The promise
of technology is that our lives can be simplified to better utilize time,
money, our environment, etc., yet some people say many technologies do quite
the opposite. These critics argue that
some technologies create a paradox, in that people believe they are freeing up
our lives, but really the technologies are tying us down. In thoughtful paragraphs, reflect and respond
to the following:
Step One: List
technologies you use every day, both simple and complex (refer to discussion
notes on simple vs. complex technology.)
After your brainstorm, list these technologies in terms of how crucial
they are to your life.
Step Two:
Reflect on your list above. What
would an outsider say about your list?
The critics? Do any of these
technologies create a paradox? Which
ones separate us from the natural world?
Which ones bring us closer to the natural world? How do these technologies impact your view of
other people? Of rationality?
Step Three:
Connect your views on technology with those themes you perceive so far
in the novel. Which technologies (both
yours and in the novel) bring us closer to individualism? Which ones bring us closer to
universalism? How do they help us cope
with the fear of death?
Which technologies transfer our decision-making to technological systems?
Which technologies transfer our decision-making to technological systems?
Step Four:
Agree or disagree, with explanation, with one of the below quotes:
“As technology enhances human capacities, it simultaneously erodes
other capacities and experiences: it intervenes between our senses and the
world, mystifies formerly mundane tasks, and creates new forms of human
dependence and ignorance” (Melley, 78).
“As technological rationality extends life, it inadvertently
spawns anxiety about machines, uncertainty about the real, a resurgence of
irrationality, and a heightened fear of mortality” (Melley, 81).
Melly,
Timothy. "Technology, Rationality, Modernity: An Approach to White
Noise." Engles, Tim, and John N. Duvall, Ed. Approaches to Teaching
Delillo's White Noise. New York: Modern Language Association of America,
2006. 73-83. Print.
Simple Technology: Toothpaste, pots, clothing, instruments
ReplyDeleteComplex Technology: Internet, cell phones, robotic automations
Most people would probably agree that the complex technologies are technologies and disagree that the simple technologies don’t count but they do. For a lot of technologies are electronic, but yet not all technologies need electricity. The difference between an pot and a microwave is that pots are compatible with sources of heat outside the house, and a microwave needs a plug. Things such as computers, microwaves et cetera are more likely to be used inside to experience the frightening outside world without risk. You could Google image “Top of Mt. Washington” but it is not the same as being up there (even if it is windy and cold). Depending on what kind of family it is, the outdoors can create a bonding experience with little technology (grills, coal, one cell phone for emergencies, and a pot for pasta is fine).
With home technology (tv, computers, other things that need a plug) can be comforting and reassuring that you can’t really be harmed (unless it explodes or the plug short circuits setting the house on fire). Don’t get me wrong, technology could allow us to someday be more expansive across the known galaxy, or pass information to future generations, but it also does limit experiences. We all have curiosities, but there are so many things that internet critics hate that you end up liking or vice versa. You don’t have to like what the internet likes, that’s just the majority of what people choose to like. Everybody has their tastes in interest.
I can see where the second quote is trying to get at. With more machines being invented to make our lives easier, it is easy to forget how to do things. I can’t remember how to wash dishes because I have a dishwasher to do it for me. There are machines that could detect cancer cells and diseases without having to murder them for research. Then I could go to the extreme and say that drones would replace soldiers in wars. Which is a big problem because thousands could be jobless and the drones could be hacked. Also, physics explanations online could boggle your mind with the possibility of how do we know we exist or anything really. I could go into a rant about how real isn’t quite real and there would be no way to prove or disprove what I say. Also, the news online can be covering up more important items of interest. Thousands of people could be homeless after an event or an important political decision about war is about to be made, and all people would see is “Bieber goes to Jail” or Fox News overreactions. Finally, the internet could have us fear simple objects because they are deadly. Some people fear the outside world, suburbs, relationships, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups because they could harm or kill you. Well, anything can really harm or kill you, so if you’re careful about what you do, then you should be fine.
Simple technology: Modified food
ReplyDeleteComplex technology: microwaves, computers, smart phones
There are other technologies that serve as substitutes for microwaves but the idea of heating up food is very important to making many foods edible. Modified food is a big part of my diet. The tastiest foods or foods that are easier to eat tend to be genetically modified. We would live without this but it increases economic efficiency which is good for everyone. These bring us further from the natural world because food is no longer naturally occurring in the form we eat it in.
Electricity was a huge invention. Lightbulb's are used in everyones home and are necessary in every building to allow people to see. I use my computer and cell phone every day and they have created a paradox due to their abilities of remote communication. Email was a big advancement in the world and has made communication much easier for everyone. These devices bring us further from the world as it goes on within our senses: “As technology enhances human capacities, it simultaneously erodes other capacities and experiences: it intervenes between our senses and the world, mystifies formerly mundane tasks, and creates new forms of human dependence and ignorance” (Melley, 78). Technology brings the world closer, connecting people around the globe; it has provided more connections than there ever have been before. To cope with the fear of death we can look forward to better technologies and enjoy the ones that already exist for the duration of our time.
(Part 1)
ReplyDeleteStep One:
Simple Technology: pencils, chairs, doors, paper, books, etc
Complex Technology: computer, phone, tablet, lamps, oven, etc.
In terms of how important each is, it probably goes down in computer > phone > pencil > paper > tablet > chairs > books > doors > lamps > ovens.
Step Two:
An outsider might say I'm spoiled, or indulging too much in modern technology by placing my computer first (but hey all homework is there these days, I blame school) or phone as top priority. I mean, it depends on where this outsider lives and their access to these kinds of more complex technologies, and that may invoke a more negative response.
I think computers, phones, and doors very much separate us from the outside world. So much is on screens these days that it's hard to I guess take a look around what's actually nearby. Why go outside when you can look up a simulated version of it on the internet? Phones may be convenient for communicating, but in terms with interactions with the physical world and people, it can distance us greatly. Doors can shut or open, but I mean if you wanna talk about the natural world, we can easily shut that out with closing our doors (or windows). Alternatively, doors can also open us up to the natural world, depending on how you use it.
I think with the recent advancements of more complex technology, it brings along a kind of stereotype or attitude, especially with the American population like "girls don't know when to shut up when they're on their phones" or stuff with selfie cultures and vlogging. It's kind of a pre-judgement almost, and it's become so well known and so often done that it becomes tiring in a sense.
(Part 2)
ReplyDeleteStep Three:
I think I can safely say technology has made me more greedy and impatient, especially when an object doesn’t work, because especially now we are brought up with the expectation of electronics and technology to work. There is also the consistent desire in some individuals to own the latest product and have the latest advancements, no matter how trivial it is. Especially in modern societies, things like television and mass media will always be there, despite your best efforts. It seems like almost everyone has something to do with media, and there is always the undertone that there is a better product and what you have is crap so therefore you’re crap. I mean, it’s different in each area too, depending on the society, but especially with American society there is that attitude especially with electronics (like with Apple vs PC). I also don’t think technology has really cured us from the fear of death, but more or less prevented and distracted us from it. Yolo is a good motto to live our lives to the fullest, because we know what’s coming, even if we don’t comprehend it. There has also been many medical advancements in order to prolong our lives, which I think may actually make us cope worse with the idea of it because it’s now such a far away prospect, and an unknown one too that we don’t know what to do when it comes. As well, there is the media and desensitization to other people’s deaths, especially to someone’s we don’t know because violence can be really prominent just about anywhere if you turn on the television or computer.
Step Four:
“As technology enhances human capacities, it simultaneously erodes other capacities and experiences: it intervenes between our senses and the world, mystifies formerly mundane tasks, and creates new forms of human dependence and ignorance” (Melley, 78).
Now obviously I can’t really speak for a time when I wasn’t alive and therefore never experienced, but I think comparatively to especially the modern age, this is true. I feel like we have grown more and more dependent upon technology to have all the answers, be it for a disease, or a social studies questions, about religion, whatever (wikipedia is great!). While some dependencies are for a greater good (like to keep you alive), I think it’s inhibited our ability to make decisions on our own or to perform actions outside of a technologically advanced world. I mean, that’s the purpose of technology though, right? To make our life and other actions easier, to add convenience, but I don’t think we have the full appreciation for how tough those tasks were previously or the appreciation to how easy we really have it now.
Techologies
ReplyDeleteSimple: shoes, backpack, bed, washcloth, toothbrush, socks
Complex: ATM card, computer, cell phone, car, television, plumbing, internet
In rank of cruciality from least crucial to most crucial:
simple: washcloth, socks, backpack, bed, shoes, toothbrush
Complex:
car, plumbing, internet, computer, ATM card, cell phone, television
I think that if an average middle class American were to view these lists from an outside perspective, they would in many ways relate to my items listed. Having shoes on your feet and a bed to sleep in is crucial in almost any lifestyle, whereas having a washcloth isn't always imperative. In terms of complexity, having a car and plumbing is important in a rural environment and and outsider would relate to this. I think there is little to be critical of besides my listing of an ATM card which is a privilege among many people.
Some of these items do create a paradox, being that some of them are crucial while detrimental. For example our cars essential to transportation, especially so in a rural town. At the same time however, they are one of the most prevalent causes of carbon emissions affecting our ozone layer. This paradoxical aspect is shared also by the internet. It allows us to connect to eachother in the most efficient way possible, but at the same time it distances us from traditional relationships.
The technology that most obviously allows me to feel individual would have to be internet and it’s associated presence of social media. Social media allows you to express your individuality through a profile, and at the same time view how others depict themselves as individuals. It is like an enormous collection of resumés construed of pictures and posts.
In the novel, the television is a technology that seems to connect the family for better or for worse. Babette claims that it can be a family activity while Jack argues many believe it’s the scourge of the younger generation. Many of the discussions the family has throughout the novel are TV and technology-centric.
By being constantly subjected to limitless commercials advertising ways to stay and look younger, death seems an impossible concept. Reality tv shows us 20 year olds doing anything they want, even breaking the law, without consequence. This gives both the viewer and the viewed a feeling of invincibility and the inevitability of death seems distant in a world advertising everything but.
Technologies that transfer our decision making to technological systems include online banking, snapchat, and online shopping.
“As technology enhances human capacities, it simultaneously erodes other capacities and experiences: it intervenes between our senses and the world, mystifies formerly mundane tasks, and creates new forms of human dependence and ignorance” (Melley, 78)
I believe this quote is accurate to the core. Technology is essentially virtual reality, and since it has immersed itself in our culture, we have in turn immersed ourselves in its virtual reality. We are barely cognisant and prepared for the disasters that are occurring more and more frequently across the globe. Human kindness has become a thing of the past in our generation, and our in your face know it all attitude has made us ecstatic at any opportunity to complain.
Iphone
ReplyDeleteComputer
Car
Social Networking
Toothbrush
Calculator
Pencil
Fork/Spoon/Knife
Bike
I think that an outsider would agree with my list and we would have similar things on our lists. Nothing is out of the blue of something that not many people use. I am very attached to my phone, and computer so critics might not be fans of that since they definitely separate us for the natural world. Bikes can bring us closer to the natural word like if I go for a bike ride or something it lets us take in the nature around us. Social Networking creates a paradox for many reasons. You would think that instantly being able communicate with people as something that helps you socialize.However, often thats not the case and it ends up making us become less social in the real world.
I would say that technologies like phones, computers, and social media all brings us closer to universalism. They make us completely connected at all times, and let us communicate with each other whenever we want/need. It almost allows us to for a virtual crowd to assemble like Jack talked about in the story. Crowds help people cope with the fear of death and help you to feel more protected and safe. If you are outside of the crowd, then you are alone and vulnerable, but if you are part of one then you are shielded.
“As technological rationality extends life, it inadvertently spawns anxiety about machines, uncertainty about the real, a resurgence of irrationality, and a heightened fear of mortality” This quote is saying that as technology grows and is integrated more into our lives, then it makes other aspects of life more uncertain. It doesn’t seem to look at technology as a good thing necessary and more of something that could create a lot of problems. I agree with this but also disagree. I think there are things about technology that could potentially have negative effects and parts of it that are really positive.
Blog Three: Technology
ReplyDeleteSimple- wheel, pencil/eraser, band-aid, shoes, clothing
Complex- Computer, cell phone, radio-communication, car, internet
How crucial are they?
Clothing
Shoes
Band-aid
Wheel
Pencil/Eraser
Radio-communication
Car
Internet
Cell Phone (smartphone)
Computer
If an outsider were to read this list, I believe that they would be under the impression that I am a very practical person, or they would think that I am a lot older than 16. When I ranked these technologies, I thought about how much I used them in every-day life; but I also took into consideration how crucial they were to my life in general. For instance, I could go to school without a computer and be fine, but I could not say the same about clothing or shoes (although HHS has a very lenient dress code.) Oddly, I also thought about an apocalyptic scenario (that's why band-aid is so highly ranked.) I would want to protect my body by wearing clothing and shoes, but I would also want to have a band-aid to protect any possible open wounds from external dangers. Figuring if there is little to no access to antibiotics, it would be crucial to protect myself from infection. The point is, if I were to be stripped of all responsibilities--for instance, this blog post-- and only had to worry about living, I would definitely rank a band aid over a computer. But computers, cell phones, and the internet are pretty important to me currently. This list would be ranked differently each time depending on the situation. I think that it is false to say that one of these brings us closer to the natural world, because every technology on this list brings us further from the natural world, only some bring us further away than others. Clothes and shoes shield us from the environment, as well as cars. Whereas clothes, shoes, and cars are used to shield us from the outside, cell phones, computers, and the internet keep us inside voluntarily. Not physically inside, but inside of our heads.These technologies take us away from the natural world and connect us to a world we can’t see. People can be outside for hours not stopping to look up once. It’s definitely a problem, but every big step in any field has consequences.
Step Three:
If we define individualism as being independent and self-reliant, I think that these technologies bring us a step forward;But this is only conditional. A good example is GPS and Google maps. They can tell you exactly where to go and how to get there. This means that you won’t have to stop and ask people on the way, therefore, you are more self reliant. But what happens when the GPS is taken away after generations of people forgetting how to use a map or forgetting how to simply ask someone for directions? The term “self-reliant” doesn't really make any sense when dealing with technology. It gives people the idea that they are being self reliant, and that they don’t have to depend on anyone else, but the reality of it is that we are becoming more technologically reliant. An example of this from White Noise by Don Delillo is the grocery store. The grocery store is technically a piece of technology. It makes life easier for all of the characters and provides easy access to food. They think they are self reliant because they go to the grocery store, choose what they want, and purchase it with their own money. But they would not be able to purchase anything if the grocery store wasn't there, let alone have a way of finding food themselves. In this way we are technologically reliant.
Step Four:
ReplyDelete“As technology enhances human capacities, it simultaneously erodes other capacities and experiences: it intervenes between our senses and the world, mystifies formerly mundane tasks, and creates new forms of human dependence and ignorance” (Melley, 78).actly
This quote almost exactly corresponds with what I said earlier. Technology is giving us a false sense of security in the world. It is giving us a false sense of self reliance. Most people these days don’t even understand how to use a map. This agrees with the second statement “mystifies formerly mundane tasks.” Another example that compliments this statement is going to the library. There are people today who are taught how to find a book in a library, and how to use a book as a reputable source, but the amount of people who don’t is one too many.