The Dual Nature of Technology: How It Shapes Us and We Shape It
Written on
Chapter 1: The Enchantment of Writing
Writing is often taken for granted, yet it possesses an inherent magic. Silvia Ferarra eloquently describes it in her book The Greatest Invention: A History of the World in Nine Mysterious Scripts:
> "Writing is sound made visible and tangible, and as such it interacts intimately with our sensory systems, our ears, our eyes, hands, tongue. Which in no way makes it an innate faculty — quite the contrary. It merely makes it human."
Writing is intricately linked to our perception and the material and abstract elements that compose our world. It has fundamentally altered human existence in ways that often go unnoticed. Much like the fish that questions, “What is water?” in David Foster Wallace's renowned speech, we overlook the significant impact that literacy has had on our lives.
Without a deliberate focus, it’s challenging to recognize how learning to read and write—and existing in societies that regard these skills as fundamental—has influenced the human experience. Writing has enabled the development of social organization, governance, science, storytelling, history, and commerce—all aspects we now take for granted. Moreover, literacy reshapes our brains, enhancing our focus and deepening our thought processes. However, this came with its own set of challenges; Socrates lamented that young people in the 400s BCE were losing their memory abilities because they relied on written records.
Our reliance on the written word has caused us to mold our societies and mental frameworks to accommodate it. In education, for instance, an entire industry has emerged centered around teaching literacy. Schools evaluate and categorize students based on their reading and writing skills, disadvantaging those who struggle with these abilities despite possessing other talents.
Almost every society is structured around the premise that most individuals will be literate. Writing has shaped our identities as much as we have used it to mold the world around us.
Next, let’s explore how technology serves us and how we, in turn, serve it.
Section 1.1: The Impact of the Automobile
The automobile stands as a prime example of how technology has transformed our lives. While it provides immense utility, it has also necessitated significant changes to our environment and personal lives.
When driving, consider how the landscape would appear without cars. Notice the parking lots, overpasses, traffic signals, garages, and light pollution—features we often overlook. Imagine a world where these structures didn’t exist, leading to more wildlife, pedestrians, tranquility, and darkness.
In return for the convenience offered by automobiles, we have accepted substantial costs. The suburban expansion driven by cars has increased isolation and loneliness. Streets that were once vibrant with pedestrian activity have become desolate and hazardous, resulting in over 6,000 pedestrian fatalities and more than 36,000 deaths from vehicle accidents annually. Air pollution from vehicles claims nearly 20,000 lives each year.
Despite these drawbacks, the car remains an incredible invention; many, including myself, rely on them daily. However, fully embracing this technology has required a profound transformation of both our landscapes and lives.
How To Serve The Church As A Content Creator | THE RIGHT WAY - YouTube
This video delves into how content creators can contribute meaningfully to their communities while navigating the complexities of modern technology.
Section 1.2: The Influence of Smartphones
While smartphones haven’t changed the physical landscape, they have significantly impacted our mental landscape. Much like cars, smartphones are invaluable tools, yet they have compelled us to reshape our thoughts and lifestyles to meet their demands.
If you’re similar to me and the majority of the population, you may feel anxious when separated from your phone, even though many of us thrived without them for decades prior to their advent. Daily, we face an onslaught of notifications that diverts our attention from our immediate surroundings.
A study revealed that adults engage with their phones around 85 times a day, averaging five hours of interaction—about a third of our waking hours. Interestingly, when asked, participants estimated their screen time to be about half that amount.
Our phones have altered our physical experiences, leading to phenomena such as phantom vibrations or perceiving events primarily through our phone screens. They even affect our brain chemistry; the smartphone's ability to deliver dopamine has sparked trends like the “low-dopamine morning,” encouraging users to refrain from checking their phones for a half hour after waking.
Smartphones serve humanity well, providing instant access to various resources, yet we have also become subservient to them.
Chapter 2: Future Innovations and Their Implications
Technological advancements will persist, with exciting developments anticipated in biotechnology, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, among other fields.
These innovations promise improvements in various aspects of life, both predictable and unforeseen. However, we must remain aware that these technologies might shape our societies, lifestyles, and even the planet in ways we cannot yet envision.
Who we are Becoming - New Creations - 9am - Feb 26, 2023 - CPC Madison - YouTube
This video reflects on the transformation of identities and communities as we embrace new technologies and innovations in our lives.
Thank you for reading! If you would like to receive notifications for my future articles, please click here. I would greatly appreciate your support for my writing, whether through buying me a coffee or joining Medium (I’ll receive a portion of your membership fee at no additional cost to you).