Memories and stories are connected to our land as described by B. Toastie in the article, “How Place names impact the way we see a landscape.” This is true and is both negative and positive As B. Toasie says “ We live in a world populated by places named for colonizers.” 

I relate and understand the messages of the article. As B. toastie explains that the names and Stories are what help us define and connect with these names or stories, will not be able to connect to that place at the level of a person who is familiar, For me I think right to the 

communities with “San”, It makes me think to how church was forced upon us, Yes we do practice these ways and is seen as a positive, But to our people in those times were hard to think as we were stripped of the ways and beliefs. Other places within our communities or outside

may not have the opposite as they bring strength and prayer and remembrance we are still here 

on the same land as those before us.

I read “Addictions, Substance Abuse, and Alcohol” by Paul Mongolia, published by the Salem Press which talks about how a parent's struggles with addiction can shape their children’s Lives in ways they might not even realize. Kids learn by watching the people around them, so When they grow up in a home where substance abuse is normal, they might start to think it’s just a regular part of life. This can make them more likely to follow the same path, continuing the cycle for another generation. The book points out that addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it, it also impacts their family, especially their kids. Parents may not notice how their actions influence their children, but kids pick up on everything, from how their parents handle stress to how they cope with problems. In my family where alcoholism has been “passed” down since my great great grandparents it makes sense to why it has trickled down this far. Although this part of the book mostly talks about alcoholism and substance abuse it always ties to technology addictions and how it can be used as coping mechanisms or ways to escape from reality and responsibility.

My next research was based on internet addiction itself. This was published by Salem Press titled “Internet Addictions” It explains how  Excessive screen time can shrink important parts of the brain, including areas responsible for decision-making, memory, and emotional control. This can make it harder to focus, remember information, and regulate emotions. Additionally, overuse of digital technology alters neural connectivity, weakening attention networks and making the brain more dependent on quick rewards from social media, gaming, and fast-paced content. Over time, these changes can lead to increased anxiety, reduced concentration, and difficulty engaging in deep thinking. The brain becomes wired for short bursts of information, making it harder to stay focused on longer tasks or real-world interactions. To counteract these effects, it’s important to take regular breaks from screens, practice mindfulness, stay physically active, and engage in activities that promote deep thinking and sustained focus. Balancing technology use with offline activities can help maintain healthy brain function and mental wellbeing. Although Internet addiction isn't seen as a real “disorder” just like any other addictions it changes the brain's neurological function. 

My final history topic I wanted to research the effect of excessive technology by children can harm them by reducing attention spans, weakening social skills, and causing health issues like obesity, eye strain, and poor posture. It can also disrupt sleep, expose them to harmful content and cyberbullying, and lead to technology addiction. Academically, too much screen time can cause distractions and lower grades. I myself struggled academically after coming back from quarantine, Years prior I never had problems with my attention span and paying attention. Although after a year of being glued to a screen that quickly changed for me. My sleep schedule was totally messed up and weakened my social skills. 

With the most obvious issue, I first looked at social media platforms and how they actually work. We think we are in control of what we consume and watch but are we really? Social media algorithms are what shape what we see online. It monitors every move we make from how long we view a video or what we search. This creates echo chambers that reinforce our beliefs while limiting different viewpoints. They prioritize attention grabbing content, which can lead to addiction, misinformation, and division. Additionally, they influence what we buy and how we think without us always realizing it. When the whole TikTok and China situation was going on, it wasn't that they had access to our personal data but the data which control our algorithms. 

Next big issue is within our children, referring to my history topic; Children's brains are still developing and growing. When there's a screen placed in front of them the damages on their brain may not show right away it brings shorter attention spans. Trouble sleeping, thinking and motor skill issues. For me I first noticed this with my nephew with his lack of abilities from concentration and basic knowledge of numbers and letters. 

For my last Current state of the issue is within our communities and what I have gained from an eyes view. My Great Grandfather, Mr Albert Vigil, and I had a conversation a couple months back, he spoke about how he noticed every time we are at the village house for a gathering he begins to notice more and more each time we are not attentive and are always glued to the screens. Not talking as much and how a family should be. I too noticed this with my younger cousins and even older cousins. Not only does it affect our families but an issue that I think needs to be addressed is Youtube. If you go and search “Hopi dances” you will find dozens upon dozens of videos of cultural dances to much more sacred images. I believe these videos and images should not be shared across the internet. These are sacred to the mind and soul. If you truly want to see or hear, You should be there in the physical. 

This reading reminds me of our ancestors, living by their own beliefs,  

tradition but above all that they did it freely. This all changed when the Spaniards came and 

forced religion on them and left a huge impact for generations to come. Although this isn't forced 

upon us we are creating “Frankenstein's monster”. Something that we soon may not be able to 

control. Similar to the Marubo people I think technology could slowly drive us away from our 

culture.

    For my third and final community the article Social Media & Mental Health by Elizibeth Purdy talks about how teenagers have embraced social media for their identity and sense of belonging. Along with a prime source of communication but that brings concerns with online friendships, Cyberbullying, and oversharing. It explains both positives and negatives sides of social media. It explains how social media will reshape how we interact with people for the foreseen future. With social interaction slowly going down across the world.  From the peak of my technology use which was during the pandemic. I never talked to anyone at all and hid behind a screen and only ever talked through a microphone as I always I played video games. It was not until we came back to school in person in 2021 where I found it difficult to interact with my classmates or even teachers. It's taken me a while to break out of this shell. Speaking and creating new friends always frightened me and little did I know how big of an impact it would have on me for years.