Oct 17 2012: This really is an eye-opening talk that raises an important question that most of us probably haven't ever asked ourselves -- Where do my electronic devices come from? As we increasingly concern ourselves with things like where our food comes from and whether or not our coffee beans are grown and harvested in a sustainable fashion, it only makes sense to similarly scrutinize our cell phones, computers and TVs.
To think more about the effects of technology on our lives and our world, please take a look at my new blog, non tech, at www.nontechblog.com.
Oct 17 2012: This is a great talk and a great personal story that highlights an issue that affects everyone who uses electronic devices. Should tech companies really have the right to collect, store and sell such detailed and personal information about their users and customers? And if companies do have the right to do these things, then what's left that remains private? Can we really be sure that the power that comes with having such information will never be abused, as Mr. Spitz suggests it could be in countries like China and Iran?
To think more about the effects of technology on our lives and our world, please take a look at my new blog, non tech, at www.nontechblog.com.
Oct 15 2012: My point is simply that in today's world, people are increasingly surrounded by technology in all that they do. So, in much the same way that many people make a conscious effort to stick to a healthy diet, I think it would be prudent for us all to think critically about the technological choices that are available to us.
I am heartened to read that you don't know anyone who sleeps with a phone or leaves the TV on during dinner. Those aren't habits of mine, either, but the fact of the matter is that this is a world in which most people never leave their cell phones out of arm's reach and the average American watches five hours of TV per day. Spending a bit more time reflecting on the role that technology plays in each of our lives couldn't hurt.
You seem to be a person who follows what I might call a healthy technological diet, not being overly dependent on your phone or car, or overly mesmerized by your TV. But do you really think that you are in the majority?
Oct 15 2012: I think toward the end of your comment you hit the nail on the head. Each of us should think critically about what a healthy technological diet would be for ourselves. Of course no two people are the same, so everyone will end up reaching their own conclusions about what's best for them. My point is just that I think everyone should be asking themselves the same kinds of questions. How is my cell phone affecting my relationships? Should I spend as much time as I do watching TV? Should I own a TV at all? Would it be better if I drove my car less and walked more?
In mentioning the coffee, fast food and beef, I am simply trying to point out that a lot of people put a lot of thought into the food they eat and how their food choices affect their health and the health of the world. We don't, on the other hand, seem to be similarly scrutinizing our choices and habits with regard to technology, even though the effects of an unhealthy technological diet might end up being just as serious as the effects of an unhealthy eating regimen.
Oct 14 2012: I agree that it wouldn't hurt to try to improve our education system.
Progress? I would say that progress is anything that makes people's lives better, either on an individual level or on a societal/community/global level. I think it's clear that some technologies (toilets, medical advances, etc...) represent genuine progress, whereas the effects of other technologies (televisions, iPads, etc...) are much more obscure. As Thoreau said, "... so with a hundred 'modern improvements'; there is an illusion about them; there is not always a positive advance."
Oct 14 2012: I would need to think things over for quite a while to decide how I feel about all of the specific ideas presented here, but I agree wholeheartedly with everyone's general feeling that it is important to think critically about the technology that surrounds us. Are all of these devices and "advances" good for us? Do they really make our lives better? Are they good for the world, or do they create just as many problems as they attempt to solve? These are questions that I think everyone should be asking themselves.
In the same way that we scrutinize the food that we eat, so, too should we think seriously about the technology we use.
Oct 14 2012: I agree completely with Mrs. Turkle’s idea that all of our tweets, posts, texts, etc…, do not combine to equal genuine conversation. It also seems clear that technology is making it more and more difficult, if not impossible, to simply be alone with our thoughts. That just can’t be good for us and it can’t be good for our relationships.
To think more about the effects of technology on our lives and our world, please take a look at my new blog, non tech, at www.nontechblog.com.
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A comment on Talk: Bandi Mbubi: Demand a fair trade cell phone
To think more about the effects of technology on our lives and our world, please take a look at my new blog, non tech, at www.nontechblog.com.
A comment on Talk: Malte Spitz: Your phone company is watching
To think more about the effects of technology on our lives and our world, please take a look at my new blog, non tech, at www.nontechblog.com.
A reply on Conversation: We need to think seriously about what comprises a healthy technological diet.
I am heartened to read that you don't know anyone who sleeps with a phone or leaves the TV on during dinner. Those aren't habits of mine, either, but the fact of the matter is that this is a world in which most people never leave their cell phones out of arm's reach and the average American watches five hours of TV per day. Spending a bit more time reflecting on the role that technology plays in each of our lives couldn't hurt.
You seem to be a person who follows what I might call a healthy technological diet, not being overly dependent on your phone or car, or overly mesmerized by your TV. But do you really think that you are in the majority?
A reply on Conversation: We need to think seriously about what comprises a healthy technological diet.
In mentioning the coffee, fast food and beef, I am simply trying to point out that a lot of people put a lot of thought into the food they eat and how their food choices affect their health and the health of the world. We don't, on the other hand, seem to be similarly scrutinizing our choices and habits with regard to technology, even though the effects of an unhealthy technological diet might end up being just as serious as the effects of an unhealthy eating regimen.
A reply on Conversation: Debate: Our culture isn't adapting to our rapidly progressing technology.
Progress? I would say that progress is anything that makes people's lives better, either on an individual level or on a societal/community/global level. I think it's clear that some technologies (toilets, medical advances, etc...) represent genuine progress, whereas the effects of other technologies (televisions, iPads, etc...) are much more obscure. As Thoreau said, "... so with a hundred 'modern improvements'; there is an illusion about them; there is not always a positive advance."
A comment on Conversation: Debate: Our culture isn't adapting to our rapidly progressing technology.
In the same way that we scrutinize the food that we eat, so, too should we think seriously about the technology we use.
A comment on Talk: Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone?
To think more about the effects of technology on our lives and our world, please take a look at my new blog, non tech, at www.nontechblog.com.