The Machine Stops

In the short story The Machine Stops E.M. Forster the characters of Vashti and Kuno take decidedly opposing positions on the value, and potential threat of technology on society and the individual. The Machine is explained as a technological device that provides access to all of life’s basic necessities such as food, entertainment and clothing. Vashti felt that technology was all about helping people. Kuno explains that he has learnt an important lesson: “Man is the Measure.” He did not want to live in a virtual world because the Machine did not provide him with any new experiences. In this story I would agree with Kuno’s viewpoints on that technology is taking us over. It is a great source but we rely on it way too much.

Smart Mobs: The Power of the Mobile Many

The short story Smart Mobs: The Power of the Mobile Many it talks about communication through text messaging. The main example in the story that he uses is when, he goes to the Philippines and most of the residents are using text messaging to communicate with one another because it was free at the time. Instead of actually making a phone call they just used text messaging. President Joseph Estrada of the Philippines became the first head of state to lose power to a smart mob. More than one million residents coordinated by sending text messages to each other to assemble at the site Epifano de los Santos Avenue, known as “Edsa.” Within four days of texting “Go 2EDSA, Wear Blck”, more than one million people had showed up wearing black. The legend of “Generation Text” was born.

"Cyberspace" Benjamin Woolley

In the short story Cyberspace Benjamin Woolley feels that technology and cyberspace is the most dominant source of communication. He feels that technology is dictating our lives. Technology is looked at as an "extension of the body" (9), I feel this is true because it is a part of our everyday lives. Most of our work is done on computers and through emails, as well as our communication. "where events increasingly happen, where our lives and fates are increasingly determined; a place that has a very direct impact on our material circumstances" (16). Every aspect of our lives is associated with technology.