This post will discuss the topic of home video. I think it will be very interesting to see how video editing and producing will begin to transform communication. As streaming technology develops, the ability to file share videos will become as readily available as sharing audio files. Although everyone's interest in video is not at the same level as the interest in music or audio, it is still interesting to consider the possibility as the technology becomes more and more user friendly.
The primary consideration must be the necessity of the comtech. Currently, video is not as common as text or audio communication, but YouTube is making ground in this area. Simmel's social distance theory takes some of this into consideration. Text is generally considered the furthest perception of social distance, while audio seems to narrow the gap of intimacy. In this sense, a video comtech would allow for a great perception of intimacy between the communicating parties. It would simulate face to face communication despite the obvious distance. The perception is the key piece in this concept.
Another consideration is the availability of home video. There could be a considerable amount of blurs in the area of privacy. As YouTube has found, there is a huge struggle with monitoring the nature of the videos available for the public. The loss of shame referred to in Postman's theory comes to mind, especially the example of pornography in relation to the internet. YouTube has had a battle with inappropriate material and can only foresee it getting more difficult with the development of video technology.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Entry 9
This post will discuss the presentation concerning virtual reality. I think it was an incredible presentation that introduced some connections I had never made. I had always thought that it pertained most closely to gaming technology, but I had no idea of some of the technology available in this field.
First, I had no idea this was being used in medical fields. Using this as a pshychological tool to treat trauma victims and even psychotherapy patients is something I had never considered. I see immediately the benefits of this, especially considering how many younger people are able to immerse themselves in digital and cyber worlds. There is already a blurred line between reality and cybernetic worlds that it is not hard to imagine the possibilities of creating that for a patient. It seems to connect to Simmel's social distance theory. These technologies are able to seperate the patient from the intimate relationship between scalpal and flesh.
Secondly, I think the ability to communicate by brain activity is ridiculous. If there is a chip that allows us to control electronic devices via a computer, we could, in theory, network our minds. This is a somewhat scary thought. This definitely relates to social distance. Essentially, our minds are networked instantly despite distance. There is almost no space for theoretical "noise" between what our minds wish to communicate and the messages others hear. It is an instantaneous message translated only by a computer program. The programming of this soft and hardware is the only communication device involved in this process. Creepy.
First, I had no idea this was being used in medical fields. Using this as a pshychological tool to treat trauma victims and even psychotherapy patients is something I had never considered. I see immediately the benefits of this, especially considering how many younger people are able to immerse themselves in digital and cyber worlds. There is already a blurred line between reality and cybernetic worlds that it is not hard to imagine the possibilities of creating that for a patient. It seems to connect to Simmel's social distance theory. These technologies are able to seperate the patient from the intimate relationship between scalpal and flesh.
Secondly, I think the ability to communicate by brain activity is ridiculous. If there is a chip that allows us to control electronic devices via a computer, we could, in theory, network our minds. This is a somewhat scary thought. This definitely relates to social distance. Essentially, our minds are networked instantly despite distance. There is almost no space for theoretical "noise" between what our minds wish to communicate and the messages others hear. It is an instantaneous message translated only by a computer program. The programming of this soft and hardware is the only communication device involved in this process. Creepy.
Entry 8
In this post, I wish to discuss the benefits of multi-purpose comtechs. Specifically smart phones. In class, we talked about the possibility of Wi-Fi and Internet ready phones taking the place of laptops and personal computers. A few thoughts and two subjects: 1) the integration of comtechs, and 2) the possible phasing in and out of comtechs.
The first part plays steadily into the 3 immutable laws. However, I think there are some exceptions. I think it directly reflects the second law considering how new comtechs relate to convenience. The ability to synchronize phone, internet, email, pda, scheduler, and others into one comtech is extremely valuable. Usually you have to wait til you get to a computer to check your email, but now you can check email and make a phone call simultaneously. In addition, you could hop on the internet and look up directions. There are so many ways in which this adds convenience to my life. However, I do not think this ties in very closely to the first law. I do not believe this speeds up your life. In fact, I believe the opposite is true. If I leave a class, I can check my email, make a phone call, and schedule a meeting before I get home. The multi-tasking capabilites, in my opinion, create more time and allow you to slow down once you return home. However, I guess this depends on the person.
In consideration of how this might replace personal computers, I do not think the size is convenient for extended surfing or word processing. It is great for on the go stuff, but it is difficult to operate for extended periods of time and not very convenient. Even at this point, the Diffusion Theory has begun and more people are using portable internet technology, but it has not replaced an established comtech. In fact, there has been an increasing in the synching technology which would suggest the importance of the relationship between the two products.
The first part plays steadily into the 3 immutable laws. However, I think there are some exceptions. I think it directly reflects the second law considering how new comtechs relate to convenience. The ability to synchronize phone, internet, email, pda, scheduler, and others into one comtech is extremely valuable. Usually you have to wait til you get to a computer to check your email, but now you can check email and make a phone call simultaneously. In addition, you could hop on the internet and look up directions. There are so many ways in which this adds convenience to my life. However, I do not think this ties in very closely to the first law. I do not believe this speeds up your life. In fact, I believe the opposite is true. If I leave a class, I can check my email, make a phone call, and schedule a meeting before I get home. The multi-tasking capabilites, in my opinion, create more time and allow you to slow down once you return home. However, I guess this depends on the person.
In consideration of how this might replace personal computers, I do not think the size is convenient for extended surfing or word processing. It is great for on the go stuff, but it is difficult to operate for extended periods of time and not very convenient. Even at this point, the Diffusion Theory has begun and more people are using portable internet technology, but it has not replaced an established comtech. In fact, there has been an increasing in the synching technology which would suggest the importance of the relationship between the two products.
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