The screen goes blank. Windows won’t
open. Download an attachment and you can’t find it. The password is case
sensitive. The computer crashes. Pop-up
Ads block text. Files get corrupted. Photos
melt into garbledy code. Files get erased. Formatting is scrambled. Blue screen of death. Help!
Help? There is no help.
Instructions, if you can find them, are loaded with jargon. They tell
you to click on blah. There is no
blah on which to click. Community chats just bitch and moan (as I’m
doing here). There are no phone contact numbers. If there is one, it’s menus,
menus, menus. Click. Click. Click.
All right then. Suppose you master, let’s say, Google
docs. There are thousands of techies at
Google who must look like they’re working.
They can’t leave well enough alone.
They fix what isn’t broken. They are
constantly devising new systems full of bugs.
They drop old features. Nyah, Nyah, you can’t win.
Tech rage. Melt down.
I’ve been on the edge of taking an axe to my PC way more than I can
admit. But no matter how much I bellow, the device sits there impervious. Might
as well be a demon in there—playing me like a marionette. I could get paranoid.
In his landmark book, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man,
Marshall McLuhan warned us that “The medium is the message”: the message
is “the scale or pace or pattern” that a new invention introduces into human
affairs. The way I apply this to
teaching is to say that students learn how I am, not what I say—the
medium, how; not the content, what. When I was teaching a class of professors how
to teach college writing, I asked them at the end of the semester what was most
important to them. I was hoping they
would cite my punctuation routines, my research, my class management. No. What
they cited the most, what they carried away into their own teaching was my love
and enthusiasm for writing. It was the how
of my teaching not the what that was the message.
So what do digitalized messages tell us—what is the how of
them?
Digitalized media are built on the base 2 binary
numerical system—0 and 1, 0 and 1—this way or that way—yes and no. Programmers devise pathways based on 0 and 1.
Once you choose either 0 or 1, you must follow that path. Then choose 0 or 1. There is no going
back. Like the old experiments with
pigeons pecking at a lever for food pellets. You have to get it right or no
pellets for you. This rigid medium, complicated by the fact that all these systems
are microscopically delivered and invisible, produces these overarching messages:
(1)
Everything is either this or that. Right or wrong. No wiggle room.
(2)
The computer always wins—its way or no
way.
(3)
There is only one way to do things.
(4)
You have to figure out what it wants and
how it wants it.
(5)
You don’t count.
(6)
You have to be vigilant.
(7)
You’re not in on the
secrets.
(8)
You don’t belong in
the divine eschelon.
(9)
You are at its
mercy.
(10)
If you rebel, you will be punished.
These messages a myriad of times a day, day after day, year
after year, a lifetime—go in very deeply.
They create a sense of helplessness.
And despair. A dynamic of
vigilance—of trying to figure out what someone, in this case, something
wants.
Studies have shown that noise, odor, or light pollution does the
most harm when the brain so adapts to it that we don’t notice it any more—in other
words, the brain has been changed to accommodate the tyranny of the
pollution. We become vehicles for the pollution.
So, too, once we stop noticing how we are being affected by the digitalized
world, we have succumbed to becoming them—to becoming robots. That would be devastating, enough. But the messages infiltrate all areas of our
lives.
We have a world that is built on extremes—rigid extremes that forbid
human error, emotional or spiritual flux, individual personality—no relationships,
syntheses, creativity. Fascistic and sociopathic personalities—who pander to
extremes—are voted into office. It’s
all-or-nothing with them. And we are helpless. Helplessness leads to addictions—drugs,
alcohol, shopping, Netflix binging, phones, phones, phones. We become addicted to praying to the Digital
Gods to shower their favor on us. Please let this work. Click, click. Please let this work.
And I’m writing this post on my HP—an acronym for Higher
Power?
Works Cited:
Cover art:
Text:
McLuhan,
Marshall. Understanding Media: The
Extensions of Man. New York: McGraw-Hill,
1964.
Because I Can
Teach Link:
The Tree of
Knowledge: Binary Oppositions:
Hi Professor Rich,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree and relate to what you’re saying. I think we’ve all been down that road. Especially as students, I understand the frustration and pain of technology. It is something as simple as my computer shutting down right in the middle of a 10-page paper. Did I ask it to shut down? No. Did I accidentally click the button? No. It just randomly decided that it was a convenient time for it to shut down. And not only did my computer shut down, but I shut down with it. I was even unable to process what had happened. I was confused, irritated, but mostly angered. I felt as I were helpless. Completely at the mercy of this man-made technology that all of a sudden had more power over man. You’re completely right, too. Computers will always win. Not just computers, though. Technology. At the rate they are progressing and advancing, they are smarter than us and more capable than us. They have the power. We are the ones that are dependent on them, not the other way around.
With that being said, though, I think it’s extremely important to note your words, “We have a world that is built on extremes . . . “ You’re absolutely right. It is a world built on extremes, but that doesn’t mean, in my opinion, to join the other side of the extremes. Relying on technology too much is an extreme but also completely withdrawing from it is another form of an extreme. As troubling as it is, we have to recognize that technology is useful. Without these technological advancements, we wouldn’t have the answers to some of our questions, the research that we have today. I think it’s important to celebrate it, appreciate it, but then also realize when it’s the right time to step back. It’s about moderation and balance. And I think that’s what the world has forgotten.
-- Rabia A.
Dr Rich,
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your point of view of technology and how it is just a trap for people to fall into without a way to escape. It is a repeating frustrating process of using technology like our phones and computers, etc. With asking for all these permissions, and agreeing to the terms and conditions that no one read just for a simple task that we were looking for help. Searching up a simple question of how to do something and entering into this whirlpool of a lot of information that is completely unrelated to what one is looking for. Unfortunately and fortunately, everything is this world if dependent on this technology.
It is a difficult thing to master and know everything about it and it is definitely frustrating when one doesn't understand or need help and there is no solution present to help. But, if you think about many years ago, when all of these technologies did not exist, what a difficult life people lived in because they didn’t have the advantage of looking up on Google on what to do and how to do something. They learned by trial and error and it must of been a frustrating process for them as well. I am not saying what you are saying is irrelevant and not annoying and dangerous too because we are ruled over by these technology. All I am saying is that I would rather go through these annoying process and do this extra work to help me do something than to not have anything at all.
In a sense, relying on these technology can be dangerous in the future. The entire world depends on these technology. Either Economically, Politically, Financially, Environmentally, etc. If something were to happen in either of these areas with the technology used, or lets say an extreme scenario: All electrical related things are to be shut off and never work again, everything humanity has created, discovered or used is in these technology, and without the whole world will be effed. But, I am talking about an extreme extreme situation. Technology is a blessing and a curse to humanity and for now, it is a necessity for human survival.
-Kellen Atay
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI, like many people, have a complicated relationship with technology. Some times I love it, and other times I absolutely despise it. I love being able to have a smart device at my disposal, but I have noticed many ways in which it has negatively affected me and other people. Now-a-days, it can be hard to relate to people in person because of their addiction to technology. I have noticed that with the progression of technology, social behaviors have drastically changed. People can no longer look at each other in the eyes when they speak because it causes them anxiety, or people are constantly texting while having a face to face conversation with someone, which makes the real-life conversation very difficult to maintain. Technology has impacted people’s attention spans and how we interact with one another on a daily basis. I have also noticed that technology often creates arguments amongst friends because it is easier to catch people lying. I feel that technology is a helpful tool that can benefit people in many ways, but that most people abuse its power and think nothing of it. Technology is scary to me in some ways because almost everything is public and barely anything is private anymore. It also scares me because of how distracted people are while driving. I do not feel that my life, or anyone’s life, is worth losing over sending a text or looking at an updated status, but many people do not care about the consequences and continue to drive while using their phones. Society needs to find a way to utilize technology to its fullest, while not exploiting its powers, and until that balance is met, humanity will be the ones to suffer.
Jennifer Stavole
All people depend on smart phones, laptops, and tablets to have their way of getting things done such as homework assignments, shopping, ordering food, and communication. Taking a previous class of mass media, technology has put an affect how people tend to live. I am the old fashion way; I like to write in my notebook when taking notes than typing on the computer. When I have the chance I like to talk on the phone than texting. When a cell phone or a computer shuts down, people go into a panic mode and freak out that the screen went black and may have lost things that they were doing that wasn’t saved. If it were to be done by hand it would be with us.
ReplyDeleteHow you have it as being affected by the digitalized world, becoming robots is true. It’s very sad that technology is taking over human beings. When texting on cell phones came to be, everybody thought it was cool typing words and sending them to friends and family. That has taken over completely instead of talking. I would like to speak than text because I want to hear voices than read words on screen. Talking can keep communications going to talk about other things, but pretty much people have forgotten how to start interpersonal communication because they text all of the time. I had a break-up with an ex because he didn’t like talking to me over the phone. He said he rather text than talk. Technology had taken over human communication.
Technology has made people live very differently than how it use to be years ago. Before people had places to shop for clothes, food, and other accessories. Most people get out their phones or laptops and order their stuff to be delivered to them. Now there’s a click of a button to get things done without leaving from where you are. It takes away interactions from people to meet other people and to be in different surroundings.
We are slowly losing our sense of well being because technology is taken over. It is enough that texting is taken over our communication instead of speaking, typing is taken over our way of writing with our hand, the use of apps to deliver packages to people’s houses, but it is also replacing jobs for people to work. This is where it is coming to that machines are taken human workers places. I be damn for technology to make me feel like a robot.
It seems as though electronics continue to advance. Just when you thought Apple came out with the best iPhone, considering all it’s new features, colors, and being even lighter in weight than the previous, Apple is already creating ideas on the next phone. Electronics are everywhere and I believe that “Digital Gods” is the perfect name for them. Due to the fact that
ReplyDeleteelectronics can do nearly everything for you, it is so easy to become dependent on them. When I say dependent, I mean deeply dependent to a point where you can’t function without it. As horrifying as that sounds, many people, including myself, have been overly reliant on the use of electronics to a point where we miss out on the beauty in life itself.
One thing that should be highlighted is the fact that electronics are also temperamental, meaning they often have malfunctions. To many people, that may just be the end of the world right then and there. The sad truth is that people don’t realize how invested they are in their electronics until they are forced to put it down. I believe it is crucial to spend time away from your electronics. What I took from this piece is that it’s okay to own the latest phone. However, don’t become so invested in it that you miss out on what the world has to offer. Technology is both a gift and a curse, being that it helps us do everyday tasks but inhibits us from moving forward on our own.
So I’m guessing I’m the only one who seems to be a fan of technology?
ReplyDeleteDon’t get me wrong, we all have our bad experiences and moments of anger while dealing with our handhelds but I tend to think the good experiences definitely outweigh the bad. I’m only 20 years old and I was brought up in a generation where cellphones and laptops were being introduced. These devices were improving as time progressed and wherever you went you seen someone with a more impressive version of it. Children even had toy phones, computers, tablets, watches, etc based off their favorite cartoons and TV show characters. In elementary and middle school, computer and typing classes were required. Many young adults found their first true friends on the internet, which they use these devices to get onto. Now grant it, people can get extremely addicted to these advancements but the same way they become addicted, they can find services on said device that’ll help them detach and get back with oneself.
Times are changing and everything is being created to provide us with a more, and I use this loosely, “efficient” lifestyle. Feel free to become upset with how your device is malfunctioning or how slow it goes, whatever the case may be. I bet you a bag of nuts though you’ll go and get it fixed so you can go right back to using it just like before. Get frustrated all you want, but you should also get accustomed. If not, you can still have a meaningful and prosperous life just less “efficient”.
Taizha Blue
The world is an ever changing, ever evolving continuum flow of new ideas, technologies, and information. Yes technology can be a great distraction and hindrance in the world of an educator, especially with cell phones; however, most people do not account for its ability and resources that can be provided. At the touch of a button you can have a link to all of Shakespearean sonnets, play, and poetry. The wealth of information and the growth of science is another thing that has been greatly innated and altered. While I see your point and do appreciate a pen and paper, as well as a technology cleanse, one must not forget the advances as well. With the bad there is good and vice versa. he technology in the classroom can also enhance a one to one learning experience and give children the added benefit at a self paced curriculum that can be take home. I understand the questions of some children don't have access at home, or the finical portion of expensive technology. To that I say, you have a point, but their are cost effective ways that can allow for technological upgrades as well as alternative methods offered t students who do not have the means at home. The other concern I can see arising is what if they don't pay attention or don't do the work. This can also be a concern and to that I would say, children don't complete work now without it, and the fact that it is self paced and monitored means that the teacher can address the situation on a case to case outcome and give the proper support needed for each individual child. The world is changing and growing, so we must change with it and put the technology to use for the bettering of education as well as society.
ReplyDeleteShannon Makuskie
I agree with this. There are too many times I’m in the middle of doing something an either my phone will ring or the device will just freeze and shut down. There are too many people that are stuck to screen through feeding off of the attention that it can give them, such as the people that post stuff to the various spaces on the internet available to date. People today and even kids will spend way too much time in front of a screen and not even notice how long they have been in the same spot for hours not even realizing that they are straining their eyes from the light on the screen. I am guilty of have done this numerous times where I’ll set a time to get a task done but I just waste that time on the internet watching either something on YouTube or Netflix, scrolling through social medias or even playing video games. Then when I finally get to the task it’s too late in the day and it is already dark outside or I have missed the opportunity because it was good weather outside but I wasted the day inside instead. Working with computers can be frustrating though because you have to know what you are doing and to not overreact when it does not work the way that you intended to work. There is also the constant struggle of if the internet connection is strong enough to connect all devices in the surrounding area or will the device just be stuck loading for a while, in the meantime you are sitting there waiting to finish your task so that you can move on to the next one.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Weideli
This blog post hit a bit too close to home- especially more than I’d like to admit. It is true that we are dependent- addicted- to our devices nowadays. I don’t think it’s even feasible to admit that I could go a day without using technology. As I read the post, I laughed as you noted instances such as “please work, please work”, literally BEGGING the Digital Gods to show a bit of mercy, but then I was kind of taken back about how relatable the entire post was. Our generation was brought up during the rise of popularity of technology in our society and it shows. More than half of the class cringed at the no technology rule that is enforced, but why was that so? If you’re there to learn, phones or laptops should be considered a distractor, however we cannot fathom the idea of not being allowed to use them. You were correct in saying that we are at technology’s mercy; if my laptop, wifi, etc. doesn’t work as an assignment deadline is approaching, all hell breaks loose. I panic and attempt to troubleshoot, cursing and begging at my laptop along the way.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is both society’s greatest blessing and biggest curse. We have come so far from where our ancestors once were, yet look at the sacrifice it took to get there. Human interaction, relationships, connection (not referring to wifi), physical creativity- all declining in popularity thanks to technology. We become addicted to technology just as we would any other substance.
Katie Lewandowski
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI think there are many powerful points made here that many of us myself included; can relate to this post on so many aggravating levels. I could not agree more that technology and the world today as we know is in fact full of extremes that we must abide by or else what? I think that we do in fact feel unwanted pressure in most things we deal with on a daily basis and it is in fact partially due to the routine of being told if we don’t abide we will flounder. We have become so used to the pressure of having to figure out what others want on not just a technological basis that the feeling of being completely and utterly lost is a sense we have all felt on too many occasions. Forcing ourselves to figure out what is acceptable to them hinders our individual sense of being and our overall ability to create things on our own terms. Digital messages most definitely have made me feel completely helpless many times in the past and the pressure of figuring them out usually within a certain amount of time or else…has made our lives much more frustrating and the feeling of helplessness too common to fathom. The pressure to keep up with it all and at a certain pace is almost impossible. I too have wanted to take an axe to my computer, phone, etc. and I believe we all have.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the points you made about how frustrating technology can be and how it is turning society into robots. Everything is turning into technology today, to the point where you can go out to run errands and not have to interact with a single human. You can even order groceries online! Having technology so powerful right at everyone's fingertips is, I believe, damaging, since it is lowering physical human contact. Technology can also be emotionally damaging, people will get made fun of for not having the latest iPhone or laptop, and online bullying is extremely easy due to anonymous posting and having any social media right in the palm of your hand. However, I enjoy technology overall. Even when I am fuming that my printer won't work five minutes before class, or my wifi shuts down for the night, I am still grateful for not having to write long papers by hand. It is also a wonderful thing to have so much information within a click of a button, rather than searching for hours in a library for a couple sources. Although there are downsides and frustrations linked with technology, I think people need to look at the benefits it has also given us.
Danielle Piescor
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMe and technology kind of go hand and hand (no pun intended). I feel as if the technology is an important part of my life because it makes things easier for me like I can type a paper while I’m doing literally anything else and not have to worry about waiting to get to a computer. Everything is right there at my fingertips literally. However, there are moments where it does feel a bit robotic-like when I use social media. I’m annoyed right now with the media and the various personalities because of the constant need for so many people to gain clout. Everyone wants to go viral and gain some form of a notary. During this time where there’s pressure to “secure the bag” so many see it in the online passage. The unfortunate part is that various social media outlets are commonly deserted because they start looking like everything else. People become robots online because outlets become the same thing over and over again and as consumers don’t realize the issues they’re focusing on. I wish social media apps had some way of getting its audience allows tech to make them robots. Y’know what? The phone probably doesn’t even care because they’re intent is to be addictive and make you look like you can’t live without them.
ReplyDeleteThe way I use technology is minimal and I’ve always been that way. I’ve never liked the idea of fully immersing myself in the world of technology because to me, it takes away some of my humanity. My humanity in the ability to communicate with other humans and not through screens. I used to love texting because I didn’t have to speak or get scared and not be able to say what I wanted to say, texting was my savior. But now I crave to hear a voice, because there’s always modification through text and through speech I get more of the truth. Technology has enabled us to evolve but to what extent? We can speak to people thousands of miles away in seconds and get instant news which is great, but the problem is when we abuse this power and become people who can’t even speak to each other. I have been those people, constantly hoping and wishing people wouldn’t speak to me in public but I’ve decided I don’t want to be controlled by my phone or my earphones. There have been many instances where I simply helped people with directions and they were grateful for even a few seconds of helpful interaction. I use technology but it also scares me. How far will we go?
ReplyDelete#67 Digital Gods: How Devices Turns Us into Robots
ReplyDeleteThis blog at first had me a little confused, but the conclusion of the blog tied it all up for me. I think this post has charisma and sass to it that creates a sense of "smart ass," but in reality, the whole post was true. We, as a people, rely on technologies for every single part of our life. Many schools start with technology at a very young age. Third graders nowadays have homework assignments digitally. I do see the pros of having the devices we have today, and I believe they are great for some things but not as great for others. It makes us disconnected from reality to the point where we tend to form our type of virtual reality. It is a snowball of effect, and the scariest part is that we have not even seen the worst of technologies that affect us. It is sad because almost everyone is addicted to technology one way or another, and it does control us. Thinking about our future and our relationship with technology honestly scares me and creates anxiety for my own future.
I understand what you’re saying. It’s true, we live in an it's either right or wrong society. There is no in between, even if a person tried. Technology takes that way of thinking to a higher level because as human beings we are depending on computers to do the work for us. Cell phones play an important role in communication. They allow people to speak with friends, family and coworkers from any amount of distances away. They are easy to carry around and light weight. When the battery gets low, you are to charge them. You can take pictures and videos with them, which can come in handy for you. In addition, you can text if you are not able to make a phone call.
ReplyDeleteFor emergency purposes, a cell phone can save a life. It can act as an all purpose kit. Smartphones have lights on them that can help you see in the dark and prevent you from falling. You can make an emergency call to the police if you end up in a car accident. A cell phone can put food on your table. What if you forgot to buy groceries and need last minute food? With a cell phone, you can order pizza.
In a classroom on the other hand, a cell phone can be the enemy. Some college professors ban them from classrooms because they feel it limits the interactions between students. Which can be true. It may also serve as a distraction to a student.
Technology has many advantages for our time. We need it to help monitor traffic flow, keep our documents safe, make our coffee throughout the day, take pictures of space and illuminate our rooms. The same way it is good, is the same way it has disadvantages. We don't know how to read books unless on a screen, fuse boxes explode, passwords are hacked and it’s even parking our cars.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with society is they (we) don’t know what it means to have a balance. Meaning there’s no middle ground, it’s either all or nothing. Our earth was beautiful before technology and it continues to be if mankind takes time to stop and literally smell the roses.
My K students were accustomed to playing with their parents phones and other devices. I remember parents asking me about using it at home, whether it should be stopped. It is essential for children to learn their way around the computer especially since it’s a requirement of the NJ standards. I recommend a lot of time and other non-techy activities, like painting outside, playing in dirt, planting, reading in the shade, and listening to the rain.
My new boss, who never taught in his life wanted to change my routine and add a Smartboard. He wanted to be like every other school. I wasn’t like other teachers and I damn sure wasn’t teaching like them either. Those you had the board scored lower than my incoming first graders. We cannot always rely on what we know works because we ourselves work too.
Meagan AWP 5000
I do believe that these devices are turning us into robots. Every year not even every year the devices advances because technology advances. Like doctor rich has mentioned in this blog either yes or no. straight answers and no opinions. That us how we are assessed and looked at by but these straight answers and not human emotion or opinion in the answers, which I fine very unfair. the devices and programs are the one marking them right or wrong with out any human knowledge or emotion. Devices are a blessing and a curse for sure. I understand cell phones are important to communication but entering and creating other apps that are unnecessary, then we have standardized testing, answering forward questions without explanation or showing any work to get the answer. Its either A, B, C or D but you either get it right or wrong, no partial credit. That’s is how students are labeled according to these answers.
ReplyDeleteJessica M.
AWP4000
This message feels especially relevant in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. I find myself growing weary of staring at a computer screen. I squint behind my blue-light glasses and silently pray that I won't lose my eyesight in my old age. My entertainment, which is often integrally tied within the software of my computer is unable to separate itself from my daily schoolwork. My shoulders hunch in a perpetual downward slump, always prepared from a long night's session at a keyboard. There are many times where I wish I could just scribble out my ideas with paper and pen and that would be sufficient. However, especially in these uncertain and ever-changing times, I am grateful for the possibilities the internet has granted us. I am happy that I am still able to go to school, and that classes are able to maintain at least an iota of their normal structure. I am grateful for Zoom session that allow for me to see my fellow students when we are conversing so that I do not always feel like I am chatting with a text box void. With the help of the internet, I can watch live streams of plays with my best friend (a newfound weekly tradition) and watch television shows I have been meaning to catch up on, but am somehow always too busy to dedicate time to. Where I sometimes need to remind myself to put down my laptop and rest my eyes, perhaps read a book or walk my dog, I am appreciative of its existence, as I am unsure of what life would look like, especially now, without technology.
ReplyDeleteThis time and age, especially even more than ever, has taught me that the digital era is a gift. We often take for granted the fact that we are lucky enough to have such amazing technology that can do so many fantastic things. However, taking advantage of this is something that I have promised myself I would never do. More and more every day I find myself playing the newest game or spending hours on the phone with friends. While I am working on it, I understand that its not an easy transition to make and will continue working at it.
ReplyDeleteDavid Rivera Jr.