Paper, glass, algorithm: teleprompters and the invisibility of screens

The teleprompter, invented in 1948 as a memory aid for show business, has become a ubiquitous technology in modern politics. Yet, the hidden ways in which this device shapes our understanding of performance, newscasting, and political rhetoric are rarely studied by media scholars. Recognizing this lacuna, this article traces the evolution of the teleprompter from a cumbersome, human-operated device to an invisible system of screens designed to conceal its own existence. The teleprompter has not only shaped the standardization of speech, but also restructured the televised spectacle by collapsing the sonic, the tactile, and the optical. By focusing on teleprompter fiascos and moments of breakdown from President Eisenhower to President Trump, we make a broader argument regarding the importance of failure and the accidental to the study of visual culture.

The Assessment of Ethical Issues Within Ubiquitous Computing in Belgium

Ubiquitous computing is the future of technology as the list of ubiquitous compatible devices is growing. The ambient nature of this technology generates high usage in notably populated countries and popular cities such as Belgium. The present article assesses the ethical issues of ubiquitous technology in Belgium. The use of ubiquitous technologies here is prevalent and coinciding this is various ethical issues. One of the many ethical theories common here is cultural relativism. A major issue here is the mishandling of data leading to private data being utilised unethically. This is an occurring incident that has happened in Belgium recently and other accounts of issues within Europe and outside of Europe have been identified. New European Union laws have been implemented to help eliminate any further misconduct but large multi-national companies are not providing clarity on their use thus, leading to the misuse of data. Although, the data being provided to these companies is solely down to the decision of the user.