HW2.1 Class Discussion: Our Relationship with Technology

Our class discussion on technology made me realize how prevalent technology is in our everyday lives.  Although our assignment was to bring only one piece of technology to class as an example, without realizing it we all brought numerous technological objects with us.  My phone, keychain flashlight, pants zipper, school ID card, etc. are all pieces of technology that I have on me at all times.  It felt strange sitting in a room surrounded by computers and talking about the possibility of separating ourselves from technology.  In fact, when we define technology this broadly. it's hard to remember the last time I was completely without it.  Even while backpacking in the Sierras, far away from my day to day life and as close to nature as one can get, I had a tent made of fabric with heat saving technology, a stove with gas canisters, and always, zippers on everything.  When I think about it this way, I am not sure I have ever been free of technology in my life.

But this technological landscape started well before my life began.  Although Millennials seem to constantly be reprimanded for their reliance on technology, when we define technology as broadly as we are in this class, technological dependance has been an issue long in the making.  The first microwaves were invented in the 1950s, the zipper was invented in the early 20th century, and before that there were centuries and centuries of technological innovation.  Even a Roman in the 6th century would rely on the technology of a tide mill as a power source. In modern days, to truly find a realm outside of technological influence, one would have to live on the outskirts of society as a self-functioning individual.  Thus, we all rely on technology, not just Millennials.

In a way, all artists also rely on technology, not just New Media artists.  Technology affected art long before 3D printers, film projectors, and social media.  Traditional painters were only able to easily paint en plein air or in open air in the 1840s when metal paint tubes were invented.  Without this technology, artist's paints would dry up and become unusable outside of the studio. Technology allows artists to more easily create their visions just as it allows everyone else to more easily live our lives.

Source:
http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/hardware/zipper-history
http://fiftiesweb.com/pop/inventions/
http://www.kentarchaeology.ac/authors/005.pdf
http://lagunapleinair.org/history-of-plein-air/