technology as a 'Life Form'

I do agree that we can understand technology as a ‘life form’ because many innovations “that we like to think of as mere tools or instruments now function as virtual members of our society”. Langdon stated that “humans and inanimate objects are linked in various kinds of relationships”. He provided the example of the phone answering machine that handles some of the responsibilities previously assigned to full-time secretaries. The point is that technology social, cultural and political effects.

Another example of technology becoming a ‘life form’ was the el cortito tool used in agriculture. The physical tool has a very small handle. The tool has a secondary function because of the size it requires the worker to bend over or get on their knees to utilize the tool which in effect acts as an identifier of who is working and how is not. Because workers are bent over it is easier to survey a field and identify the employees not working because they are standing.

The computer was an excellent example of how technology is a ‘form of life’. Computers today have roles, responsibilities and actions that were previously assigned to humans. They process transactions, manage business data, formulate calculations and can even assess risk. They can also monitor employee production acting in a supervisor role.

The iPhone is a newer innovation that has taken on a ‘life for’. It changes relationships between humans. In lieu of asking questions when we do not know the answer we can google the answer. In lieu of asking for directions when we are lost we can utilize the GPS to find our way. We can make phone calls while traveling to receive family updates instead of receiving them at the dinner table. It can serve as the role of an administrative assistant providing phone messages, work calendars and work updates via e-mail. The were odd at first but as more humans utilized them they have now become part of our daily routine.

Langdon Winners cautions us to monitor how new technology to identify the how it will change the economy and effect our environment. What negative impacts will it have on our culture.