Social critics and artificial intelligence experts have long
prophesized that computers and robots would soon relegate humans to
the dustbin of history. Many among the general population seem to
have shared this fear of a dehumanized future. But how are people
in the twenty-first century actually reacting to the ever-expanding
array of gadgets and networks at their disposal? Is computer
anxiety a significant problem, paralyzing and terrorizing millions,
or are ever-proliferating numbers of gadgets being enthusiastically
embraced? "Machines That Become Us" explores the increasingly
intimate relationship between people and their personal
communication technologies.
In the first book of its kind, internationally recognized scholars
from the United States and Europe explore this topic. Among the
technologies analyzed are the Internet, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), mobile phones, networked homes, "smart" fabrics and
wearable computers, interactive location badges, and implanted
monitoring devices. The authors discuss critical policy issues,
such as the problems of information resource access and equity, and
the recently discovered "digital dropouts" phenomena.
The use of the word "become" in the book's title has three
different meanings. The first suggests how people use these
technologies to broaden their abilities to communicate and to
represent themselves to others. Thus the technologies "become"
extensions and representatives of the communicators. A second sense
of "become" applies to analysis of the way these technologies
become physically integrated with the user's clothing and even
their bodies.
Contributors examine fashion aspects and uses of these
technologies, that is, how they are used in ways becoming to the
wearer. The conclusions of many chapters are supported by data,
including ethnographic observations, attitude surveys and case
studies from the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Finland,
and Norway. This approach is especially valuable in a field that
has been traditionally dominated by extrapolation and speculation,
and that has focused on possible future states rather than analysis
of current situations. Other chapters are integrative, seeking to
advance emerging theoretical perspectives.
This exciting volume generates new insights concerning the
burgeoning electronic confusion that increasingly penetrates and
blurs the boundaries of various spheres of life in modern society.
"Machines That Become Us" will be of interest to students of
communications and technology, sociologists, and social
psychologists.
James E. Katz is professor of communication at the School of
Communication, Information, and Library Studies at Rutgers
University. He is the author of "Connections: Social and Cultural
Studies of the Telephone in American Life," published by
Transaction.
"From cell phones to smart homes, James Katz shows how "ICTs"
(information and communication technologies) not only serve as
extensions of human capabilities, but are being integrated into all
aspects of our lives and our "selves." This book presents timely
and valuable insights into how pervasive information technologies
are latering the way people live, act, relate to others and think
of themselves. Bravo " --Starr Roxanne Hiltz, New Jersey Institute
of Technology
"A valuable addition to our growing understanding of the wide
ranging implications of new technologies. From teenagers' use of
mobile phones to the aesthetics of astronauts' clothing, "Machines
That Become Us" offers a rich compendium of insights into why we
think new machines both "improve" and "jumble" our lives."--Steve
Woolgar, University of Oxford
"A fascinating excursion into the realm of mind-body relationships
in the Information Age, led by a multinational team of farsighted
scholars." --Robert La Rose, Michigan State University
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
