the “23andMe Data” section and click “View.”
Verify your age.
Follow the prompts to download your data (if desired) and request account deletion.
You’ll get an email to confirm your request.
Important:
Deleting your account is permanent.
If you have other family members on your account, their data will also be deleted unless moved to a different account.
What Doesn’t Get Deleted?
Unfortunately, even if you delete your account, 23andMe says it may keep certain data (like your genetic info, birthdate, and sex) for legal reasons. They also may keep your email and the request you made to delete the account.
Some people suggest changing personal details (like name and birthdate) to fake ones before deletion to make any retained data less useful — but there’s no guarantee this works.
Other Notes
If you gave permission for your genetic info to be used in research, it will still be part of past studies but not future ones.
If your physical DNA sample is stored and you had opted for storage, it will be destroyed when your account is deleted.
For help, you can contact customercare@23andme.com.