In Feed by M. T. Anderson, the world has developed into an exaggerated replica of our world today. The book portrays life with the feed (an advanced computer implanted in your head). I actually came to realized that no matter how demented and over the top it sounds to have something that controls you in certain ways implanted and with you at all times that, that is something we are approaching.
Feeds in the book are like our digital world today. The feed includes texting (chat), information (internet), as well as advertisements (everywhere). The feeds allow people to become lazy and incompetent. If a person had to go a week without any digital exposure, they would most likely feel lost and not know what to do with themselves. M.T Anderson expresses this when Violet’s feed becomes hacked. “She just lay there. She still had the discs all over her. Someone had laid her arms outside of the sheets.” This just shows how in Feed, the characters were unable to function without their feeds.
I feel as though we are currently addicted in certain ways although we know that there are negative affects. We all know that computers act as a barrier and block our true feelings/emotions from being easily determined. We know that we may be talking to a person we dislike so we use aim or texting a s an excuse to write I hate you; but as long as you add “lol” to the end, it makes everything okay. We do it to others so we know that others are doing t to us but we ignore the fact. Without computers or phones, we would have control our facial expressions while talking and I don’t believe we have that control. We may also use a form of chat (texting or aim) to tell secrets. One thing we may not realize or attempt to ignore is that everything over the internet is saved and completely public if you know how to access it. In Feed, the feeds were able to provide them with answers and information; even when one came to a loss of words, they were able to acquire ideas from the feed. This has to mean that the feed was paying attention to their outside conversations in order to assist
I guess what I’m trying to say is that the world is ignorant; and although Feed may seem exaggerated, we have to judge ourselves before judging the book because judging the book is judging ourselves.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hw # 11- Self Experiment
For my self experiment I went through the day with as little interaction with the digital world as possible. In all I believe I had about a half an hour of digital interaction. 15 minutes of watching the news in the morning and about 15 minutes relaxing in the the living room with my mom before I went to bed.
I actually felt this experiment was challenging but also informed me a lot about my daily living habits. At certain points of the day after I finished my homework, I found myself to be lost and not really knowing what to do so I always went to read a book but I eventually got bored. I soon figured that there were other non-digital things I could do so I went outside with my friend (from my building so that I didn’t have to use the phone) and we walked around and talked about life and school and everything. Now this wasn’t really new because we did go outside together a lot but one thing that was a little different was that when our conversation slowed down we would normally take out our phones, start texting other people and then talk about things they’d say. That was something I couldn’t do so we actually had to find more stuff to talk about and were more observant of what was around us.
One thing that I really noticed that it’s hard to separate yourself from the digital world when no one else does. Its like you are alone in this world that rarely includes the people you know. I don’t really know how to explain it but its like a group of people have to be together in the “real” world for the “real” world to be affective.
I actually felt this experiment was challenging but also informed me a lot about my daily living habits. At certain points of the day after I finished my homework, I found myself to be lost and not really knowing what to do so I always went to read a book but I eventually got bored. I soon figured that there were other non-digital things I could do so I went outside with my friend (from my building so that I didn’t have to use the phone) and we walked around and talked about life and school and everything. Now this wasn’t really new because we did go outside together a lot but one thing that was a little different was that when our conversation slowed down we would normally take out our phones, start texting other people and then talk about things they’d say. That was something I couldn’t do so we actually had to find more stuff to talk about and were more observant of what was around us.
One thing that I really noticed that it’s hard to separate yourself from the digital world when no one else does. Its like you are alone in this world that rarely includes the people you know. I don’t really know how to explain it but its like a group of people have to be together in the “real” world for the “real” world to be affective.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Informal Research Hw # 10
If you ask people whether or not kids are spending too much time on videogames, the typical answer is controversial. The list of websites below may prove points that argue both sides.
http://www.gameinnovator.com/health.php
On this website, they gave examples of both good and bad health effects that videogames cause. I found this interesting because it stated that there were not as many bad effects reported as good. "People (especially youngsters) who are undergoing painful treatment for ailments like cancer can use video games to distract themselves from the pain for extended periods." I find this to be interesting because it uses what people believe as "bad" and makes it a positive.
In class we discussed how the digital world may be separated from the "real world" and this actually proves this to be true. People are able to use videogames to escape from their problems for periods of time. This can be a stress relief but just as anything else, too much is a problem.
This website also proves that it’s not really what you do, it’s the way you do it. For example: playing a Family Guy game isn’t the best choice but playing a game that stimulates hand eye coordination or problem solving can benefit a person: “Studies have also shown that playing video games can improve mental faculties, such as hand-eye coordination. More intelligent games such as strategy and puzzle games can also improve problem solving, and provide intellectual stimulation as well.”
http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.file/mobj/mobj.579.parents_vid-effects.pdf
“Both Singapore and the US army modified available video games to hone the strategic and decision-making skills of officers.” This is just a quote I found in this website that I found extremely interesting. So many people look down on videogames mean while its being used in the system that is used to fight for our country. This could be another controversial fact. This is being used to train people who are basically “killers” and is also being introduced to children. I’m sure that the videogames are not as intense but some of the videogames out now are extremely gory.
(As I finished skimming this website, I realized that they actually spelled practicing incorrectly meanwhile this seems to be some what of a government website so I’m unsure of how reliable this may be.)
http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_effect.shtml
Cool facts I found on this website:
http://www.gameinnovator.com/health.php
On this website, they gave examples of both good and bad health effects that videogames cause. I found this interesting because it stated that there were not as many bad effects reported as good. "People (especially youngsters) who are undergoing painful treatment for ailments like cancer can use video games to distract themselves from the pain for extended periods." I find this to be interesting because it uses what people believe as "bad" and makes it a positive.
In class we discussed how the digital world may be separated from the "real world" and this actually proves this to be true. People are able to use videogames to escape from their problems for periods of time. This can be a stress relief but just as anything else, too much is a problem.
This website also proves that it’s not really what you do, it’s the way you do it. For example: playing a Family Guy game isn’t the best choice but playing a game that stimulates hand eye coordination or problem solving can benefit a person: “Studies have also shown that playing video games can improve mental faculties, such as hand-eye coordination. More intelligent games such as strategy and puzzle games can also improve problem solving, and provide intellectual stimulation as well.”
http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.file/mobj/mobj.579.parents_vid-effects.pdf
“Both Singapore and the US army modified available video games to hone the strategic and decision-making skills of officers.” This is just a quote I found in this website that I found extremely interesting. So many people look down on videogames mean while its being used in the system that is used to fight for our country. This could be another controversial fact. This is being used to train people who are basically “killers” and is also being introduced to children. I’m sure that the videogames are not as intense but some of the videogames out now are extremely gory.
(As I finished skimming this website, I realized that they actually spelled practicing incorrectly meanwhile this seems to be some what of a government website so I’m unsure of how reliable this may be.)
http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_effect.shtml
Cool facts I found on this website:
- 83% of kids, eight to eighteen, have at least one video game player in their home, 31% have 3 or more video game players, and 49% have video game systems in their bedrooms (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005).
- Video Games account for one-third of the average monthly core entertainment spending in the U.S. (NDP Group Inc., 2009).
- Adolescents who play more than one hour of console or Internet video games have more or more intense symptoms of ADHD or inattention than those who do not (Chan, 2006).
- Video game usage may be linked to a lower GPA and SAT score (Vivek, 2007).
- Games can confuse reality and fantasy.
- Many games do not offer action that requires independent thought or creativity.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Comment on Sam R's Blog
Sam,
I just want to let you know that your video was awesome. The music was the best and you are my new favorite person for watching Spongebob. I also thought that you brought up a lot of interesting topics.You stated that you didn't want your children using digital representation devices but you knew that they would anyway. You also stated that we would explain to them our regrets but they wouldn’t care. This made me laugh because it reminded me of my mom when she tells me "oh i was a kid too" Whenever she tells me that, I have the same reaction you said your kids would have. I'm pretty sure that the next generation will out grow the technology stage. Technology is constantly growing and has definitely not reached its limits. if anything, I believe that the next generation will be more in depth with technology and be controlled by it more. Later on, you also stated that you seemed to be bored while looking for something else to do. This made me wonder if our digital life has become more of a requirement than a recreational activity. It seems as if using digital representation devices a been programmed into our lives. Its like we crave to do other things and are getting bored with the same digital activities but we are enslaved by that part of our life.Your first paragraph say that you don’t like how you look in the video. This kind of made me think about my video. Normally, I lose myself in the digital world completely and totally but since i knew that I was being recorded, I sort of blocked that from happening. I think that sort of shows how I'm somewhat ashamed of how lost I can get in the digital world. Do you think that while being recoreded you became fully embodied, or did you compose yourself because you were being recorded?Well, I really enjoyed your video and reflection and you really had me wondering. Hope to hear from you soon. -Amanda :)
I just want to let you know that your video was awesome. The music was the best and you are my new favorite person for watching Spongebob. I also thought that you brought up a lot of interesting topics.You stated that you didn't want your children using digital representation devices but you knew that they would anyway. You also stated that we would explain to them our regrets but they wouldn’t care. This made me laugh because it reminded me of my mom when she tells me "oh i was a kid too" Whenever she tells me that, I have the same reaction you said your kids would have. I'm pretty sure that the next generation will out grow the technology stage. Technology is constantly growing and has definitely not reached its limits. if anything, I believe that the next generation will be more in depth with technology and be controlled by it more. Later on, you also stated that you seemed to be bored while looking for something else to do. This made me wonder if our digital life has become more of a requirement than a recreational activity. It seems as if using digital representation devices a been programmed into our lives. Its like we crave to do other things and are getting bored with the same digital activities but we are enslaved by that part of our life.Your first paragraph say that you don’t like how you look in the video. This kind of made me think about my video. Normally, I lose myself in the digital world completely and totally but since i knew that I was being recorded, I sort of blocked that from happening. I think that sort of shows how I'm somewhat ashamed of how lost I can get in the digital world. Do you think that while being recoreded you became fully embodied, or did you compose yourself because you were being recorded?Well, I really enjoyed your video and reflection and you really had me wondering. Hope to hear from you soon. -Amanda :)
Comment on Rachels Blog
Rachel,
I really enjoyed watching your video and reading your reflection. I thought that you brought up some really interesting points. You really made me wonder more about my future and how digital representation devices are affecting how others may see me.
When you stated that you became completely disembodied, I thought that you really captured how everyone sort of feels. Someone may be in a situation where they missed out on an opportunity because they were captured by the digital world. To me, I think that digital representation devices were set up to make it so that you cannot use them without becoming zoned out. If you think about it, it's extremely hard to accomplish something using DRD without becoming disembodied. People may see this as a bad thing but it's not only with DRD, it is the same with reading and any other activities that require focus. This also reminded me of how people become zoned out in the street with that weird blue tooth thing. I know that when I see them in the street it seems to me as if they are crazy people walking down the street and then realize that they are having an actual conversation with someone.
You also stated that you didn't want to sound like a hypocrite because you wouldn’t want your little sister or future child using DRDs for long periods of time; you would rather them outside being active. Since you think that, do you really think that there is a lack of outside activity in your own life? I say this because as a gymnast I train 4 hours everyday but still get as much time in the digital world as others do (of course I have lost some sleep but I'm used to it.) Do you think that I may still be over doing it? I guess what the real question is if your okay with the way your living now and you aren't following your own standards, then why should your child or little sister have to live differently?
Even though I just questioned you on that point, I kind of agree. I rethought that topic of my future kids and actually considered that I would like to keep my children away from the digital world. It's that I wouldn't really mind them becoming a digital person, but I want to give them the chance to choose otherwise. It's like drugs. The digital world is addicting and once you get started with it, it's ten times harder to stop.
Well both your video and reflection were really interesting and really made me think about my life. Can't wait to hear more from you.
-Amanda :)
I really enjoyed watching your video and reading your reflection. I thought that you brought up some really interesting points. You really made me wonder more about my future and how digital representation devices are affecting how others may see me.
When you stated that you became completely disembodied, I thought that you really captured how everyone sort of feels. Someone may be in a situation where they missed out on an opportunity because they were captured by the digital world. To me, I think that digital representation devices were set up to make it so that you cannot use them without becoming zoned out. If you think about it, it's extremely hard to accomplish something using DRD without becoming disembodied. People may see this as a bad thing but it's not only with DRD, it is the same with reading and any other activities that require focus. This also reminded me of how people become zoned out in the street with that weird blue tooth thing. I know that when I see them in the street it seems to me as if they are crazy people walking down the street and then realize that they are having an actual conversation with someone.
You also stated that you didn't want to sound like a hypocrite because you wouldn’t want your little sister or future child using DRDs for long periods of time; you would rather them outside being active. Since you think that, do you really think that there is a lack of outside activity in your own life? I say this because as a gymnast I train 4 hours everyday but still get as much time in the digital world as others do (of course I have lost some sleep but I'm used to it.) Do you think that I may still be over doing it? I guess what the real question is if your okay with the way your living now and you aren't following your own standards, then why should your child or little sister have to live differently?
Even though I just questioned you on that point, I kind of agree. I rethought that topic of my future kids and actually considered that I would like to keep my children away from the digital world. It's that I wouldn't really mind them becoming a digital person, but I want to give them the chance to choose otherwise. It's like drugs. The digital world is addicting and once you get started with it, it's ten times harder to stop.
Well both your video and reflection were really interesting and really made me think about my life. Can't wait to hear more from you.
-Amanda :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Homework # 6- Video Questions
- What are some thoughts and feelings you have when watching your own video? It seemed as if I need more mind stimulation. When I watched the video it seems like I'm hypnotized by the digital representation devices. I was trapped and unable to move from my seat. Trapped in thoughtless conversations with friends, video games that make your eyes water but you continue to stare at the screen, and stupid online games that benefit me in absolutely no way. It seemed as if I was wasting time. Although some may see it as a bad thing, I might have needed the mind stimulation to escape from stress. This is definately not my situation but one may be close to a death caused by stress and that time away with digital representation would allow them to relax and escape for the period of time.
- When you think about living your physical experience being largely what is shown on the video, how does that seem to you? It feels like I wasted my time when making this video. Not that I have a problem with digitalization in any way but it feels like I was stuck. Its like what Andy said about Nieztsche's "Myth of the Endless Return." Every time I view my video, it seems as if I am continuously reliving those meaningless moments.
- Would you want your little sister (or future son) to spend a lot of time doing this stuff? I wouldn't mind them using digital representation devices due to the fact that they can benefit you and they don't need to turn out as robots. Everyone needs some time away from the "real world". I wouldn't like them using it excessively and become completely brain washed by it to a point where they escape so much that they escape from reality.
- What do you think of the contrast between what's happening ON the digital representation device and what you look like interacting with the DRD? At one point while I was talking to my friend we had a pretty interesting conversation while at another point we had a pointless conversation. I noticed that when you watch the video, they look exactly the same. That kind of makes me question... Is it really possible to have an extremely deep conversation that isn't face to face?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Conversation with my mom
Me: For our hw assignment I'm suppose to ask you a question that doesn’t require a standard answer that has been influenced by others by being answered previously. I don't really know what to ask so my question is: Why is it so hard to come up with a question that does not require a standard answer?
Mom: Usually when someone poses a question it’s because they are seeking an answer or an opinion. And if you aren’t seeking information then there is no question to be asked.
Me: Does that truly answer the question because that is telling me I’m not seeking information when I am. I'm seeking why it is difficult to think for ourselves and not ask questions that we don’t know the answer to.
Mom: It may ultimately be difficult because there is probably not one question that has not been asked before. When we ask questions, we are limited to 6 words: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. With approximately 988,968 (http://www.slate.com/id/2139611/) words in the English dictionary, being limited to 6 to pose a question makes it difficult to find a new question.
Me: If there are so many words in the English dictionary, why is it so hard to combine them in different ways? Plus its not whether the question has ever been asked before, it’s... has the answer been repeated to a point where it has brain washed others from being "absolute individual" and creating their own answers.
Mom: Its 11 at night a (she gave me a look)
Me: Good Night (lol)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hw # 3 first blog post
In 1921, Carel Kupek’s play entitled RUR (Rossum's Universal Robots) premiered. This play is famous for introducing the term robots to the world. Back in 1921, the science fiction play seemed to be completely impossible. Now the 21st century has proven that what was once considered fiction is now reality. Technology has come to a point where humans are able to control other humans with a remote control as shown in the National Geographic documentary titled “Incredible Human Machine.” Scientist in Japan use a special electrified head set to take hold of our balancing centers by sending current down to the nerves in our inner ear creating human robots.
Digitalization seems to be very helpful but has reached a point where it has become so complex that it requires practice. For example it is now easier to interact with others around the world; whether it is texting, facebook, myspace or even visually experiencing people and places around the world through a web cam at home. On the other hand, it is now easier to be hacked, expose too much information or allow you to become self absorbed.
Digitalization can also allow people to become dehumanized. With “aim”, “facebook”, and “texting”, people forget that communicating in person can benefit their social skills. They may soon become and example Carel Kupek’s RUR.
Digitalization seems to be very helpful but has reached a point where it has become so complex that it requires practice. For example it is now easier to interact with others around the world; whether it is texting, facebook, myspace or even visually experiencing people and places around the world through a web cam at home. On the other hand, it is now easier to be hacked, expose too much information or allow you to become self absorbed.
Digitalization can also allow people to become dehumanized. With “aim”, “facebook”, and “texting”, people forget that communicating in person can benefit their social skills. They may soon become and example Carel Kupek’s RUR.
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