Issue 2 | Volume 102

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College September 19, 2023

Single Copies Free

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GOOGLE-OPOLY LAWSUIT MARKS THE FIRST BIG TECH ANTITRUST TRIAL OF THE CENTURY Kate Verity

News Editor On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the trial to decide if Google is a monopoly began.

Google is under fire for having what some parties consider to be a monopoly on internet browsing.

Most of this sentiment stems from an agree-

ment in which Google pays Apple to make its search engine the default on Apple devices.

A monopoly is when one company or firm possesses complete control and regulation of a specific market in the economy. To create more fairness and protect competition in the

economy, Congress has passed several laws prohibiting the monopolization of markets. These preserve entrepreneurial and ethical incentives, keeping prices lower and quality higher.

However, successfully dominating the entirety of a market with zero remaining viable

competition is a very difficult and rare feat, so economists do not often see true monopolies.

Instead, most antitrust cases occur in instances where one company controls most of a market. This is called possessing monopoly power.

The 21st century has brought new technol-

ogy and, with it, many less-than-tangible industries. The search engine industry is difficult to monopolize, as it is a free service for all consumers.

However, the case the United States Department of Justice makes in this instance is not that Google is attempting to monopolize the mar-

ket to take advantage of consumers. Rather, the opposition claims that Google illegally asserted its market dominance and the obstruction of its competitors through its

deal

with

Apple.

See GOOGLE | Page 2

The Eras, The Renaissance and The Economy

Who run the world? Girls.

Olivia DeRosa Contributing Writer

Opinion Taylor Swift and Beyoncé

Knowles-Car-

ter, two of the most famous pop artists, are both touring the world, while ly

simultaneous-

stimulating

local

economies as they go.

According to CNN, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is projected to gross $2.2 billion, and Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour is expected to surpass that by the time it finishes in Oct. Between the tickets, hotel rooms, restaurants

and transportation, local economies are booming from the pop powerhouses visiting their cities. The Eras Tour alone is said to generate around $5 billion in consumer spending.

A usual weekend concert ticket costs around $100, and with added expenses, one could spend around $300.

However, the BeyHive and Swifties are going all out for outfits. Local bars are making drinks based on popular songs, like “Lavender Haze,” a popular hit off of Swift’s latest “Midnights” or getting new nail sets from nail

Beyonce Knowles-Carter at the Renaissance Tour

technicians that can cost from $60 to $150. Some cities are even recording shortages in glitter, sparkles and beads, as fans are bejeweling entire outfits for these shows.

“People are going to come here to Atlanta who wouldn’t have been here otherwise and are gonna spend a bunch of money,” said Dr. Tom Smith, Emory Goizueta Business

School professor, when speaking about Renaissance for an interview with Fox 5. Beyonce’s Atlanta show is estimated to bring in around $10 million in revenue.

Chicago was seeing similar numbers, selling out over 44,000 hotel rooms across

the

weekend

that Swift performed.

See TOURS | Page 8

PBC RUNNER OF THE WEEK: The intrusion and harm of AI PHILIP BULATAO Brennan Schmitz Sports Editor

GC men’s cross country was in action for the first time this season at the Foothills Invitational hosted by Jackson-

ville State University.

The team placed 11th overall with 274 points.

This was a good showing for the Bobcats, as they were one of 28 teams competing in the race, with a total of 236

Courtesy of GC Athletics

runners. Some of those teams were NCAA Division I, including Auburn University, who would go on to win the race.

Many Bobcat runners posted good first performances, with some placing from the range of 29 to 153.

Most notably, GC allPeach Belt Conference runner Philip Bulatao claimed the 29th spot with a time of 16:12.1, a performance that earned him PBC Men’s Runner of the Week. He was followed by Daniel Laird, who just missed the top 50 with a time of 16:30.2, and Denver Oates, who placed 63rd with a time of 16:39.8.

See BULATAO | Page 5

Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

encounter today are in

Whether you asked for it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is here and virtually ubiquitous in our lives.

The indubitable nature of this fact is corroborated by a Forbes article titled “The 10 Best Examples of How AI Is Already Used In Our Everyday Life,” which says in its introduction, “You might imagine that artificial intelligence is only something the big tech giants are focused on, and that AI doesn’t impact your everyday life.

In reality, artificial intelligence is encountered by most people from morning until night.”

The AI systems we

are much more sophis-

an extremely advanced state of development and ticated than they were

even two decades ago, as the computing power of these machines has increased

exponential-

ly in this time span. AI is now capable of conducting comprehensive numerical

calculations

and extremely complex analyses of relationships and

patterns

within

unfathomably

massive

data sets. The calculation capability of these AI systems exponentially exceeds that which even the greatest mathematical minds mankind has to offer possess.

The rapid learning and adaptive capabilities

of these machines have made them a hot commodity among many technologically-based businesses, which look to implement cutting-edge experimental technology in their application to improve users’ moment-to-moment interface with their content. As a result of AI technology’s potential to “up the game” for ambitious tech companies with an extensive track record of looking towards experimental technology to separate themselves from competition, you likely interact and play an active role in improving AI technology on your smartphone every single day See AI | Page 9

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 4

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 9

In post-Roe America, New Mexico is a safe haven for women seeking abortions.

After months of waiting, the NFL returns.

College students skip class all the time.

But what affect does this have on their education — and education itself?

Downtown Milledgeville has several spots to eat, but it is missing one thing: an ice cream shop.

ABORTION IN AMERICA

NFL WEEK ONE

ABSENTEEISM ON CAMPUS

DOWNTOWN DESSERTS

2

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.19.2023

NEWS

Canada issues U.S. travel advisory for LGBTQ+ citizens Chance Curbow

and began her transition

Staff Writer The Canadian government issued a travel advisory to its LGBTQ+ citizens warning against traveling to the United States. A national state of emergency for LGBTQ+

Americans

was also issued in June by the Human Rights Campaign,

a

U.S.-

based advocacy group.

This advisory come after U.S. state governments have proposed al-

Alabama

only

has

people from being in-

while working at GC.

laws in place protecting

“In the country over-

Georgia

sim-

uelli said. “However, I

cluded in sports or talk-

ilar laws against the

do feel like moving to a

LGBTQ+ citizens from

ed about in schools.

LGBTQ+

communi-

southern state wasn’t to

all, there’s been a really

basic in-school bullying

“The current legis-

ty as Florida but offers

my advantage. Systemat-

heavy conservative legis-

and from being denied

lative environment in

more healthcare cover-

ically, I do receive more

lative push against LGBT

acceptance to colleges

the United States is still

age and higher protec-

protections, I believe,

people,” Schwartz said.

within the state due to

trying to protect our

tion of LGBTQ+ youth,

and I do feel safer here

“Someone from outside

their gender or sexuality.

rights,” Schwartz said.

according to the Hu-

presenting as lesbian,

could look at that and

Florida has laws in

“If the country moves

man Rights Campaign.

bisexual, trans, whatev-

see that there really is

place specifically target-

really far to the right

potentially a large seg-

ing the LGBTQ+ com-

ment of our population,

to

er than in Puerto Rico.”

and the kind of things

where I was living five

The U.S. is a histori-

munity, but also has

that are passed in Flor-

years ago [Puerto Rico],

cally progressive coun-

no matter what state

many laws specifically

ida pass nationwide, at

I do feel like I’ve found

try where some states

you’re in, who might

against

them,

having

that point, just as I said,

a lot of freedom; I don’t

are currently working

not respect you as a per-

passed

sodomy

laws,

I might have to move out

face as much discrimina-

to reduce the rights of

son, and you might not

HIV/AIDS criminaliza-

of Georgia. It’s perfectly

tion or harassment,” said

some citizens. Legisla-

feel safe to travel there.”

tion laws as well as laws

possible I might have to

Sebastián Emanuelli, se-

tion is being proposed,

excluding

move further than that.”

nior liberal arts major.

and

most 500 anti-trans bills

The bills being pro-

throughout 2023, com-

posed in many south-

pared to less than 200 in

transgender

“In

has

by

the

American Civil Liber-

eastern states are targeted

perience, he finds that

ties Union, that directly

2022, according to Trans

at stripping rights away

the

offers

confronts the ideals of

Legislation

Tracker.

from the LGBTQ+ com-

more protections than

both acceptance and in-

Dr. Joanna Schwartz,

munity, specifically trans

many other countries

clusion that the country

professor of marketing,

and non-binary people.

throughout the world.

was founded upon. The

is the first out trans pro-

However, Georgia is not

“In the U.S., there

fessor to work in the Uni-

passing bills at the same

are a lot more rights for

needs - and deserves -

versity System of Georgia

rate as Florida or Alabama.

LGBTQ+ people,” Eman-

respect for their rights.

GOOGLE

and assignments are often due in that format, many students still use what Google offers.

Iliana Martin, junior psychology major, uses both Google and Microsoft applications on her MacBook.

“I feel like it’s(Google Drive) a lot more user-friendly,” Martin said. “And aesthetically, it’s just easier for me to type in Google Drive, and I feel like I get more done when I’m in Google Drive. I’ll literally copy my essays over from Google Docs to Word.”

With students in the room expressing their agreement with Martin, it is clear that GC’s implementation of a Microsoft-based campus has not successfully edged out students’ use of Google. Undeniably, Google

many people truly saw something desirable in what Google had to offer.

This trial is set to continue over the next

“What would happen is, Apple or Android, they would just decide what they want to be their default browser,” Arias said. “But the thing is, if Google really does have that much market share and it really is a superior browser, they’ll probably just pick Google anyway.”

These companies may be legally required to make it easier to swap browsers or even have the user select their own browser upon initial product purchase.

However, if the results of this case do affect future smartphones and laptops, it will not be for many months.

According to StatCounter Global Stats, a tool used to compile various economic statistics, as of August 2023, Google owned nearly 92% of the search engine market share worldwide.

The question remains whether this clear economic dominance is a result of illegal action or consumer preference.

GC’s online system is based on Microsoft 365 applications. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel must be used by students, even with Google having mirroring services of Gmail, Docs, Slides and Sheets.

Even though the college provides all students with Microsoft accounts

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

has succeeded in cementing itself as a frontrunner in office technology.

Dr. J.J. Arias, chair of the Department of Economics and Finance, finds the government’s argument that Google’s popularity is grounded in illegitimate practices to be somewhat of a weak case.

“It [having 90% market share] could just be that Google is superior, and they’re just offering a superior product,” Arias said. “Microsoft had their own browser for a long time called Internet Explorer. That was the default browser on all their PCs, all their laptops, all their computers.”

This memory of people actively swapping their preloaded browser for Google goes against a principle called default

VOLUME 102 | NO. 2

bias. In the study of behavioral economics, researchers have proven that people tend to just stick with the initially offered option. This concept is called default bias.

“Well, eventually, people just preferred Google, and so, I mean, I remember when we’d get computers at work or anything, Google was not the default. But people began to switch out of the default towards what they thought was a better product,” Arias said. wDefault bias could be an argument used to explain Google’s popularity, as it is pre-downloaded on Apple products, and users have to go out of their way to use an alternate search engine. But Arias’s account of the downfall of Internet Explorer shows that

Emanuelli’s

tracked

ex-

Continued from Page 1

In

comparison

U.S.

still

I’ll literally copy my essays over from Google Docs to Word.

-Iliana Martin

10 weeks as the Justice Department attempts to prove that Google’s market dominance is not a result of genuine consumer performance but is instead the product of illegal and unethical actions. If Google does lose this trial, everybody may see some of the ramifications in their own technology.

@GCSUnade

LGBTQ+

community

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

Jennifer Crider................. Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Kate Verity......................... News Editor Shadimon Smith......... Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz......... Sports Editor Emily Henderson........... Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe........................ Asst. Arts & Life Editor Drew Oldham.................. Opinion Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Kylie Noles........................ Digital Media Editor Avery Blair..........................PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager William Burke.................. Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

The Colonnade is looking for staff writers, editors, designers, videographers, and more.

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

If you’re interested in writing for The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com.

Ad Disclaimer The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

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3

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.19.2023

NEWS

Rain extinguishes Burning Man Hannah Dunn Staff Writer Burning Man, the world-renowned annual festival held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, faced unexpected challenges this year, as heavy rainfall transformed the iconic event into a muddy disaster, leaving over 70,000 attendees stranded and struggling to conserve vital resources.

From Aug. 27 to Sept.

4, attendees typically gather to celebrate art, music and community, culminating in the burning of the iconic “Man” structure on the second to last day.

However, this year, a record-breaking 0.8 inches of rain drenched the desert, equivalent to two to three months’ worth of precipitation for northwest Nevada.

Due to the downpour, attendees struggled to maneuver in the muck,

with mud-coated shoes, feet and car tires. Organizers and local authorities issued a shelterin-place order, urging attendees to conserve food, water and fuel.

Roads in and out of the event were closed to prevent vehicles from getting stuck and worsening the muddy predicament.

While some determined individuals embarked on extreme treks to reach the exit, most RVs remained immobilized in the muddy terrain. Attendees claimed the conditions made walking or biking impossible.

“I think the people planning the event could have checked for heavy rainfall,” said junior Gia Lasher, a biology major.

Lasher also said that better preparation and appropriate gear for rain could have made the situation more manageable.

The Pershing County Sheriff ’s Office and fes-

tival organizers noted that they were not sure how long it would take for the roads to clear enough for vehicle travel. The temporary city of Black Rock, which is built annually to host the festival, had to close its gates and airport to all but emergency vehicles.

Stranded attendees, expecting a weekend of art and community, found themselves rationing supplies, including water, food, fuel and charging devices. Panic ensued as many tried to cancel flights, book hotels and share news online, leading to limited service and thousands of dead phones.

The situation left countless visitors dehydrated and hungry, emphasizing the need for better preparedness in the face of such unforeseen events.

Faith Varner, a junior equestrian studies student at the Savan-

nah College of Art and Design, has attended Burning Man in the past.

“I would still want to go back to Burning Man, even after the unfortunate event that occurred, as long as there were emergency plans in place for future events,” Varner said. “Most people attending have researched the festival, where they understand the dangers that could occur in the event of a flash flood.”

In an attempt to make the best of a difficult situation, some attendees embraced the mud, creating sculptures to bring a sense of fun and creativity to the challenging conditions.

A few days after the initial rainfall, organizers set up mobile cell trailers throughout the event to provide Wi-Fi access, and buses were arranged to help those wishing to leave the festival grounds.

Dr. Kristine White, an environmental sci-

ence instructor at GC, stated that she believes the rains are indirectly linked to climate change.

“Due to climate change and extra heat energy being stored in the ocean, it did not cool as much as it has in the past, which then brings extra heat and moisture that will shift the regional weather patterns,” White said.

The unpredicted rainfall in Black Rock Desert sparked media coverage concerning the effects of climate change and the negative outcomes that are not far behind.

Burning Man’s official website had cautioned attendees to be prepared for unexpected weather.

“Long, sustained rainfall is uncommon, but storm cells may bring high winds, lightning, and rain, so you should be mentally and physically prepared for this,” Burning Man officials said.

Located on the event’s website, their “Survival

Guide” recommended bringing plenty of essential supplies, such as a bucket — in case the portable restrooms were out of commission — clothing suitable for colder temperatures, ample food, medicine and a battery or solar-powered radio.

This incident highlights the importance of thoroughly reading and adhering to a festival’s survival guide, which could have helped attendees cope better with the challenges they faced.

As the festival ended, attendees and organizers alike reflected on the unexpected turn of events and the need for improved disaster preparedness, ensuring that future Burning Man festivals can continue to be celebrated in the spirit of art, music and self-expression.

Burning Man 2023

Burning Man 2023

Abortion laws: New Mexico v. America Carly Henderson Staff Writer

In 2023,New Mexico passed laws protecting reproductive rights making it a safe haven to women

seeking

abortions.

In 2022, Dobbs v.

Jackson overturned Roe v. Wade

by determ-

ing that the right to an abortion was no longer constitutional. This allowed states to establish their own laws regarding abortion, and since 2022, 22 states have passed

right to use or refuse reproductive

ic near the state’s border.

care. A New Consult

tached to them, it is very

“As a student soon to

are

survey stated that one

important for medical

be entering the health-

public

in 10 healthcare work-

professionals to educate

care field, I think it could

healthcare

Some

or healthcare related to

worried

gender. Governor Mi-

opinion could have an

ers

considered

themselves so they can

be difficult to preserve

chelle Lujan Grisham

impact on laws placed.

leaving their industry

provide medical advice

my values and remain

opin-

because of new abor-

without showing any bias

strong in them while still

“I believe New Mexico

ion is very influential

tion bans or restrictions.

that derives from their

being able to educate and

will remain a safe hav-

when it comes to gov-

“As nurses, it is our job

own personal beliefs.”

advocate for my patients,

en for women in need

ernment decisions,” said

to advocate for our pa-

The overturn of Roe

no matter what they be-

because women need a

junior Daly Kennedy, a

tients’ values and beliefs,

changed

care

lieve, with an unbiased

place like New Mexico,”

political science major.

whether we agree with

healthcare workers can

opinion,” Pickett said.

said Makenzie Flennik-

“Elections are one of the

them or not,” said Amy

provide. Students prepar-

Many other states are

en, senior public health

primary ways in which

Pickett,

nurs-

ing to enter the health-

expected to make deci-

major. “Although states

public

trans-

ing major. “With recent

care industry might have

sions regarding the legal-

surrounding New Mex-

lates into political pow-

changes in laws, espe-

to adjust to these recent

ity of abortion and repro-

ico may pressure them

er. Most elected officials

cially regarding subjects

changes that could af-

ductive rights following

to

are heavily influenced,

with so much emotion at-

fect their future careers.

the

signed this bill in March.

become

anti-abor-

“The

students that

public

opinion

tion, as long as a wom-

with

an

understands

based on the majority of

women is fighting for

voters in order to keep

Gender-Affirm-

women’s

rights,

New

their seat in favor and

ing Health Care Free-

Mexico

will

continue

to secure a reelection.”

dom Act, or HB7, in

to be that safe place.”

The new laws passed

New Mexico prohibits

Texas, New Mexico’s

in New Mexico also pro-

public bodies, includ-

neighboring state, has a

tect healthcare workers.

ing local municipalities,

near-total ban on abor-

The Dobbs decision

from denying, restrict-

tion; therefore, New Mex-

brought uncertainty to

ing or discriminating

ico allotted $10 million

healthcare workers who

against an individual’s

to build an abortion clin-

provide

motions to ban abortion.

The and

Reproductive

who

their

have

senior

what

Dobbs

decision.

decisions

reproductive

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

3

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.19.2023

NEWS

Biden halts Alaskan oil drilling Kylie Rowe

sion to drill in 2016 and

Project in Alaska’s Na-

in policy and need to

replaced

burning

project altogether may

Asst. Arts & Life Editor

there has been a big

tional Petroleum Reserve

be considered by both

fossil fuels that were

not result in as much

push by environmental-

is not only ongoing but

sides of the aisle when

extracted elsewhere or

positive

ist groups to shut down

was directly approved

making decisions about

by renewable resourc-

the drilling, which was

by the Biden adminis-

the future of the land.

es,”

tal impact as assumed.

one of Biden’s cam-

tration earlier this year.

“The Arctic Refuge is

In CNN’s explanation

paign promises in 2020.

The Willow Project

my home, said Robert

of the Willow Project

However, the envi-

is a oil drilling project

Thompson, an Iñupiat

controversy, released in

oil

by ConocoPhillips that

wildlife guide.

March, the issue most

estab-

was originally created

been home to my peo-

environmentalists

lishing goals that are

to operate five drill pads

ple, the Iñupiat, for thou-

cused on was that the

further from each other

with up to 250 oil wells.

sands of years. It is now

drilling

than before. According

“We might be living in

as it has always been. I

9.2 million metric tons

to the New York Times

a time where it is harder,

wish for it to remain this

of planet-warming car-

titled “Biden Approved

as a politician, to strike

way for future genera-

bon pollution a year.

a Big Oil Project”, cli-

a balance between the

tions of Iñupiat. When

However, some crit-

mate activists were an-

environmental interests

my granddaughter was a

ics argue that the carbon

and boost their economy.

gry with Biden for wait-

and industry interests as

small child, we were out

emissions will continue

This fight is pure-

ing this long to take

it was in the past,” said

on the land; she raised

to increase whether the

ly based on the en-

ing climate change is-

action continuing the

Max Harleman, assis-

her hands and said,

drilling project contin-

vironmental

impli-

sue. One of the admin-

Willow project after en-

tant professor of public

“Thank you, God, for this

ues or not. According to

cations,

which

have

istration’s goals is to

listing these measures.

administration at GC.

good land.” If we were in

the International Energy

few

comparative

cal-

strike a balance between

Though the Biden ad-

It is also important

an oil field, would she

Agency, 36.8 billion tons

ministration claims these

to note that the Indig-

of carbon emissions were

culations

environmentalists

have been so inspired?”

and the oil companies.

are “maximum protec-

enous people who live

The Trump admin-

tions,” many environ-

in the Arctic Refugee

istration signed oil and

mentalists are not happy

have also been affect-

gas leases for permis-

that the $8 billion Willow

ed by these changes

On Sept. 6, the Biden administration

an-

nounced that drilling in 13 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska will be prohibited, cancelling all drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

After making promises to combat wildlife during his election campaign, this is the first big step that President Biden has taken to combat the continu-

the

ronmentalists companies

and

are

Because

Harleman

could

said.

forelease

environ-

released in 2022. These

mentalists’ goal is to get

emissions are among the

carbon emissions to net

highest contributing fac-

zero, it is harder for pol-

tors to global warming,

iticians to retain their

which is why many envi-

support if they authorize

ronmentalists are fight-

any amount of drilling.

ing against the project.

“Whether

Alaskan oil pipelines

“It has

by

environmen-

Many speculate that environmentalists, such as Earthjustice, a non-profit

public

in-

terest organization, are fighting this particular drilling

for

symbolic

purposes. As far as the state of Alaska’s lawmakers are concerned, the project will create jobs

Many

published. believe

that

even if the drilling is proposed for another area, it will not be as politicized as this because the land is not protected like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Also other oil

forgoing

Transportation in the

drilling in the Arctic

United States is highly

National Wildlife Ref-

reliant on oil production.

uge will get the U.S. to

Although, there are small

mentalists want to stop

net zero faster depends

changes

made,

future drilling projects

entirely on whether the

such as electric cars,

to help solve the bigger

forgone energy will be

and the stopping of this

issue of climate change.

fests new connections

to keep and keep writ-

on how to deal with the

ing,” Coates said. “That’s

ever-changing

kind of my motto: Keep

being

and gas leases have yet to be stopped and environ-

PHILOSOPHY MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: HUNTER COATS Jack McKinney Contributing Writer

says, “Philosophy, Reli-

as it was interconnected

Coates said. “Especially

gion, and Liberal Stud-

with philosophy itself.”

in research, philosophy

Hunter Coates is a

ies provides the founda-

senior double majoring in philosophy and history. He has exemplified the liberal arts platform to a notable degree.

GC often prides itself on exemplifying liberal arts education, which, although diverse in studies, is fundamental in finding solutions to complex topics. Whether it

relates

is very interdisciplinary.”

tion of a well-rounded

to other studies pres-

In a corresponding

Liberal Arts education.”

ent here at GC, and

manner, as a soon-to-be

During his time at

even STEM majors can

graduate of philosophy,

GC studying philosophy,

still relate to philoso-

Coates has found his

Coates has been able to

phy on a large scale.

own space in establish-

engage in philosophical

“Although philosophy

ing individualized phil-

discussion with peers

is a field on its own, it ap-

osophical

and professors, all the

plies to all other fields,”

One of his most presti-

while reflecting thorough

Coates said. “Even if

gious accomplishments

concepts in the process.

you’re in science, there

follows suit, as he pub-

discussions

is an entire philosophy

lished his first book in

are a huge positive about

branch to the study.”

February. “Conspiracy &

“Small

The Subject: A Lacanian

Coates said. “Discussing

tive provides a unique

Enterprise” explores the

ideas is a huge part of

approach to how phi-

multi-faceted

my major and classes.”

losophy interacts with

of conspiracy theories

There were a few

the liberal arts environ-

through a Hegelian phil-

reasons why he chose

ment here at GC. Not

osophical

this major, one being

understood that some

discussion-based

business or other majors, there are plentiful stud-

This

broad

arguments.

narra-

be chemistry, English,

a liberal arts college,”

Philosophy

creation

Hunter Coats

Relatedly,

effects. solutions

such as finding alternatives to profit-centered economic systems are primary in the book.

writing and don’t stop.”

Regardless, the depths of philosophy had certainly

brought

pas-

Writing a book is a

sion to Coates’s work

framework.

long process, as it usual-

and the work of other

only can the discussion

“My book is largely on

ly takes many months or

like-minded

ed-

of philosophy be found

psychoanalysis, particu-

even years, depending on

ophy majors as well.

majors may be bound to

ucation, and the other

in seemingly unphilo-

larly applied to conspira-

word count and complex-

Specifically, here at

liberal arts through nat-

being political theory.

sophical studies, but it

cy theories and how they

ity. However, one strat-

attach to other themes in

egy that helped Coates

my book,” Coates said.

was to simply start fresh

ies to demonstrate the intricacies of liberal arts.

Relatedly, it can be

ural academic concepts.

“In high school, I was

also creates new specu-

Philosophy, the study of

always interested in po-

lations of existing con-

the fundamental nature

litical

Coates

cepts in the process.

of

knowledge

said. “I eventually decid-

and existence, is appli-

philos-

GC, many consider philosophy to pair quite well with a liberal arts educa-

under-

and let his mind ramble.

“I have gotten my

standing that conspiracy

“My book was orig-

ed to study philosophy

STEM friends involved

theories pose a danger-

inally a 20-page pa-

in critical discussion and

cable to this connection.

because of my political

with

due

ous threat in modern

per, and I reached a

finding solutions to life’s

The official GC website

and historical passions,

to these correlations,”

politics, Coates mani-

point where I wanted

most substantial issues.

reality,

theory,”

philosophy

Within

the

tion, as it remains rooted

5

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

09.19.2023

SPORTS

College football delivers an exciting slate of games Davis Camuso Staff Writer Texas did the unthinkable. The Longhorns traveled down to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for what turned out to be a thriller of a game.

The No. 11 Texas Longhorns faced off in a rematch versus the No. 3 team in the country, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was looking for revenge from last season after going down with an injury in the second quarter that eventually led to a Texas loss. The Alabama team fans saw in this game was much different from what they showed in Week One against Middle Tennessee State.

Jalen Milroe struggled trying to get the offense going, as he threw two interceptions. Those two interceptions led to 10 points for the Longhorns.

Along with Quinn Ewers’s perfect night, penalties set back Alabama from being able to escape the game with a victory. Alabama was penalized 10 times for 90 yards, with two of those penalties having to take away touchdowns as well.

Texas would be able to squeak out a victory on the road with a 34-24 win.

College football Week Two answered many questions. Colorado surely had the answer to the question of whether or not their football team was legit.

After a dominant game against Nebraska, their team looks to be for real, and they will likely not go away anytime soon.

Even though Nebraska has not shown their best football in the last several years, it was still a good test for Coach Deion Sanders and his team to see how good they actually are.

With a slow start to

the first quarter, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders came ready to play again. Sanders threw for 393 yards and added two more touchdowns as well.

Travis Hunter was able to play on both sides of the ball and excelled at both positions. The final score of the game was 36-14 in favor of the Buffaloes.

Many college football fans on campus are very impressed with the Buffaloes thus far.

Another notable game was North Carolina’s double-overtime win over Appalachian State. The Mountaineers always make this game exciting but never seem to come out on top.

The star quarterback of the Tar Heels, Drake May, usually is the talk of the game, but it was running back Omarion Hampton that stole the show.

Hampton ran for

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team

234 yards, with a longest run of 63 yards, for the Tar Heels. He would also tack on three touchdowns too, and North Carolina won 40-34.

The No. 1 team in the land, the Georgia Bulldogs, faced Ball State, and they were able to dominate three out of the four quarters in this matchup.

The NFL kicks off the 2023 season Drew Bogumill

Junior business major

fense performed against

totaling 264 yards be-

Staff Writer

Michael LaRusso is a huge

Joe Burrow,” said soph-

tween the air and the

Falcons fan and was hap-

omore

ground.

py with week one’s result.

Ryan Collins. “My fa-

won the game 31-21.

“You can never be

vorite player is defi-

“My favorite team is

Week

one

2023-2024

of

the

NFL

sea-

son is over, and there were a lot of exciting things to talk about.

The

season

kicked

off with a Thursday night

matchup

be-

tween the reigning super

bowl

champions

undeclared

upset with a week one

nitely

Myles

Garrett,

victory when it comes

who had a huge play.”

to the Falcons,” LaRus-

The Jacksonville Jag-

so said. “I am very ex-

uars took on the India-

cited to see how Bijan

napolis Colts with their

and our offense progress

star

throughout the season.”

Ridley. Ridley missed

receiver

Calvin

The

Jaguars

the Jaguars and I was very pleased with our week one performance,” said senior accounting major Tucker Sutton.

“I think Calvin Ridley will be at least a top 10

Chiefs

receiver this year which

and the Detroit Lions.

should really help us.”

The Chiefs were with-

On Monday night,

out their star tight end

the New York Jets took

Travis

which

on the Buffalo Bills in a

definitely put a wrench

much anticipated start

in their overall offen-

for

sive production. Patrick

Aaron Rodgers. Rodg-

Mahomes was forced to

ers signed with the Jets

Kansas

City

Kelce,

spread the ball around to

ter spending his entire

In a close game, the Lions

bare-

ly edged by the Chiefs, winning 21-20.

the Star

Amon-Ra and

St.

newly

running

back

game receiver Brown acquired David

Montgomery had great games,

which

helped

the Lions get the win.

The Atlanta Falcons took on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in a big opening divisional game. The Falcons star rookie Bijan Robinson had 56 rushing yards as well as six receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown,

which

helped

the Falcons get the win.

quarterback

over the summer af-

a wide spread of receivers.

Detroit

star

career in Green Bay. Disaster struck in

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes

The Cleveland Browns

all of last season after

the first minutes of the

shocked the Cincinnati

getting suspended for

game, as Rodgers got

Bengals, holding them

gambling

games.

sacked then struggled

to only three points for

Ridley came out to

to get back up. Rodgers

the entire game. Ben-

play, catching eight pass-

left the game, and lat-

gal’s star QB Joe Burrow

es on 11 targets for a

er that night, the news

had one of his worst

total of 101 yards and a

broke that he tore his

ever games, going 14-

touchdown. The Colts

achilles and would be

for-31 for just 82 yards

were without their big

and zero touchdowns.

time running back Jon-

out for the season, leav-

Brown’s

running

athan

on

Taylor,

which

back Nick Chubb had

definitely

hurt

their

a good game, rushing

offensive

production.

for 106 yards on 18 car-

One upside for the

ries. The Brown’s run-

Colts was their rookie

ning game paired with

quarterback

Anthony

their strong defense al-

Richardson.

Richard-

lowed them to win 24-3.

son showed promise for

“I loved how our de-

the rest of this season

After being tied 0-0 at the end of the first quarter, standout receiver Mekhi Mews took a 69yard punt return to the house to get the Dawgs started on a 31-point second quarter. It was smooth sailing from then on out, and Georgia won the game 45-3.

Teams like Penn State,

Duke and Florida State

BULATAO

niable running talent, Bulatao attributes a majority of his successes to his team here at GC. “It is really helpful having people there that are doing the same thing as you and just out there to support you and make sure you are doing your best,” Bulatao said.

The Bobcats were back on the trail on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Julius Johnson Invitational hosted by Mercer University, where Bulatao and the men’s cross country team continued to improve.

Bulatao had another amazing performance at this invitational. He was able to finish 10th overall, with an 8k time of 27:22.7. This performance was the fastest for the Bobcats.

Philip’s top performance along with four other Bobcats finishing in the top 20 helped secure second place in the tournament.

The Bobcats return to action on Sept. 30 at the NCAA Southeast Region Preview hosted by University of North Georgia.

Continued from Page 1 Bulatao has been an irreplaceable member of the men’s cross country team for the past few seasons, but that does not come without loads of hard work in the offseason.

“I pretty much just stayed consistent throughout the whole summer,” Bulatao said.

“Most of the summer, we just do easy runs to build up a base, but it is really hard to do that when you are by yourself, so I just tried to stay consistent for the most part.”

While cross country is mainly an individual sport, Bulatao credits the company and support of his teammates as a way to sustain success throughout the long year ahead.

“It will be a lot easier working with a team and a coach,” Bulatao said. “Having support is really helping me so far to get to that goal.”

Despite his unde-

ing Jets fans devastated.

Week two kicks off this Thursday with a matchup between the Minnesota

Vikings

and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Both

teams

have very explosive offenses, so it should be a very exciting game.

Courtesy of GC Athletics

were all able to stay red-hot to start off the year, all winning their games very effortlessly.

College football delivered

excitement

to

fans for yet another week, and it looks to continue to do so for the

coming

months.

6

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.19.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Cale’s cinema corner: “Bottoms” review Cale Strickland

Managing Editor Whether you love it or hate it, chances are, you have seen “Fight Club.”

Since its release, David Fincher’s classic has run both the critical and cultural gamut.

It debuted to mixed reviews. Many critics, including Roger Ebert — often regarded as the most important film critic of all-time — dubious of the artistic value of Fincher’s grisly, unflinching depiction of masculinity and violence, panned the film; in fact, he called it “fascist.”

Despite critics’ reactions, the film became a cult classic and lived on — through DVD, in dorm-room posters and on the Internet.

By the 2010s, many critics reclaimed the film, hailing it as a masterpiece and one of Fincher’s best, if not his best.

Today, the film is synonymous with the wave of terminally online “sigma males” it has inspired, who litter social media with posts praising the film’s antagonist, Tyler Durden.

As a filmmaker and, by extension, a cinephile, Emma Seligman has seen “Fight Club.” In fact, as she told Sean Fennessey, the host of my favorite podcast, “The Big Picture,” she loves it. But she never made Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri and the rest of her cast and crew watch the film when preparing for “Bottoms,” her sophomore feature.

Her decision is ironic, as “Bottoms” is in the lineage of “Fight Club,” and there are endless parallels between the narratives surrounding the two films.

As a young, hotshot director, Fincher cast two of the ‘90s’ up-

and-coming stars, Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, in “Fight Club”; Seligman cast Gen Z’s equivalent, Edebiri and Sennott, in “Bottoms.”

Sennott headlined “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and appeared in Max’s “The Idol”; Edebiri is coming off starring and costarring roles in FX’s “The Bear” and Fox Searchlight’s “Theater Camp.” Although “The Idol” and “The Bear” received polar opposite reviews, both were big, big hits. Young people know who Sennott and Edebiri are. And if they do not yet, they will.

The film follows PJ, played by Sennott, and Josie, played by Edebiri, a pair of best friends who start a — yes — fight club to get girls.

It is a simple premise and a simple film, which is a compliment; an hour-and-a-half

comedy is a breath of fresh air in an industry brimming with twoand-a-half-hour dramas.

“Bottoms” knows what it is: one of the best, and only, comedies of the year and a breezy, laugh-a-minute joyride.

Sennott and Edebiri are, as expected, terrific, as is the rest of the film’s cast. I had not heard of many, if not the majority, of Sennott and Edebiri’s costars, but they are all wonderful. Of course, As an NFL and ex-Seattle Seahawks fan, I had heard of Marshawn Lynch, who knocks his first role, as PJ and Josie’s staff sponsor, out of the park.

Acting is important, but jokes are the foundation of comedy.

And all the jokes land.

Older filmmakers have attempted to appeal to teens and 20-somethings’ sense of humor for years and years,

and none of them have succeeded. Last year’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies” was the closest we had gotten to a true Gen-Z comedy — until now.

It is not surprising, as our generation’s filmmakers have not been afforded the opportunity to make films yet, in part because many of them are still in school but also because studios are reluctant to put money in young people’s hands.

Seligman is a late

millennial, or “zillennial,” old enough to gain “Bottoms” distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s seal of approval — which is shocking, as MGM is one of Hollywood’s oldest studios.

“Bottoms” is a miracle.

I have a feeling Seligman, Sennott and Edebiri are going to part of our lives for years, if not decades.

Hollywood, a new generation has arrived, and they want — and deserve — a seat at the table.

AMC theatre

Women supporting other women

GC’s efforts in protection against female violence Rebecca Meghani Senior Writer Earlier in September, Rho Bashe posted videos on her social media pages showing her injuries after a man threw a brick at her face after she did not give him her number. She details her story in these videos that went viral across many social media platforms and have sparked a new conversation regarding violence against women and protection for women.

“What have I ever done to anybody in my life to deserve this,” Bashe said on her social media. “I have never done anything in my life to hurt anybody. Literally, a man asked me for my number and I said, ‘No.’ And he picked up a brick, in front of so many men, and was like, ‘What are you going to do?’”

This situation has started up a conversation that has been on-going for years. Sexual harassment and violence is a prevalent issue for women across the world. In June 2014, the Stop Street Harassment organization commissioned a national survey in the United States that found that 65% of all women had experienced street harassment.

Surveys done by Cornell University ILR school and the nonprofit organization Hollaback! show that 85% of American female respondents faced street harassment before the age of 18, nearly 70% before the age of 14 and close to 80% have stated they were followed by their harassers.

With women of all ages having experiences like these, there have been federal efforts for prevention down to the local level. In Milledgeville and at GC, there are many active efforts to help women facing harassment and violence.

The Women’s Center on campus hosts a variety of support for students, like the Project BRAVE initiative, standing for Bobcats Rising Against

prevention education.”

Through the grants, the Women’s Center has engaged in efforts like direct victim services and has previously provided advocacy for students. There are active efforts against violence supporting victims in Milledgeville, like The Bright House, a sexual assault support center that opened in 2019.

Another effort has been raising awareness of

campus. We invite people to share their experience to find community with other people and find a way to talk about it because we don’t really talk about it in our society.”

Break the Silence will be taking place during the week of Oct. 23 this semester. Additionally, during the spring, April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, where the Women’s Center hosts Take Back the Night, a

it becomes a perpetuating cycle of not talking about it,” Graham said.

“We, as a society, are not comfortable talking about sex, which makes it really hard to talk about consent. Sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination happens all the time. A lot of socialization and the way gender is talked about in society, misogyny is a part of that. The patriarchy contributes too.”

Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

Violence Everywhere.

“We received grant funding from the Office on Violence Against Women, the campus grant program from the Department of Justice,” said Jennifer Graham, Associate Dean of Students for Student Inclusion and Belonging. “We have received it twice, first in 2013 and renewed in 2016, and through that funding, we started Project BRAVE. We train peer facilitators all throughout campus for bystander intervention, consent, stalking, they do classroom presentations and

these issues and the resources that the Women’s Center provides.

“Every fall semester, we participate in the Clothesline Project, a national visual awareness campaign raising awareness about different forms of violence, but it also provides people who have been impacted by power based interpersonal violence an opportunity to speak out,” Graham said. “We invite survivors or people who have been impacted by violence to come out and make a shirt and we hang all of them across front

rally that offers survivors an opportunity to speak out. Along with their awareness programs, they offer consistent support with connecting people to the Bright House, the Counseling Center on campus, get people connected to Title IX, offer community building, engagement and leadership development for women.

In conversation of harassment and consent, there remains the question of how can we solve this?

“It’s not something that is talked about, and

There has been an increase in conversation around consent, with the importance of teaching it at a younger age becoming more prevalent in our society.

“I’m excited when I hear my peers talk about the conversations they’re having with their children around consent and really starting consent conversations from a young age, starting those conversations when they’re toddlers, because consent isn’t just something that happens when we do or don’t want to have sex,” Graham said.

“Do you consent to holding hands? Do you consent to getting a kiss? Do you consent to getting a hug? Those are very age-appropriate conversations that we have to have with kids so it’s not a new concept that you’re being introduced to in middle or high school.”

At the federal level, acts like the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, and the Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, sends support directly into communities. These are dollars that are collected at a federal level then are redistributed out to states, coalitions and different government agencies to help money get closest to where things are happening and where it is most needed.

“I’m always glad when VAWA gets reauthorized,” Graham said.

“There were a couple years where it didn’t. We, as a campus, have directly benefited from VAWA because we have received two cycles of the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women funding. Those grant funds go directly into communities. They help fund campus programs across the nation.

They help to fund sexual assault centers and domestic violence shelters and state coalitions that are doing this work, so that funding is tremendous and helping.”

While the ongoing conversation of harassment and consent continues, there remains support for those who face these issues on a federal to a local level, including on campus.

7

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.19.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Paige Farrell, senior psychology major,

Matty Healy performing courtesy of Emma O’Dell, senior mass communication major

MUSIC MIDTOWN 2023

Back and better than ever!

Pink performing at Music Midtown courtesy of Emma O’Dell, senior mass communication major

Courtesy of Emma O’Dell, senior mass communication major

Emma O’Dell, senior mass communication major, and Laney Williams, senior education major, and friends

Yung Gravy performing courtesy of Paige Farrell, senior psychology major

Niall Horan performing courtesy of Emma O’Dell, senior mass communication major

Jennifer Crider, Editor in Chief, enjoying the ferris wheel at Music Midtown

8

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.19.2023

ARTS & LIFE TOURS

Continued from Page 1 When formed the

Swift

per-

in

Glendale,

concert

generat-

ed more revenue than this years Superbowl.

After attending both

and friendship bracelets,

hotel in Atlanta for Be-

Beyonce and her daugh-

and fans were decked out

yonce’s show was the

ter, Blue Ivy Carter, per-

in outfits displaying dif-

way to go. The W Hotel

form at shows. Tickets

ferent Swift “eras,” where-

bar had a photobooth

for this event were $25,

as Beyonce was metallic

for

Renaissance-esque

and they had an open

with disco ball cowboys

photoshoots and they

bar, as well as a DJ aboard

everywhere,

recreating

served Beyonce-themed

the

her latest album cover.

drinks at the restaurant.

seltzer

Taylor Swift on night one of the Era’s Tour in Atlanta

ue, an Era’s Tour tradition

soon.

that was inspired by a lyr-

playing shows in North

ic from her song “You’re

America through Oct.

On

Own,Kid”.

and Swift headed on the

“The positive impacts

European leg of her tour,

With

Beyonce

brand Truly LA hosted a

traveling to attend the

nies are capitalizing on

friendship-bracelet mak-

Renaissance

in-

these tours to make a

ing table outside Swift’s

cluding tickets, a hotel

profit. In New York City,

Los Angeles, California

sphere, even if the aes-

room, outfits, transpor-

the ferry line Circle Line

shows.

thetics of the show were

tation and restaurants,

Cruises hosted dance

make bracelets ahead of

of Swift and Beyonce’s

both women are head-

different. Swift’s show

was around $1,600 for

lessons for BeyHivers to

the show and pass them

tour do not seem to be

ed towards shattering

was full of bright colors

two people. Staying at a

learn the choreography

to other fans in the ven-

slowing down anytime

even more glass ceilings..

had an electric atmo-

cost

hard

The

Many other compa-

confidently say that both

total

ride.

of

tours in Atlanta, I can

The

two-hour

tour,

Swifties

could

Your

Chronic absences in college students Are students too cool for school?

Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

and learning, in gener-

at a higher frequency

loop that moves one

rection towards achiev-

more holistic, flexible

al, suffers because of it.

than their counterparts

further away from regu-

ing the grade they want.”

and

Schools in every re-

Chronic absenteeism

that maintain regular

lar attendance and pro-

It is nearly impossible

cial for both parties.

gion of the United States

in students is associat-

attendance

school.

ficient performance in

to help students if they

The primary focus of

are experiencing a sig-

ed with a broad vari-

“I think that absenc-

school. The more school

do not show up to class in

nificant decline in at-

ety of poor outcomes

es, in any capacity, are

one misses, the more dif-

the first place. As a result

tendance along with a

for

negative,” said Christy

ficult they will perceive

of the alarming decline

Garlock,

psy-

school to be, which will

in attendance, concerted

these

students.

at

benefi-

the recently enacted QEP is the pursuit of maximizing the mental and phys-

emergence

“Due to chronic ab-

of the attendance pat-

senteeism, 6.5 million

chology major and Psi

cause a drop in moti-

efforts are being made

tern of chronic absen-

students are at risk of fall-

Chi president. “School

vation that leaves them

by schools to increase

teeism among students.

ing behind academical-

absences, in particular,

even less likely to re-

student attendance rates.

Chronic absenteeism

ly,” said Buena Speaks in

can lead to a decline in

sume regular attendance.

One such effort here

is used to refer to any

“The Causes and Effects

grades, a loss of the qual-

Diana Young, asso-

at GC is the implemen-

build a stable foundation

time a student misses 15

of Chronic Absenteeism.

ity of connection and

ciate professor of psy-

tation of the Quality

for learning to occur.

wide-scale

senior

mutually

ical health and well-being of GC students to enhance

their

educa-

tional experience and

or more full class days

“The current QEP here

during a given school

at GC will be in place

year, and it is a nightmare

for seven years and is

for both the educator and

all about students’ men-

the quality of education

tal health,” Young said.

the student is receiving.

“This QEP looks to pro-

According to statistics

gressively improve over-

published by the Edu-

all student mental health

cation Advisory Board, chronic

absenteeism

has

substantial-

risen

and well-being, as these factors directly impact a student’s ability to thrive

ly in students since the

in their classes by show-

COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the national rate for

Julia Jensen | Art Director

ing up and engaging,” The effects of the QEP

chronic absenteeism was

“Missing days in the be-

relationships

has

chology, has experience

Enhancement Program,

16%, and in just three

ginning years of school

with the professors and

studying the realm of

or QEP. By addressing

short years, it more than

are associated with dif-

students around them

cognitive

psychology.

a wide variety of poten-

the student experience

doubled to 33% in 2022.

ficulties later in life.”

and an absence of moti-

“As a professor who

tial threats to education,

at GC remain to be seen,

The empty desks cre-

These difficulties in-

vation for achievement.”

wants to see everyone in

this program looks to

as the program is still be-

ated by absent students

clude the lower likeli-

Chronic absence and

my class succeed, it is re-

improve GC students’

ing actively incorporat-

not only greatly inhibit

hood chronically absent

low school attendance

ally rough when a student

educational experience.

ed into the curriculum.

their ability to learn and

students have of grad-

is a pervasive and crip-

fails to show up to class

This includes ushering

grow

in

The hopes are that

uating on time and the

pling threat to educa-

and becomes unrespon-

students towards more

school; they also weak-

its implementation will

higher rate at which they

tional institutions trying

sive to emails,” Young

regular

en the school culture

fail courses. They also of-

to

learning,

said. “When it becomes

increase their engage-

as a whole. Half-emp-

ten experience negative

achievement

and

the

difficult to connect with a

ment in pursuit of their

ty classrooms are not

life outcomes, such as

development of critical

student, it makes it much

education.

going to be conducive

an increased likelihood

thinking abilities. This

more difficult to facili-

ly, the program also re-

to

thought-provoking

of experiencing poverty

is attributable to the fact

tate the student’s success

imagines the traditional

conversations or an im-

and poorer mental, as

that chronic absentee-

and see them turn the

school-to-student

mersive and collabora-

well as physical health

ism is a positive feedback

corner in a positive di-

tionship in a way that is

intellectually

tive classroom climate,

facilitate

one

attendance

to

Additional-

rela-

on attendance rates and

immunize the university from the wide variety of negative impacts poor student attendance brings to both the students themselves and the entirety of the educational

institution.

9

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

09.19.2023

OPINION AI

companies to employ

the social media algo-

algorithms that prey on

rithm that is powered by

the mental and physical

data can constantly feed

health of those that use

on your data and improve

them in order to profit

the algorithm’s ability at

maximally off of their

adapting to your prefer-

“users.” In a chilling but

ences so you will stay on

accurate insight, Profes-

the app. Every action that

with AI. This is because

sor Edward Tufte says

you take on social media

every major technology

in the movie “The So-

is put through a fine-

conglomerate, including

cial Dilemma,” “There

tooth comb by advanced

Apple, Meta and Google

are only two industries

AI

—which essentially have

that call their customers

behavior

a monopoly on technolo-

‘users’: illegal drugs and

which

gy in America— employ

software.” Much like your

ly many points of data

AI systems in every sec-

local illegal meth lab —

from every single user.

tor of their businesses.

something Milledgeville

This influx of data is

However, some effects

knows all too well—, or

then used to improve

of AI integration into

the gas station attendant

that same algorithm so

virtually every aspect of

that does not card. Social

that it can more effective-

our daily lives appear to

media sells you a product

ly do its job, which is to

be quite negative. The

that is addictive, harmful

get you and everyone else

technology

companies

and supplied through

to use it more and more.

who brought us the tech-

an ethically objection-

If you have or have

nologies that powered

able

Continued from Page1 Anytime that one uses Google

Maps,

scrolls

and reacts to TikToks or posts on social media, they are interacting

business

machine

learning algorithms

mine

infinite-

A photograph of the average user’s chatbox with my AI,which is pinned to the top of all user’s friends list

information

social media platforms

advanced AI until we

ended up in the hands

are exploited by algo-

better

of a voter-profiling com-

rithms that intentionally

I am not the only

pany. The investigation

expose them to negative

one who thinks this. A

this hearing prompted

and highly emotional

growing body of notable

into Facebook’s dealings

content to get them ei-

figures in the technolo-

led to the discovery that

ther sad or impassioned,

gy industry and trusted

Facbook tracked both

which are the two emo-

intellectuals have signed

users and nonusers. Even

tional states that most

the petition to “Pause

while they were not on

compel you to continue

Giant AI Experiments.”

Facebook or did not even

interacting with the site.

This letter implores all

have it, Facebook contin-

Increased

interaction

AI labs to stop training

ued to collect extensive

with the site is the prima-

AI systems more sophis-

biometric and demo-

ry way technology com-

ticated than Chat GPT4

graphic data on almost

panies profit off of you

due to what they believe

all people with a phone.

as a consumer, as a more

to be the imminent dan-

In an article for the

captivated and attentive

ger the implementation

New York Times titled

consumer base is much

of

“What You Don’t Know

easier to advertise to

pose to humanity. Fig-

About How Facebook

and make money off of.

ures that have signed this

Uses Your Data,” Pe-

This practice is highly

petition include Elon

ter Eckersley, the chief

unethical, conducive to

Musk, Steve Wozniak and

personal

understand

it.

model.

ever had social media,

the technological rev-

In the view of society

you, the reader, are un-

olution of the last half

broadly, it seems absurd

knowingly an entry in

century, have done so in

to compare highly suc-

the data set that AI sys-

a brazen and ambitious

cessful and seemingly

tems use to get better at

way that stands to seri-

tidy technology com-

manipulating and sell-

ously harm humanity.

panies to a meth dealer

ing you products. Ad-

Due to both its lucra-

and an indifferent gas

ditionally, much of the

tive nature and unlimited

station attendant. But

data the algorithm uses

potential for technologi-

at least the people at

is not data you would

cal advancement, AI has

the meth lab do not ask

necessarily want it to

been implemented in our

you to cook a batch for

have access to, and data

lives in a way that lacks

computer scientist for

poor health outcomes for

them, and the guy at the

collection often occurs

Fron-

those that use it and ex-

If you would like to

serious forethought, or

the

gas station will not have

even when you are not

tier Foundation, a dig-

tremely invasive. To dis-

view, or sign this peti-

consideration of a variety

you mopping the floors

using that particular app.

ital-rights

nonprofit,

tance ourselves from the

tion to halt AI develop-

of problems it could cre-

for him before you drive

Facebook

claims “Facebook can

clear harm to our rights

ment that I have iden-

ate for humans in terms

off with your black bag

Owner Mark Zucker-

learn almost anything

of individual privacy and

tified is dangerous to

of our long-term safety,

of his addictive goodies.

berg was asked to testify

about you by using ar-

mental health these algo-

humans in a variety of

survival and well-being.

Social media is de-

before a congressional

tificial

to

rithms bring us, we need

ways, it can be found

AI has made it pos-

signed to get one addict-

committee because 87

analyze your behavior.”

to halt our development

on the Future of Life In-

sible for social media

ed to the product so that

million Facebook users’

Individuals who use

and implementation of

stitute’s official website.

In

2018,

Electronic

intelligence

these

technologies

Tristan

Harris.

Downtown Milledgeville needs an ice cream shop Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

restaurant that sells both

amazing

restaurants

quite well downtown.

As a result of both

scenes to GC’s beauti-

of these things and re-

downtown has to offer.

Milly Grub, which no

the improvement a des-

ful antebellum campus.

Downtown

Milled-

mains open into the

This

longer exists, was found-

sert shop would bring

I dream of the day

geville has done a great

wee hours of the night.

would

as

ed by two business stu-

to the downtown scene

that I leave a restaurant

deal of growing over the

The fact that the near-

a centerpiece in the

dents at GC, and it be-

and its great potential

in downtown Milled-

past few years. For in-

est dessert to downtown

drunken lore of many

came

very

for profitability, it is baf-

geville and go get a sweet

stance, recent valuable

past the hours of 9 p.m.

friend groups who take

quickly just by offering

fling that this idea has

treat without having to

additions to the down-

requires a drive to far

downtown on and a great place to unwind

pretty bland, basic food

not been done already.

get in my car and drive.

town scene include JK

away Cook Out, McDon-

from a long night of rag-

Milledgeville already

When that day comes,

Korean BBQ, which of-

ald’s or Freddy’s is both a

till 3 a.m.. Similarly,

fers a full buffet of au-

travesty as well as an un

ing with friends before

thentic

food,

utilized opportunity for

retiring for the night.

and Dungeons and Dai-

a daring venture capital-

Not only would this

quiris, a more tranquil

ist to make serious bank.

greatly benefit down-

bar where one can eat

A dessert place is desper-

town-goers

good

food

ately needed as the “cher-

but would also serve as

and play poker and vid-

ry on top” for a serious

a potentially lucrative

eo games with friends.

upgrade to the nightlife

project for whoever de-

However, there ex-

Milledgeville has to offer.

cides to undertake it.

ists a great confection-

Having a dessert place

The captive audience the

ary void in downtown

downtown would im-

hustle and bustle down-

Milledgeville. Drunken

prove the dating scene, as

town brings to this part

college students, leav-

you and your significant

of Central Georgia is not

ing the downtown bars

other, or the confusing in

to be underestimated, as

after a long night, are

between “not dating but

it leaves one with a large

dismayed to find that

basically are”, could grab

body of paying customers

there exists no ice cream

a sweet treat after a good

shop, pastry place or

meal at one of the many

Korean

American

New

dessert also

place

serve

themselves

profitable

Dungeons and Daiqui-

has

the

iconic

bars,

and someone gets stu-

ris, a gaming tavern that

amazing food and old-

pid rich off of mak-

is not typically seen in

city street vibe that put

ing this dream a reali-

the region we live in, has

it up there as one of the

ty, just remember that

also seen great success.

greatest complementary

you heard it here first.

experimental

restaurants have fared

Julia Jensen | Art Director

10 09.19.2023

OPINION

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR