Technology Takes Control

(Photo Credit: Emilja Spirkoska 2011)

Dr Genevieve Bell states in a 2008 forum, “Technology is evolving faster than society”, which at first comes across as a dramatic overstatement, but grows more realistic with every technological step society accepts. It’s no longer a question of ‘do we have the technology’, but are we ‘ready’ for it? And is it ‘morally sound’.  When we were asked in class if we would have a house with the technology to do everything for you, there was silence. Then, only when prompted, did we answer with the idea that it would be ‘weird’ to have too much technology. Followed by a flashback of the creepy, yet socially accepted, ‘Romomaida’ and movies such as ‘I, Robot’. But is this what people were thinking before with high-tech  cars, dishwasher and mobile phones? Were they considered ‘creepy’ technology?

In the week 8 lecture we were shown a clip of Paro the robotic baby seal who is used as a therapeutic pet. Paro is slightly disturbing. The basis behind Paro is sound and there are no real reasons, as of yet, to discourage the use of Paro. However, for me it is a disturbing step towards personal robots and the reoccurring ‘I, Robot’ nightmare. Whilst for others it is a huge step in self-preservation.  

References:

Bell, G. 2008. "Digital Economy Fourm: presentation by Dr Genevieve Bell (intel)" Youtube video, posted April 28 2009. Accessed April 29 2012. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE6QWUKIP5M

Robomaid Australia. "Robomain RM-770 Demonstration Video" Youtube video, posted December 5 2010. Accessed April 30 2012. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQk-kpVFOhI

IMDB, 2004. "I, Robot" Accessed 30 April 2012.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343818/

Passages Hospice, 2011. "PARO Therapeutic Robot" Posted November 1 2011. Accessed April 30 2012. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZUn9qtG8ow

Related Blogs:

Tim's blog delves into the idea of cruel intentions via social media and the result of robotics to date.


Jae's blog discusses the new trend of employers asking for your personal facebook password and the consequences that follow. 

Minds For Sale

The idea of 'minds for sale' as Jonathan Zittrain explains in his 2009 lecture - available here - is bitter sweet. . With the example of companies displaying issues they need fixed with a dollar reward for whoever fixes the problem first it seems a brilliant idea with little setbacks. It appears to be a fantastic, easy work at home job, but as Emma explains, this can leave you feeling as though you’re always at work. This sort of new media work also means no financial stability; it's all a matter of who can fix it first. In most cases large amounts of experimentation is necessary which means products, time and knowledge all of which mean negative money. Not to mention you won’t always get in first, or fix the issue at all, everyone has bad days, but by working for yourself in a way, you can’t have bad days, it all adds up to money loss.

Photo Credit: mysteryshoppersmanual.com

With apps such as field agent you can have the middle ground working the hours you want with extra cash, all without leaving a stable 9-5, Monday-Friday job. There is always the other side of the story as Sally explains in her blog, there is a need for stay at home jobs.

References:

Zittrain, Jonathan. 2009. “Minds for Sale.” YouTube video, posted November 29. Accessed April 21, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw3h-rae3uo&feature=youtu.be

Is online health.. healthy?

The internet is a (practically) free source of information; unfortunately found amongst mountains of opinionated, biased rubbish. Published articles based on in-depth research all have limitations. The research for a start needs to be theoretically sound with an end idea in sight.  It then needs to be financially supported by multiple backers (all with a preferenced end result). Research is incredibly flawed to begin with - human error surrounds everything. 

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com

Technology twists the idea further with biased views and ideas posted onto blogs and retweeted globally. The kickback of health opinions posted globally is that it creates interest and a feeling of satisfaction or want of a healthy lifestyle.  Technology can help lower eating disorders with sites such as www.mybodygallery.com which shows people of your height and weight and just how beautiful they are. But technology can also heighten eating disorders with a multitude of images photoshopped to an impossible physique. So is the internet and technology a positive or negative in terms of health? I believe technology is simply a reflection of the masses and what you seek is what you get. With technology there is not one side, or even two sides to any story, but thousands of ideas and opinions at your fingertips.   


Comments:
J.D's Blog - The internet: Your new GP?


Tim Jubb's Blog -  New Media Health & Well-Being