Technology's authority over our lives, and our acceptance of it
Modern technology has taken over.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love my phone just as much as the next guy. Computers and the internet have changed the way we work and have made communication easier than ever. But it’s quite literally everywhere! The fact that I wear a small computer on my wrist that has more processing power than what NASA used to get man on the moon is insane.
“Technology is extremely profitable,” states a foundational course created by the Center for Humane Technology. “It often develops faster than our ability to regulate it or understand its long-term effects.”
With all of this access comes some drawbacks. An especially common topic of conversation within our industry as creators has been the growth of artificial intelligence.
Software such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DALL·E 3 have caused increased discussions of plagiarism and “fake news.” These types of applications have exploded in popularity and are now available to the masses – with companies including Google, Apple, and Adobe getting in on it to modernize.
Another common issue is persuasive technology and its manipulation of our behavior. Essentially, these use psychology to rewire our brains resulting in changed moods or behaviors.
This methodology is used by many platforms for a variety of purposes. It can be as simple as driving sales, growing a following, increasing watch time, etc. However, this can become a serious addiction that has been linked to anxiety and depression.
Following this concept is one more issue that comes with modern technology: wasted time. Exploitation by advertisers, media companies, and internet personalities has already had permanent negative effects on us and the generations that come after us.
“The current generation of internet consumers live in a world of ‘instant gratification and quick fixes,’” writes Rob Weatherhead in an article for The Guardian. This “leads to a ‘loss of patience and a lack of deep thinking.’”
“Showing people what is possible will help transform consumer distrust of existing platforms into consumer demand for something better.”
Regardless of all the internet and modern technology’s negative consequences, humanity doesn’t care. We have become complicit because we feel that our usage of these things fulfills something within us. However, if we are going to better use our time and think deeper, we have to take back control.
Finding separation is an important first step to taking your precious time back from the internet. In addition, we can create change through the work that we do.
The Center for Humane Technology states that “each time we choose to uphold the values of humane technology we push culture and our socioeconomic systems further in the direction of human thriving.” By creating content that avoids the exploitation of other people and the creations of others who have come before us, we may just start a precedent of the humane use of technology.
Modern technology is a beautiful thing. Despite its drawbacks, the tools it has provided us have made the work that we do possible. Creating better habits for ourselves and others will make for a better digital world for all.
Hi! My name is Peyton McKenzie.
I am a professional graphic designer, photographer and content creator.
I encourage you to explore my portfolio to get a better idea of the work I create. If you are interested in working with me or have inquiries of any kind, don’t hesitate to reach out over email.
