Feb 4th class
We seemed to be on the verge of a lively debate on technology and control in class and seemed to run out of time. The idea of technology no longer within our power or control summons to the mind
My opinion is yes and no. Humankind has developed many technologies that have added many hours of leisure time to our lives, there is no arguing that. Society has certainly found many ways to fill those hours of leisure with technology. Radio and Television were one way media, in that the audience was a passive viewer of the material. There were certainly educational aspects to these media, as we saw with Grierson and the documentary, but entertainment became the focus and the audience had very little say in what programming was produced for them. Control was regulated to a few powerful people that made decisions that were probably in their best interest. The masses had no power, and were controlled by the technology.
Internet technology, as it grows and expands, is taking that passive element out of our leisure time entertainment. As we saw with the Kaiser Report, we are devoting even more time then ever (at least our young people) to technology use. While this would imply that there is only greater levels of control by technology, I would argue that the interactivity that these developing technologies adds is starting to turn the controls back into the hands of the users. Creative outlets are being formed that allow people to explore in many new ways. It has a long way to go, and its full potential may never be realized, but I am excited about the possibilities. I am sorry that I forget who said it in class, but someone mentioned the two guys that created Facebook. A perfect example of how someone small can alter the world (sources put Facebook number of active uses between 100-350 million worldwide). With the recent proroguing of parliament here in
Technology is inescapable, more so now then in Heidegger’s time. Does the creative potential that new technologies promise allow for humans to escape the enframing model of thought that Heidegger speaks of? I think that it is a push in the right direction. Thoughts?
It was Roland, James, who made the comment about Facebook changing the world. It really is something how the internet can allow one or two people to have so much influence on society. The idea of organizing protests against the proroguing of parliament speaks to the power of the internet in effecting change.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of technology allowing an escape from the enframing model of thought is plausible. If Facebook can be a vehicle for protests about proroguing, then why not for protests against big business exploiting the tar sands (and killing the surrounding environment)? Enframing thought is an attitude, about choice, I think, and right now, the majority of people just keep choosing to feed the frame and the danger, just because if the don't, they may not survive. The oil industry has everyone captive, in the box. It would be interesting to do a Facebook poll and get people's attitudes toward green technology and the sacrifices needed to preserve the well being of Earth. I wonder if people could work out a way to live a maximal green lifestyle (minimal carbon based) on Second Life, agreeing on the model before actually enacting it. But, that too is an enframing, yet, perhaps in a nobler direction.
First off - great profile photo, James!
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with your optimistic view of the internet. There is great potential for connecting people, exposing people to new points of view, other cultures and so on. There is also much potential for hate, misinformation and reproduction of the current hegemony. Which points out the value of questioning - and media literacy, next week's topic.
Another example of the benefits of media, like Facebook, was how Twitter was important in spreading news of protest in Iran, or warning people of the Tsunami in Fiji about a year ago. I agree that this potential, if used wisely, can be powerful.
Hi James,
ReplyDeleteI mistakenly said that Facebook was created by a couple guys in college. In fact, Facebook was made by one person, Mark Zuckerberg, while he was a student at Harvard. Google was made by two college guys, Larry Page and Sergey Brin: two students at Stanford.
I agree with your view that current technology is allowing people to be more engaged in media creation, unlike television and radio from past generations. There is yet untapped potential in the creative possibilities that current technologies give young people.
The challenge is that young people, teenagers, university students, need guidance by parents, teachers, "village elders", in areas of moral education, value education, and social justice. Every generation requires the wisdom of the community elders to give them the "moral compass" to make the right choices.
Hi James,
ReplyDeleteOne big difference with internet technology is that the young people do not see their parents and teachers as the experts. In the past, for example young people valued their parents opinions on topics ranging from politics to sports. Now young people are disconnected from the adults in their life as they use the internet solely for entertainment purposes. Looking back, I valued watching hockey on a Saturday night with my father; it always wasn't about the hockey. I hope such traditions are not lost, and replaced soley with friends gossiping on XBOX live.