This semester has helped me look at the digital world in a whole new way. At first, I thought being digital just meant using phones or computers, but I’ve come to understand it’s really about how we turn information into formats that can be stored, shared, and reused. From text files and sound recordings to spreadsheets and scanned documents, I now see how much of our daily lives are shaped by digitized content. We also talked a lot about what we gain—like speed and access—but also what we lose, like personal connection and original detail. One thing I found interesting was learning how something simple like scanning a paper or compressing a song can change the quality or meaning of the original. These lessons made me think differently about tools I use every day. I now pay more attention to how digital systems are built, and who they include—or sometimes leave out.
One of my favorite parts of the class was preparing and presenting why we don’t rely on AI to screen stocks in the CAFE program at GSB. As helpful as AI can be in other fields, in finance it can sometimes give surface-level or outdated information, especially when it just skims headlines or pulls from low-quality sources. We’ve learned that good research takes time and depth, and sometimes AI can miss the bigger picture. It was fun explaining this during my presentation, and I enjoyed hearing how other students from different majors are using AI in creative ways too—whether in design, writing, or construction. It made me realize how AI has different strengths depending on the field. Presentations like these helped me see the connections between technology and real-world careers. They were definitely the part of the class I looked forward to most.
Looking back, I’ve learned a lot—not just about technology, but about how to ask better questions. Digitization has changed how we live and work, but it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. I’ve learned that it’s important to think about who benefits, who might be left out, and how we can use these tools in a smarter, more thoughtful way. In finance, AI and digital systems are becoming more common, but I now feel better prepared to know when to use them—and when to be cautious. This class made me more aware of how digital choices affect people, not just data. It also gave me new ways to connect what I’m learning in school to the world around me. I’m walking away with a stronger perspective and a deeper interest in how continues to technology shape the future.