Thoughts after viewing "The Machine Is Us/Using Us"

I have now watched and re-watched "The Machine Is Us/Using Us" a few times.  The most powerful part of this short video is the end when the filmmaker, Michael Wesch, asks the viewer to think about how as the Web is such a part of our lives we must re-think EVERYTHING.  Community, privacy, love, family, relationships, ownership, governance...  We have seen big changes already in the last 20 years and there will continue to be more.  I feel we’ve just scratched the tip of the iceberg.  We need to decide what we want from the Web and how best to utilize it as a TOOL so that it does not overrun our lives.  Already I see people, even family members who are addicted to their phones and using the Web.  Social media and gaming are the two biggest issues I witness.  We need to find the balance between using the Web to make our lives easier and more connected to family and friends and having a monkey on our back that is constantly nagging and interrupting our time with family and friends.  My family is probably tired of hearing me say, “Be with the people who are here!” as I get frustrated to find everyone with their nose pointed down toward their phones every time I turn around. 

In watching the credits for the film, I noted the composer DEUS and the name of the song that plays throughout; “There’s Nothing Impossible.”  How true.  20 years ago it I would not have imagined the progress we have made in such a short time.  Truly, there is nothing that is impossible.   Now, to use this tool and the power it has to better our lives, not detract from them.  

What I want out of this class; Living and Working in the Virtual World

I've never been "good with technology" and I feel I need to catch up. Understanding the history of the internet and World Wide Web is fascinating and I have enjoyed the lectures thus far.  I am looking forward to going beyond the history and I hope to better understand the implications of being on the Web and how I should protect myself, my privacy, and the privacy of my daughter.

I remember vividly the first time I logged onto the Web in 1995--looking back it is funny to remember how foreign the concept was (and how slow!).  Listening to Andrew's lectures this week has me thinking, "Wow, we've come a long way!"  1995 was only 21 years ago and yet in 1995 I had to log onto the web using my desktop computer, or maybe a laptop that weighed more than two bricks, using a modem and telephone cable connection.  At that time, I did not own a cell phone, let alone the mini-computer that I carry with me everywhere today.   I got my personal email address, barbara_renee@hotmail.com, in 1996.  Yes, the same one I use today! I used email to keep in touch with my family and friends as I was living in Ann Arbor and most of my connections were still in Washington. I've had other work email addresses, but this address has been a constant, my permanent address that has followed me through multiple physical moves in four different states over the last 20 years.  

As I try to remember when using the Web for more than just email became part of my daily life, I cannot.  It is like asking me to remember when I started sleeping on the left side of the bed or when I switched from chardonnay to pinot gris as my summer wine.  It just is.  I remember in high school and when I was first in college using encyclopedias and reference tools like the card catalog at the library to look up what I needed.  But when did it become second nature to “google” to find the answer or lead me on a path of discovery?  I am glad that I had the opportunity to do research prior to the Web, it gives me a greater appreciation for how much easier life is now.  And I think I am a better problem solver and researcher for having done it the “old fashioned way.”   I hope this class will give me, and my classmates, an even greater appreciation of the tool we now cannot live without.