In Computers We Trust?

In “Why it’s good that computers don’t work like the brain” by Donald Norman, the author assumes that computers and robots will never come to mimic and surpass people. I agree and disagree. Although I don’t think the complete mimicry of human behavior is possible any time soon, I believe the number of skills computers can replace human skills are increasing every day. Considering how fast technology is developing, I wouldn’t be surprised if computers can read human’s handwritings or be able to drive a car by itself in near future. I think it’s possible that computers will eventually come to reach certain stage to mimic human skills. Not human emotions but skills.

I don’t think the real problem we have to be concerned about is whether computers will catch up with humans. The real question is “how far are humans going to allow computers to replace our skills?” For the purpose of discussion, let’s say that we have developed a car that can drive by itself. Can we fall asleep in the car seats peacefully while the computer does all the driving? I don’t think so. No matter how precise the computer can drive, we wouldn’t risk our life to a computer. We might count on a drunken friend to give us a ride, but not machine. This is because, I believe, humans are hesitant to give their trust to machines and like to have certain control over machines. They would like to believe that they are above emotionless dumb machines, and this basic idea will probably never change.

Therefore, I think one of the reasons this specific technology has not been developed yet lies in trust issue between humans and computers. The inventors or manufacturers must know that even if they develop this technology, it’s not likely to get many demands, thus discouraging invent of this drive-by-itself car. If we were to develop it, it would be developed at the level that computers are only assisting human’s driving, not total control over it.

So as far as the technology is concerned, the need for more convenience conflicts with need for security. I would love to see how this conflict develops over the next 10 years.

Texting... the new telephone?

If it's easy to say hurtful things over the phone, then it's a million times easier to say hurtful things via text message.

I would like to make the prediction (based on the idea in the 'Cell phones in Public' article that says we "map our understanding of common social rules and dilemmas onto new technologies) that the phone is becoming a more and more acceptable way to break up with people because it is now considered much more interpersonal and human than text or e-mail. Telephone eliminates the face-to-face but holds you accountable by voice, whereas text and e-mail are devoid of both. My brother just broke up with his girlfriend via telephone. I asked him if she was mad about him not speaking with her face-to-face and he said, no, that she thanked him for at least calling. (I can't say that I would feel the same way...)

I think an updated version of the article on women and telephone use in dating relationships would involve text messaging. A lot of what the article discovers applies not only to my own use of telephones in my relationships, but to text messaging - a type of technology even more lethal/volatile than the phone call.

When I started reading the article, I was skeptical of the telephone as an indication of power. But then, I realized that I've been with my boyfriend for several years and that it was a more or less mutual development. Sometimes we have long conversations, but most of non-face-to-face communications occurs during less than one minute phone calls or text messages. I admit that there have been a few times when I've waited for him to call or had the notion that if he didn't call, he didn't care. (But always ends up calling, and if it's later than expected, he always has a good excuse, haha)

Last night we were discussing how hard it would be to maintain a relationship if neither of us had a car, but I think it'd be even harder to maintain a relationship without a phone - a cell phone, specifically. Technology such as the phone has definitely made maintaining relationships easier, but I think it has contributed to the development of poor communication skills and other complicating factors.

But still, he better call. (Or text...)

P.S. I also want to point out that I don't think it's only women who use telephone calls and texts as validation for emotions. Even though women have the cultural expectation for males to be the one to call and "make the move," I know plenty of guys who have felt hurt when their significant other didn't get in touch...