Technopoly

The main issue in Postman's Technopoly that really resonated with me is the access to power and control of information that shapes our culture. Postman argues technology is starting to reshape culture completely by influencing our worldviews. This is nothing new as we saw this happen with the invention of the printing press which introduced literacy to the masses on a larger scale and of television which as shaped cultural norms entirely. Today technology such as the internet have become such a part of our lives that we have become dependent of it. The common belief is that technology is an advancement for progress however, this "wisdom" as Thaedrus suggests, is a false one. We too often accept the ubiquitous information given to us as true. Postman asks us to question technology and become aware of the influence it has on our ideologies and culture. Moreover, developing technologies cause a divide in those who become competent or gain expertise in the are and those who do not. Postman describes our country as a technolopy, or a totalitarian technocracy. In a technolopy, the belief that science and expertise overcomes human judgment is prevalent. Therefore anything we read as having scientific or expert credibility we accept as innately true. The types of technology we use and our competencies suggest something about class, status and access. Those with more access and power control and manage information available to the public for their own specific interests. Medium IS the message, it is the way institutions, politicians, organizations, advertisers ask you to take an action by shaping your perceptions.
P.S as far as the discussion of algorithms I tried to keep track of what I saw on my internet usage. I noticed a lot of what was advertised to me was on the basis of my demographics. As a young female college student Facebook thought I would maybe like to donate my eggs, along with buying a bunch of clothes and cosmetics. I also noticed a lot of advertising for my favorite shows and movies.

Computers 85-149

Although not credited with inventing the first desktop, Edward Roberts paved the way for the development of micro computers in the U.S. What I found most striking was that Roberts was unaware of what the market would be like for such an invention. He saw the market limited to electronic hobbyists and as a risky gamble. In the years to come, the high competition among companies, along with their successes and failures, it became evident a revolution was taking place. It paved the way for personal computers, video game consoles, and eventually the internet and World Wide Web. Swedin and Ferro state, “What was once a high technology is now mundane” (135) this has affected society and culture and numerous ways-both positive and negative. Today it is expected that one has computer knowledge and competency, regardless of the uneven access to computers. Computers have also become a tool of war, a security and privacy issue and a disconnection from society. To think the first Altair would have such an effect on technology and culture back in the 1970’s would have been inconceivable. I was not aware of the origins of computers and the extensive competition and ingenuity of the first entrepreneurs. I think society, including myself, tends to take things for granted and perceive things as natural without questioning the origins. Thanks to the hard work and innovative thinking of the founders we have the ability to have the world at our fingertips today.

First Blog!

When I started keeping track and being conscious of how much I actually use web 2.0, I realized the sites I spend the most time on (especially on my cell phone) are Facebook, my banking site, school related sites and e-mail sites. Furthermore, after analyzing my time spent on the Internet I came to the realization that I have a love/hate relationship with web 2.0.  For the first time I made it a point to monitor my Internet usage and became aware of the fact that I compulsively check my Facebook every morning...and it felt pretty pathetic. This is where the hate comes in.  I think I use Facebook mostly because of boredom, but also sadly as another major mode of communication with family and friends. I feel people have turned to Facebook and other social networking sites as their only means of communication with one another. I feel this isolates us and prohibits face to face communication which I believe is the most effective form. I hate that my personal information is available for the public to see and vice versa. The fact that people know where you are, what your are doing and who you are with I find invasive and to be frank creepy. Moreover, being accessible to my work and school at all times adds stress and represses the feeling of being completely disconnected and enjoying that feeling of being completely alone. However, I cannot deny the fact that web 2.0 is a major part of my life and daily routine. I love the convenience of checking my bank statements, responding to e-mails or having Google at the tip of my finger all while walking to class. I appreciate social networking sites like Facebook for allowing me to communicate with my family in Colombia. It has allowed me to develop and maintain relationships within my family and friends who are long distance.
As far as creating a blog this is a relatively new experience-if you don't count updating a Facebook status. Blogging has never been a hobby or interest of mine nor do I consistently follow blogs. I do not hate the idea of blogs I just feel I haven't found one that has really sparked my interest. However, I am optimistic and enthusiastic to be a part of a blog. I think it will give students a chance to express themselves more freely and interact with one another on relevant topics. I hope to learn about new blogs and who knows I might even keep this blog after the course is over :).