Imagine a world…
OpenAI. (2024). AI-generated image of a woman struggling with two ideas related to technology. [Digital image]. ChatGPT.
The discussion we participated in this week to imagine a new reality, either tech-less or tech-full was an enjoyable and thought provoking task. My immediate thought was, “Oh how nice it would be to not be drowning in emails!!” However, valid points were raised about expanding our circle of belonging. The conversation was rich, and I am wrestling with a lot of big ideas that seem to naturally lend themselves into a pros and cons list — so that is what I will create today! Please read the chart horizontally if you wish to understand my thinking. 🙂
Dawson, Shane. “Double Take Mind of Jake Paul GIF.” Giphy, 10/8/2018,
https://giphy.com/gifs/shanedawson-RLXCJx2XL9HCkYhnQU
| Technology/Social Media Rich PROS | Technology/Social Media Rich CONS |
| New learning about the earth, inter-species communication and our physical needs | Diminished connection to the earth, environment and our physical needs |
| Escape from unhealthy communities/families. | Erosion of cultural values and loss of community. |
| Ability to find a sense of belonging with those like you. | No need for conflict resolution, restitution or negotiations to reduce perception gaps. |
| Size of worldview can increase… | and can decrease, depending on the trajectory of your TikTok rabbit hole. |
| Exposure to many new and unique identities. The human rainbow is on full display. | Fractured identities, “a fabricated version based on media trends and micro-labels” (TedxTalks, 2023.), conflict between personal and professional, safe and unsafe identities. |
| Strengthens Global Network | May deteriorate local networks |
| Affirmation of true self | Denial/oppression of identity |
| Can lift the voices of oppressed people (#BLM, #metoo, etc.) | Existing power structures maintain their stronghold via advertising and profit |
The continuing theme of digital dualism remains at play here. While I continue to question authenticity and “real” connection, the fact remains that all connection (online and in person) is made up. The way we conduct ourselves online is a reflection of who we really are, and vice versa. In the same way, both columns on this chart are equally true, and at times may represent a spectrum- back and forth. Accepting dualism is HARD!
I wonder if you could include a middle column where you could include the word “without” or “but doesn’t”. In other words is this a zero-sum game or can both the pros of technology happen without the negative?
Absolutely. Additionally, Brennan’s proposed exercise of filling in multiple gaps in-between each on more of a spectrum entertains my brain. I feel like with any given media/technology, this table could look different — as though there is a coloured bar or marker resting at any point along said spectrum.
I appreciate this post! I too have been thinking about that class a lot. In the short time since we started this class I feel like I have begun to use technology in more ways to make completing tasks more efficient. However, our discussions of the negatives of technology on our culture and social skills are what keep me up at night thinking. Dean’s comment is valuable that we can have a middle column too, which I feel, in a sense, is accepting dualism!
I hear you Lisa! Conversations from this course have been so thought provoking, and have evaded my thoughts at all hours as well. I also agree that the middle ground is accepting dualism or even trialism, quadrialism … and beyond. 🙂
Hi Miranda,
You touch on some interesting concepts of digital dualism. I like how you have offered a perspective of both the pros and cons of each side of the spectrum, and I think it would be unique to fill in the gaps on the spectrum to see how this concept of digital dualism could be imagined.
It feels it might relate similarly to the concept of resident vs visitor spectrum and how each person would identify themselves.
Thanks for sharing, and I will refer back to this chart as it has a rich content analysis here!