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DEREK POWAZEK

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Articles Posted: 11  Links Seeded: 3
Member Since: 2/2006  Last Seen: 11/05/2007

Abdicatechnology

Mon May 8, 2006 1:54 PM EDT
By Derek Powazek
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I've been thinking about something lately. What do you call it when you voluntarily give up control of some piece of your life, because technology makes it easier? For example:

  • Automatic transmission cars. Give up a little control, gain a little less to worry about.
  • Email filters. Save me from spam, even if it's not always perfect.
  • TiVo. Perfect example. Just tape stuff you think I'll like, ok?

There are more examples every day. In a way, the march of technology is all about the speed at which it takes over the little things we used to do ourselves. Personally, I remember having to take my own messages, have computers and phones tied to land lines, and look up information in card catalogs. I wonder what things I do now that someday some new technology will do for me?

What do you think the phenomenon should be called?

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FDBryant3

Personally I look forward to the day when technology can drive for me.

  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Mon May 8, 2006 6:39 PM EDT
eyequeue

Auto-pilots on our (long-awaited) flying cars.

  • 2 votes
#1.1 - Mon May 8, 2006 9:03 PM EDT
Reply
Dr Juice

I've noticed I can't remember phone numbers to save my life anymore thanks to cell phones.

  • 1 vote
Reply#2 - Mon May 8, 2006 8:08 PM EDT
Howard NobleRestored

How about typing in your response to some event in a blog or newsvine rather than going out into the world and getting involved in a way that might change things.

    Reply#3 - Tue May 9, 2006 7:46 AM EDT
    FDBryant3

    Well don't see why you can't do both. Although concepts like the virtual march are bit silly in my opinion.

    Now I do think games like Second Life are going to become more prevalent and provide a forum for attending meetings, concerts, school, lectures, and what have you.

    • 1 vote
    #3.1 - Tue May 9, 2006 1:51 PM EDT
    Reply
    Derek Powazek

    More examples:

    • Transitions Lenses: Glasses that auto-darken in sunlight.
    • Car Stereos that automatically adjust the volume of whatever you're listening to in response to engine noise.
    • iTunes can auto-fill an iPod with a special selection of tunes, based on some unknown algorithm.
      Reply#4 - Sat May 20, 2006 3:48 PM EDT
      gothDeleted
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