Technology is an inherently vital part of society, with an absence of technology a society would cease to function entirely as it would not be able to make and create, communicate ideas particularly on a global scale, or go about our daily 9-5 lives as we know it. This week’s lecture was presented by Dan and was entitled “Hell in a handbasket” a title that at first confused me until I bothered to look up it’s meaning following the presentation. Wikipedia suggested that the allegorical term refereed to an imminent but confined disaster, a pessimistic perspective I initially thought for a topic that I would think to excite us as the “future generation of media makers” we are so often told to be… Dan reassured us later on, particularly when we got to the “Dust” theory that all hope should not be lost as we should take on a positive perspective reassured that we can use technology for good and not evil !
Media materialism is a way of grounding our understanding of media technology. To do so we need to look at the history of how technology has developed. Further, we need to critique and analyse how technology has both moved forward or hindered the human race. Both perspectives which were discussed this week.
So what is technology?
Murphy and Potts suggested that “Technology is the constellation of knowledge, processes, skills and products which aims to transform” this abandons the idea of technology being a new idea or product. It’s not just a tool, rather an idea it involves ethical concerns but also framed by politics and the economy. I took to this definition as I felt it highlighted the complex and multifaceted way in which technology is inherently evident within our lives today. We simply do not “email” we subscribe to a system of the internet which is for the most part intangible, then we use a keyboard which is a physical product of design to communicate in a verbal language what we want to say to another, or indeed a mass amount of people. When we undertake such an analysis of a task most of us would perform daily we begin to appreciate how much human thought and experimentation has gone before us to guide us to such a development in communications. Communications, that are not only an overarching theme of our course but the very way in which humans can have relationships.
Extending from the root word ‘tech’ what then, do we consider “Techniques” ? Techniques encompass processes that are uniquely human, such as brain fiction, for examples performing algebra. Techniques are both effective (works) and traditional (can be taught and passed on). This notion can be extended and seen in physical technologies also. For example, a computer is programmed to function by a set of patterns embedded in its coding systems.
As mentioned earlier, technology forms a society. With this in mind, we need to understand what a “culture” is exactly …
1. Firstly, the term may refer to identifying subgroups … “pop-culture” “haute couture” “youth culture”
2. Secondly, Humankind as a sum demonstrates a “human” culture.
3. Thirdly, in reference to the arts such as Art theatre, cinema, or simply creative expression.
In summary, culture is multiple as it contains different subgroups. It can be messy and unpredictable.It is everything we do not have to do (we need to eat, but we don’t need cuisines). Vulnerable to market culture and tastes, influenced by economical climate. Culture is something we do, but something we are. I never thought of culture like this, as I immediate think of pepper and groups and their customs within culture often ignoring their artistic traditions and interactions on technology.
Of course, no media lecture would be complete without some theoretical perspectives …
Technological determinism
The view that technology defines it’s own path that is preconceived. This idea is encoded by language when we talk about things such as “the Information Age”or ” the steam age” and often represented within culture. Dan alluded to the transition of the “Walkman > IPod”. With these specific devices we were able to craft our own soundtrack by blocking out aural cues. Media can also be an extension of man’s ability. I related to Dgiza Vertov’s perspective of seeing (haha, no pun intended) the camera as an extension of the eye and it’s function being able to capture what we see.
Social constructivism
A competing view to technological determinism suggests that Technology is insentient therefore we as humans have control over the invention. Reassures us when we think of potentially dangerous technologies (ie nuclear weapons) . Also associated with policies dictating technological development can be seen as a hindrance to development. It is a multidirectional model, arguing that successful developments are the not the only ones that count. In other words mistakes in history can help development.
Frankenstein gathered different parts of cadavers to make a “monster” who is judged by society. A blind man (who can’t judge him) allowing the monster to find his unique place in the world.
Nano science and research with stem cells (remains debated). These bring about the idea of technology being able to develop itself (and the possibilities of doing so). Intelligent machines intended to serve humans turn against them.
Narratives of late have been obsessed with resources,natural weapons. A group conflict will arise by what the group has access to. It is a naturally encoded obsession (mad max, the last of us). The material history of some technologies can be traced. (An iphone deconstructed is made from real materials, most likely put together by people not paid a lot) all Technologies have a commercial aspect (sold for $1000). Holocene is a warning of the planet, following the ice age, but also a rise of the impact it has on us. New research suggests we may be at a new era, granted previous cyclical elements, a sort of “reset”. These natural processes have been impacted, stunted. Therefore some believe “the age of humans” or anthropocene meaning natural materials are impacted. McKenzie Wark writes about the rise and fall of diff empires, he suggests this mundane view should open up different views of the world asking us to organise the surplus of time and info still available to begin the task in good cheer of working and experimenting. Relating this back to us, we should experiment with form, with technology. Think about what has been done, and what can be done.
Blog Prompts and Responses
Technological determinism is a valid way of looking at the world…
I am more in line to believe that the truth about technology draws upon both of these views. Technology will evolve “naturally” with each development leaving room for change and improvement in the future, however this is unlikely to occur without the assistance of human input and innovation.
Humanity is in charge of it’s own future…
I agree with this statement to an extent, we are self aware and capable of leading the future but must not ignore naturally occurring processes that can also impact our actions and vise-versa.
Innovation and progress is hindered by scientific regulation…
Perhaps, but maybe this controls (in a positive and responsible manner) what humans are allowed to do with technology. By operating within these boundaries, we do not ignore ethical concerns and minimise individuals or groups becoming too powerful or dominant in this field. Rules should ensure safe practice but should not completely block progress, rather help it along.
Machines are becoming too intuitive / intelligent…
I would agree that machines are becoming intelligent (the ‘smart’ phone etc) but not without human input. Also these ‘smart’ machines are not without flaws, they need the guidance and direction of human instruction to function. I don’t think they are to be feared if we can control how much we rely and depend on them to function.
Dust has negligible matter but also great power…
The idea of dust to me, communicates that technology can have a tangibles and quantifiable input on society. From it’s development and adaptations we can see how it may inform future improvements. For the most part, I see technology as tool for good and to improve society.