Turkle’s “Computers Change”:
- Literally: In “Computers Change,” Turkle describes how the use of technology has transformed our relationship with information and how we communicate. She notes that technology has enabled us to access and process information in new ways but has also created a culture of constant distraction and shortened attention spans.
- Intellectually: Turkle’s article raises important questions about the impact of technology on our cognitive processes and social interactions. The rise of digital media has brought new opportunities for information sharing and collaboration, but it has also altered the way we think and communicate. Our brains are now more accustomed to rapid-fire multitasking and short bursts of information, and this can affect our ability to focus, empathize, and form meaningful relationships.
- Emotionally: Reading “Computers Change” can evoke feelings of nostalgia, as we remember a time before digital media when communication was slower and more intentional. It can also spark a sense of anxiety or even helplessness, as we confront the fast-paced, constantly connected world that we now live in.
Ulmer’s “Apparatus of Literacy”:
- Literally: In “Apparatus of Literacy,” Ulmer discusses the historical development of writing and how it has shaped our understanding of language and culture. He argues that writing is an “apparatus” that structures our thoughts and beliefs, and that it has a powerful effect on how we perceive and interact with the world.
- Intellectually: Ulmer’s work invites us to consider the ways in which language and communication are shaped by the technologies that we use. By examining the history of writing, he demonstrates how the tools we use to express ourselves can have a profound impact on our cultural identity and collective consciousness.
- Emotionally: Reading “Apparatus of Literacy” can inspire feelings of curiosity and wonder as we learn about the evolution of writing and its role in shaping human culture. At the same time, it can also evoke a sense of unease or uncertainty, as we consider the ways in which the technologies, we use to communicate may be shaping our thoughts and beliefs in ways that we are not fully aware of.
Connection to McLuhan’s “The Medium is the Message”:
- McLuhan’s “The Medium is the Message” explores how the form of a medium can shape the content and meaning of a message. In this way, he suggests that our communication technologies are not neutral tools, but rather have an active role in shaping the way we think and interact with the world. This idea resonates with both Turkle and Ulmer’s work, as they also examine the impact of communication technologies on our cognitive and cultural practices. Together, these three works suggest that our use of technology is not simply a matter of choice, but rather an integral part of our collective identity and consciousness.
