Stage 1 (Winter Project)

1. How has our relationship to art changed by virtue of the fact that new media allow us to more easily be producers as well as consumers? (If, indeed, you find that it has.)

Our relationships with technology and electronics have changed a great deal over my lifetime. We have become so reliable on technology that we can now not live without it. About 20 years ago not everyone had the privilege to have a high tech computer or high speed internet. Also there was no such thing as a PS3 console or the types of phones that we can fit in our pocket. Everything has become so advanced whereas almost every single person has access to a computer with the internet as well as a cell phone. Our gaming devices have gone from Nintendo to PS3, where we can now play games in HD online with millions of others around the world, as well as using the system to surf the net. It has become much easier to contact friends and family around the world because of these drastic changes. Also we can produce levels of higher expectations because of these technologies and electronics that are part of our everyday society. I still remember the first time I ever had to type something in elementary school and I did not even have a computer, I had to go over to my aunt house to use hers. I now have 2 computers in my home as well as 2 laptops that I can access at anytime. Nowadays things have become more convenient and easier to use which allows us to produce the best work that we can with the technology that we are exposed to.

Why Networks Matter (By: Manuel Castells)

Castells feels that networks appear to be the organising form of life, including social life. We know that technology does not form the society that we live in but without certian technologies different things would not have been able to develope, for example Castell uses electricity and the electrical engine. "Networks matter because they are the underlying structure of our lives. And without understanding their logic we cannot change their programmes to harness their flexibility to our hopes, instead of relentlessly adapting ourselves to the instructions received from their unseen codes. Networks are the Matrix." (Castell)

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.