How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds

Re:How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds by kbenson on Friday May 20, 2016 @05:15PM (#11741581)

See, I don't think we are. Some decisions are being automated, but that's not reducing our own choices, just freeing us to focus on other ones. It becomes less of "should I go and then what flower should I buy" and more just "should I go" and we've freed our time and attention for some other decision. Then again, there will always be those that go above and beyond for someone they care for. Maybe you remember that your mother particularly liked the flowers at the house you lived in when you were younger, so you track down the current owners and ask for a favor, whether you can have a few flowers from the front yard. Letting your mother know of the source might yield a distinctly different impression from the present. There's still room to provide attention where it matters, apps and reminders aren't taking that away.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds by mc32 on Friday May 20, 2016 @05:28PM (#11741669)

If you look beyond reminder apps, I think things look a little different. There are good aspects to automation and some shortcomings as well.

I'm not saying people need to maintain survivalist skills. But I think there is a danger in relinquishing your will and control to data. How will people, in the future, be able to adjust to catastrophe? I have no pocket computer, what should I do? Can I eat now? What can I eat? It's so bewildering...

It's akin to an overly protective parents who one day has to face the world on their own, it can take years for them to recalibrate and readjust to their new reality.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds by kbenson on Friday May 20, 2016 @06:15PM (#11741949)

I think that ignores that there is always a spectrum of people who want differing levels of control. Even if there apps to suggest all our actions, there will be people that use them sparingly or not at all, because they want to feel in control. This is acceptable and normal, and also leads to situations where some people do maintain survivalist skills. Our population is homogeneous in almost nothing, which is one of our strengths.

What happens in a catastrophe? People probably die. Depending on the scale, possibly a lot. Will everyone die? Probably not, but there are cases where it could happen. The ways to mitigate that have nothing to do with less automation of simple decisions in my mind, and possibly quite the opposite.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds by mc32 on Friday May 20, 2016 @10:48PM (#11742960)

Well, like I said earlier it's not about automating simple tasks and giving us reminders, etc. --but rather, ultimately we'll take people out of the equation in most matters of import.

We'll be relegated to a state where there are a few "important people" and the rest are basically just vegged out (with a few pockets of 'natural people' here and there). People will not even notice this happen as they will slide into this state willingly and happily. Just as we slid in to a sugary diet without complaint.

It's hard to make the case for "inconvenience" in life, it's harder, it takes more energy, it's not efficient, and so on. But I think if we are to remain a useful species (not just a few useful people), we have to contrary to our inclination.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds by Balgair on Saturday May 21, 2016 @12:53PM (#11745290)

Thank God for teenagers then, little jerks will do whatever the 'wrong' thing is just to piss you off and for no other reason.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How Technology Hijacks People’s Minds by nostrebored on Friday May 20, 2016 @10:29PM (#11742897)

Our population is homogenous in many things, particularly in our adoption of tools.

[ Parent | on HN ]