Tech-NO-logy
14:17
With the latest advancements in technology taking place within the past two decades, it is understandable as for all the confusion. Parents often warn their children of the dangers of the internet, while they post pictures of the family on Facebook for all the world to see. It is evident that with the current generation of internet savy teenagers, it is the older generation that requires help in online privacy.
Despite the decreasing levels of privacy as result of the internet, developments in communication are phenomenal. Prior to the invention of the internet in 1990, communication with those across the globe was limited. Hand-written, or typed letters would be sent through the postal service, taking weeks before they arrived. Phone calls were also a possibility, however, long-distance calling was expensive and tedious. However, with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, FaceTime, iMessage, and dare I say e-mailing, the world has never been more connected. Family and friends that live across the world are accessible to us through a simple touch of the screen. I have friends that live in Europe, only possible due to social media and the internet. The accessibility to people around the globe and within our community is effortless!
There is debate that due to these advancements in technology, society has become disconnected with one another. Rather than speaking to one another, we stare blankly at our phones and computer screens, as though the use of social media is not a form of communication. Simply because the definition of communication has altered to fit the increasingly web-based world, does not equate to losing human connectivity. Technology is not at fault. It is due to the human condition that there are those addicted to technology. Advancements in the way we communicate does not necessarily mean that they are for the worse. It appears that what these true 90s kids assume is wrong with the current generation and their technologically-reliant world, is change. Simply because they did not grow up with the privilege of such advanced technology, they assume it is a curse on the current generation. The technological-shaming community is so quick to judge how these advancements have improved the world as a whole. As result of these technological-expansions, the medical community has managed to complete incredible research and ground-breaking discoveries for various diseases and illnesses. The field of medical support and the ease of living has drastically expanded as result of developing technology. A new-branch of artistic expression was also formed. Graphic designers, digital artists, Instagram photographers, were all provided with this opportunity of artistic expression, due to developments in technology. There is little to fault with the advancing world of technology.
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| From the Movie: Her (2013) Depicts Theodore downloading Samantha |
Her, a movie released in 2013 that centralized around the romantic relationship between a letter-writer and a sentient OS system, was brought to my attention shortly after reading this post. It caused me to think deeply on the possible advancements of OS systems and technology as a whole, in the future. The possibility of humans falling in love, or befriending computers (or robots) has always intrigued me. In the movie, Her, Theodore falls in love with his sentient OS system, Samantha. It was revealed that in this futuristic world, OS systems are capable of learning and growing psychologically. This scarily accurate similarity to Siri caused me to question the future of AIs, such as Siri. Considering that Siri has already shown placid sarcasm and humour, what could be the next step for technology?
Technology has drastically influenced society. No matter one's perspective on the matter, technology is inescapable in this generation. Communication has achieved new levels of simplicity and ease of access, in this technologically-reliant society. We must embrace the advancing technological world, whilst maintaining what it is that makes us humans.
"Technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories"
-Laurie Anderson
1 comments
I agree with the fact that past generations don't understand how much more beneficial that recent generations are learning and adapting to technology fast, as it can lead to various scientific discoveries as they learn from a younger age. They may be technology reliant, but that also makes them more specialized in that particular area of worth.
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