Communication Technologys Way of Altering Society

Brittany Kohls

Sherry Turkle. Alone Together. New York: Basic Books, 2011.

Alone Together is an extremely eye opening and insightful look at the world of computers and technology, and how it relates in todays society and culture. Written by Dr. Sherry Turkle, professor of Social Studies of Science and Technology at MIT, she spent the last 30 years extensively researching and immersing herself in the computer culture. When first joining MIT, she became fascinated by the concept of computers as tools, and the way that humans are shaped by using those tools. Each decade brought forth new information and new studies of focus, as well as two other written works (The Second Self and Life on the Screen) regarding information technology and people. Alone Together was designed as a final part to this trilogy, as a way to come full circle, and embrace the study of how we as a people are changed as technology offers us substitutes for connecting face to face (11). Turkle takes an interesting approach at examining and supporting her thesis, breaking it into two parts: The Robotic Moment and Networked. The Robotic Moment offers an in depth look at the idea of artificial intelligence, and what roles this new technology plays in the lives of children living as digital natives, and additionally how adults and the elderly have the opportunity to be affected and use these innovative technologies. Not only that, but The Robotic Moment begins to dive into one of Turkles main themes carried throughout the book, being that we expect more from technology and less from each other (xxii). Although she focuses primarily on her last 15 years of study for this literature, it is evident that during that time, substantial changes have occurred, and more are soon to come. Networked on the other hand,

investigates the compulsion and necessity of being constantly tethered, or available, technologically speaking. Individuals are now driven by a desire to be connected, whether it be via cellular device or internet correspondence, there is a strong sense of disconnection anxiety throughout generations. As stated previously, Turkle starts by arguing that we expect more from technology and less from each other (xxiii), making the point that the performance of connection seems connection enough (9). Essentially, with the technological advances surrounding our lives, it is easier for us to expect that this technology will continue to develop, and as long as we put effort into using our devices and communication methods, we will not have to worry about actually spending time face to face. Dependency on technology overrides our dependency on each other. Later Turkle makes the observation that there is more consideration of robots replacing people in real life (74-76). An example of this would be robots as a solution for the older people in society that need constant care and supervision. Nurses and family caretakers would have the ability to step out of this role, and be replaced by robots. Further, individuals are shifting past the theory of technology as something that is better than nothing, to technology being better than anything (64/160). Turkle interviews and observes individuals of all ages that spend more time with virtual online gaming, than in real life situations. They prefer to experiment and explore identity rather than live out their mundane, day to day existence (152). Turkle makes it a point to effectively identify that us expecting more from technology and less from each other is something that could continue to hinder the human experience. One of the underlying themes that adequately demonstrates changes in ourselves is the way we perceive and redefine certain standard terms. This is not a highlighted theme for Turkle, but may provoke readers to do some evaluating of the terms referenced in their own lives that

may have been altered in recent years. First, Turkle examines companionship by saying, we cheapen the notion of companionship to a baseline of interacting with something. (55) People are inclined to reduce relationship and in turn, see it as the norm. Less critical thinking goes into the process of accepting robots as true companions, and in losing these complex processes, we reshape our emotional landscapes. As soon as we begin to accept companionship without demands, we create a learned sense of life with people as overwhelming (66). In addition, Turkle claims that terms such as memory, artificial intelligence, trust, and affect are being altered as well, arguing that these terms lose their real meanings, and are redefined once they are obtained by computers (140). The common idea is that these terms are complex when related to human figures. Trust and affect relate to human emotion, and if we allow ourselves to believe that computers have emotional capabilities, we begin to see everything in a new light centered on the loss of complexity. It is discouraging to think that connectivity is essential to everyday life. During her many interviews, Turkle was able to gather this generalization, and found that for most, it is extremely difficult to separate from mobile devices or online resources (173). This creates an entirely new world composed of self-presentation online, meaning that most life happenings are occurring in a public setting (186). Overall, this changes us due to the fact that instead of living out essential moments face to face, we do it online. Now more than ever, people are avoiding physical contact and presence, and proceeding to date, breakup, and fight over the internet or via text (191). One of the major arguments Turkle makes in regards to being tethered and avoiding contact is that individuals are pulling away from real time (203). They are consciously choosing to refrain from dealing with their emotions in a real time setting, and in return, end up completely distancing themselves from their feelings (206). At the same time, this tethering effect causes problems with

separation. Turkle uses Mark Twains Huck Finn example, that children need separation from their parents. She claims that, rite of passage is now transformed by technology (173). Basically Turkle is explaining that because of new technologies and constant connectivity, children never get the chance to break away from their parents. Everyone is always a click away, establishing the idea that young people do not have the same opportunity to grow and develop independence like they used to. Readers may enjoy this book based solely on the fact that it contains a plethora of personal account stories within. First hand interviews taken by Turkle make it easier for the reader to relate with the points being addressed, as well as understand the importance of comprehending these changes. Furthermore, this book makes a solid argument, heavily supported by years of research and essential content that challenges readers to assess their own lives, and the small, yet significant, changes that have taken place over the last 15 years.