Week 4 Readings

In the article “Being Analog,” it seemed like there was more stream-of-consciousness style writing than we’ve seen from other articles. I felt like it was somewhat jumbled and repetitive, leading to no real revelations. The grand conclusion was basically that human flexibility and computer logicality are complimentary opposites. This point, however, is one that I think many people have realized about most any subject: a balance between two extremes is usually the best. In this case, the extremes are analog and technology. It seemed somewhat counterproductive to criticize things such as the methodological nature of technology, and then sort of retract the statement with arguments such as the fact that methodology is necessary for efficiency. In general, this article didn’t really change my view of the man-machine relationship at all.

The second article, “Introduction to Internet Architecture and Institutions,” was much more interesting, but also more complex. I liked that this article explained some of the intricacy of the internet and how it works through the sending and receipt of one email. This made me appreciate the simple, but extensive processes that computers perform behind the scenes. I think this was a good article to follow “Being Analog” because it illustrated how simple tasks that would take us a long time to perform can be enhanced through technological intervention. The methodological steps to sending an email would be too much and too monotonous for people to perform on their own.

Discussion Questions:

Do you agree with the argument in “Being Analog” frustration with technology is resulting in: “a general turning-away from technology?” What do you think the author meant by this statement?

Do you think the internet would still be as popular if it were not made as user-friendly (for instance, if we had to memorize IP addresses like “216.239.51.100” instead of “google.com”)?

Do you think a networked email system is efficient? Despite all the steps of sending an email from one country to another, for instance, is this system the best for sending messages in terms of required infrastructure?