This week I decided to simply supply my thoughts on several quotes that I found interesting in this weeks reading “Program or Be Programmed” by Douglas Rushkoff.

Rushkoff, speaking of our current technology states, “The people programming them take on an increasingly important role in shaping our world and how it works” (pg. 8). I found this concept to be extremely interesting. I never really stepped back to think about how the internet is completely controlled by the individuals who program and advertise on each website. Hyperlinks create shortcuts to further information, but even the links on pages are designated by the author of the site. Information can be completely manipulated.

Rushkoff also states his disapproval of “a networked future that seems to favor the distracted over the focused, the automatic over the considered,and the contrary over the compassionate” (pg. 10). The manipulated links and advertisements lead readers to desire instant gratification. However, true knowledge isn’t instantaneous. Will true knowledge and understanding be lost in an uncaring technological world? Will research be reduced to a Google search? Technology has the potential to make mankind lethargic and, as a result, unintelligent.

That thought is followed by the knowledge that “digital technologies themselves will be shaping our world, both with and without our explicit cooperation” (pg. 8). This continues the previous line of thought about how today’s technology has the power to influence our entire thought process. A common phrase, mostly satirical, but still one to consider is “I found it on the internet so it must be true.” This is an extreme statement, but for some people the logic may not be too far fetched. Many people do not even consider where the information on the internet is coming from or who is providing the facts.

These statements are a cautionary look at how technological advances may, perhaps, not be as productive as we would like to believe. There is also potential for negative outcomes. Another extreme, and humorous, example would be the lifestyle of mankind in the 2008 Pixar movie Wall-E.

I HATE YOU STUPID SITE FOR DELETING MY WORK CONSTANTLY!!!!!