What I took away from this week’s class was that whilst technology is new and exciting, it can also be intrusive on our personal lives. The lecture brought to my attention that new communication technologies such as web based apps are causing individuals to lose important and basic human skills such as interpersonal skills, navigation or simple maths. On a larger scale, web based apps that are designed to make our lives easier are in fact cannibalising small businesses and costing jobs.
For example, many business now use Google Ads, Adwords or Facebook ads to promote their business when previously businesses may have sought the help of professionals. Another classic example are ride share apps like Uber and Lyft that offer competition and are cheaper way to travel but taxi licences are now worthless for business owners.
There are many more ways in which new communication technologies are both advantageous and are also detrimental. For example, the internet has brought people together through the use of online discussion forums and social media apps such as Facebook and Twitter, however, it has also created a platform for what is now commonly known as ‘trolling’ or ‘keyboard warriors’ who use the internet for hateful purposes under the cloak of online anonymity.
Another concept I was introduced to was ‘calm technology’ where humans can control technology rather than technology controlling our lives. Calm technology is more focused on the user experience rather than the computer, web or technology (Fiaidhi, Chou, Williams 2010, p. 16). This in effect is about using technology to enhance our lives rather than to take control of our lives. For example, a smart Fridge reminding you that you are running low on an item as opposed being told that you must buy something. Or LED lights built into the water taps in your house so that you can decipher optimal temperatures (hot, cold) based on the colour of the LED lights instead of guessing and perhaps burning your hand if it is too hot.
Fiaidhi, J, Chou, W, Williams, J 2010, ‘ Mobile Computing in the context of calm technology’ IT Professional, vol. 12, no.3, pp. 14-17, viewed 7 July 2017, via IEEE Explore database
1501LHS New Comm Tech 