Technology and Anthropology

CoasterMatt · 12-18-2006, 11:28 PM

Are we not men? We are DEVO!!

wendybeth · 12-19-2006, 01:04 AM

I think we are definitely at an evolutionary crossroads with regards to technology and interpersonal relationships. The thing that fascinates me about the whole online experience is how very tenuous the whole thing seems to be- not that much has to happen, either naturally or by design, to knock this whole experiment on it's ass; then it's back to letters and ponies. I plan on enjoying it while it lasts, and adapting if it bites the dust. In the meanwhile, I am grateful for all the wonderful people I've become friends with, and for having a forum to express thoughts and feelings I might not otherwise.

3894 · 12-19-2006, 07:15 AM

In the old-fashioned world of tribal societies, all human relationships are immediate and face-to-face. As societies get larger and more complex, the relationships tend to become less immediate, more distant and the consequences of behaviors are less profound. Obviously.

Anthropologists who have studied small-scale hunting-gathering societies are always struck by the high degree of social control. On the internet, people can choose when, how, and in what manner to communicate with people. I don't have to respond to you; I can move shop to another board; I don't have to deal with anything, really. I'm safe in my home or in my office or wherever. You're not "real" so I don't have to deal with differences.

It's a mixed bag. Electronic devices allow you to be very selective in who you interact with and when. The internet is a shortcut to finding people with similar interests. People need to ask themselves, Am I sacrificing diversity for an increased comfort zone in my interactions? Am I sacrificing variety for more control and personal security?

My own answers to the above are that the internet increases the diversity of people I meet.

12-18-2006, 11:28 PM	#1
CoasterMatt BRAAAAAAAINS! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: One Step Beyond... Posts: 8,802	Are we not men? We are DEVO!! __________________ Do you like my photography? Visit photosbymatt.tumblr.com to purchase prints!
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12-19-2006, 01:04 AM	#2
wendybeth Nevermind Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,847	I think we are definitely at an evolutionary crossroads with regards to technology and interpersonal relationships. The thing that fascinates me about the whole online experience is how very tenuous the whole thing seems to be- not that much has to happen, either naturally or by design, to knock this whole experiment on it's ass; then it's back to letters and ponies. I plan on enjoying it while it lasts, and adapting if it bites the dust. In the meanwhile, I am grateful for all the wonderful people I've become friends with, and for having a forum to express thoughts and feelings I might not otherwise. __________________
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12-19-2006, 07:15 AM	#3
3894 Next Stop: Funkytown! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cheeselandia Posts: 1,907	In the old-fashioned world of tribal societies, all human relationships are immediate and face-to-face. As societies get larger and more complex, the relationships tend to become less immediate, more distant and the consequences of behaviors are less profound. Obviously. Anthropologists who have studied small-scale hunting-gathering societies are always struck by the high degree of social control. On the internet, people can choose when, how, and in what manner to communicate with people. I don't have to respond to you; I can move shop to another board; I don't have to deal with anything, really. I'm safe in my home or in my office or wherever. You're not "real" so I don't have to deal with differences. It's a mixed bag. Electronic devices allow you to be very selective in who you interact with and when. The internet is a shortcut to finding people with similar interests. People need to ask themselves, Am I sacrificing diversity for an increased comfort zone in my interactions? Am I sacrificing variety for more control and personal security? My own answers to the above are that the internet increases the diversity of people I meet.
	Submit to Quotes