ENGCOMP 3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Sherry Turkle, World'S Columbian Exposition, Eric Schmidt
10 Jun 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Hwa Chien (Warren) Hong
English Composition 3-3
Dr.Steinberg
Week 4 Tuesday
The Wild Wired West and the myths of Progress on the Tech Frontier
The technologically advanced society that we know as the present stemmed from the
World’s Columbian Exposition at Chicago over a century ago. On the superficial level, the
exposition is a pure celebration on America’s cultural and economic achievements. Under the
rainbow that is economic and cultural prosperity lies the foundation that has forever transformed
the tech scene of the world. The exposition was, in the context of tech, America’s first glimpse
into the future. However, technology also fueled the myths of progress on the tech frontier. There
are three myths that concern technological progress. The first relates to how emerging
technologies are changing our society and sense of self. The second is the notion that the Internet
is a tool that enhances our connectivity to the world. The last myth concerns the compromisation
of our civil liberties when authorities begin to predict crimes before the crimes are committed.
“Our Future Selves” by Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen
Changes to our lives through the help of technology are inevitable. These changes are, in
aggregate, the equalizer that provides people of all background the ability to do the same thing
and the right to access information the same way. These changes all start with connectivity. With
connectivity, children in poor countries are able to learn the same materials as children in
developed countries. With connectivity, people will be able to enjoy a better quality of life
through entertainment systems and easy access to general health information. However, this
movement towards a more autonomous lifestyle also helps construct the myths of technological
progress. When people immerse themselves in the virtual world and take the autonomous
lifestyle for granted, they are also distancing themselves from the real world. This could bring
serious consequences to human relations and each individual’s ability to think.
“Growing Up Tethered” by Sherry Turkle
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
The wild wired west and the myths of progress on the tech frontier. The technologically advanced society that we know as the present stemmed from the. World"s columbian exposition at chicago over a century ago. On the superficial level, the exposition is a pure celebration on america"s cultural and economic achievements. Under the rainbow that is economic and cultural prosperity lies the foundation that has forever transformed the tech scene of the world. The exposition was, in the context of tech, america"s first glimpse into the future. However, technology also fueled the myths of progress on the tech frontier. There are three myths that concern technological progress. The first relates to how emerging technologies are changing our society and sense of self. The second is the notion that the internet is a tool that enhances our connectivity to the world.
