In the wake of my comments about hyperconnectivity and overuse I’ve engaged in a few brief, yet very significant conversations about the implications and reality of it all, and they’ve served to alter my perspectives quite considerably. So while I’m still pondering this train of thought, I’m also far less pessimistic about the amount of time I’m actually on the computer.
First there was the conversation that emerged in the comments area of the original post, involving Ed Webb and Laura Blankenship. Speaking with them reminded me of several things that I want to explore here.
Technology is not homogeneous
First that technology is by no means homogeneous. Not only does each service, environment or tool have its own inherent strengths, weaknesses and affordances; they also facilitate different sorts of dynamics and relationships. For example some technologies like the telephone or SecondLife can bring people together – connect them – and help establish a sense of close proximity despite being in very different locations.
Other technologies can facilitate shared experiences for people in the same locale. As I mentioned in the comments:
“…my little one is sick at the moment and feeling very yucky, so this morning we put on The Wiggles and had a cuddle on the couch together. In this case the technology played a central role in establishing a shared focal point, but it didn’t detract from our interaction since our time together was an integral component as well. So really, the TV here added to the experience instead of taking away from it.”
Likewise technology can also inspire more introspection. Blogs could be seen as one example here. Writing posts is very much an individual activity in which people explore concepts, ideas or feelings, and in so doing seek to externalise elements that were previously known only to them. The significance of such activities though are they pave the road to dialogue and discourse with others – thus what was once un-expressed and internalised becomes the seeds from which interaction with others can take place.
Technology as extension of self
The next conceptual leap that has occurred to me is the notion of technology as extension of self. All too frequently when people talk about “technology” they mean high-technology, such as computers, industrial equipment, etcetera – but really the concept of technology is far broader than that.
As Michael Wesch said of media (minutes 11:48 to 12:48):
“At the center of the mediascape is us….Media is not content. Media are not just tools of communication. Media mediate human relationships. When media change, human relationships change.
Here I use the term technology in the same sense that Wesch uses media. To me, technology is an extension of self that we use to interact with people, places and things around us; to express ourselves, our thoughts or ideas, or our emotions. It’s not just a desktop computer, a laptop, or an iPhone; but also pencil and paper, the written word, the spoken word, symbols and other visual representations.
Computers are multi-faceted tools
Why is this important? Well for starters, ongoing innovations and power enhancements in computers are such that home PCs are now multi-faceted tools that support a diverse range of activities – and likewise the internet does as well. We can compose music, digital media, 3D animation, engage with others, communicate, contemplate complex ideas or emotions, review historical events or memories.
In this context it becomes clear why computers are becoming increasingly integrated into every day: they offer or even replace much of the functionality of older technologies.
As another example, as I wrote yesterday, my daughter and I engaged in a vibrant discussion that was largely facilitated by radio, streaming video, and ultimately reflected about it on a blog. Historically this could have easily been a symphonic orchestra, followed by a play in a theatre, and then a reflection in a diary or journal in a spiral notebook.
Putting this another way, perhaps we are using computers more and more because they DO more and more; and not just new activities like virtual worlds and MMORPGs, but activities that humanity has engaged in for a very long time – communication, record keeping, creative endeavor, entertainment.
The Devil’s in the Detail
So really, it’s insufficient to merely say “I’m using technology 15 to 17 hours a day” and leave it at that. Certainly it’s hard on the eyes to be looking at an LCD screen for that long, however the implications of the duration cannot be truly ascertained from such a broad brush statistic.
When I look at the details the reality of the situation is a much different story.
During my commute I’ll use my mobile phone to talk with my wife and family, compose emails, plan my day, engage in discussion on Twitter. I’ll also use my laptop to read for leisure, compose blog posts in which I reflect on my thoughts, opinions, or what I’ve learned; watch videos, listen to music or play games on my iPod.
During the work day I use the computer to help people who are having problems or questions, implement services that seek to facilitate the learning and teaching processes, engage in discussion with people around the world, have video conferences with my children, collaborate with my colleagues.
In the evenings I’ll watch streaming documentaries from the BBC or ABC to learn about history, witness natural environments or cities thousands of miles away. Show my one-year old what a lion looks and sounds like, play educational games with them or engage in some family fun; or I’ll join a campaign to rid a village of orcs and ogres.
Parting thoughts
There is little doubt to me that I’m hyperconnected to digital devices, however I’m not as worried now as I was a few days ago.
Some people rely on analogue technology to make their lives easier – I use digital. Computers and mobile technology are my telephone, television, spiral notebook, reference library, research journal, collaborative workspace, water cooler for discussion, source of entertainment, classroom, exploratory lab, and professional networking space.
It’s also just one facet of my life, and not everything can or should be done digitally. Knowing when to unplug is critical. Fortunately for me I have children who aren’t shy about saying “get off the computer daddy.” And more often than not, I’m only too happy to oblige.
