3.2.2 Tech, Com, Media Flashcards
Alienation
Technology can remove people from outdoor environments, making them feel uncomfortable in the outdoors = no interactions = poor perceptions.
Many people are far happier and at home in front of computers than in the outdoors.
Increased urbanisation = habitat loss.
Increased use of electricity = burning coal + CO2 emissions.
Less people travelling/using outdoor environments = less impacts and need for infrastructure.
Tech is easier
The primary goal of new technology is to make participation in outdoor activities/sports easier
Tech is success
Encourages people to become involved in activities as they have some measure of success.
Success makes people want to get involved, however some argue and can decrease the wilderness experience (eg chair lifts) and the thrill of participation.
Can cause problems (eg overuse, erosion, infrastructure) but can be great at developing relationships through interactions.
Tech cost
Technology must be affordable, or at least within the reach of many people if possible.
Tech participation
Safer participation – participants have a sense of security.
Greater participation – more venues, wider range of abilities.
Tech access
Increased access - Due to motor cars, roads, transport, internet websites for checking conditions, bookings, buying equipment etc…
Tech benefits
People having fun = developing positive relationships = conserving outdoor environments. Education. People learn about the natural environment and how best to preserve it. Recreation opportunities Wilderness therapy Psychological values Scientific research National identity Inspiration and creativity
Tech negative impacts
Technology isn’t always great, in fact it can have some very negative impacts upon the natural environment. People = destruction People = infrastructure People = habitat loss People = waste products
Popularity of activities
Can have a devastating affect upon the natural environment. Governments/local councils/commercial operators often see only the money that can be made and wilderness area’s are often destroyed completely.
Commercialisation
Commercial activities refer to any activities that take place within the outdoors, which have the sole purpose of generating money/income.
Early settlers
The impacts of the early settlers commercial activities was devastating. Mining, whaling, logging and agriculture all had a terrible impact upon the environment.
Early settlers were also not subject to strict government regulations, so they could literally do whatever they pleased.
Contemporary Australians
Whilst many Australians still have a predominantly ‘worthship’ relationship with the environment and view it as a resource for commercial gain, then penny is slowly starting to drop. Commercial operators play a huge part in changes the perceptions, hence the relationships with outdoor environments.
Positives of commercialisations
Commercialisation has many positive affects upon the outdoor environments.
Q. List and describe three positive impacts that commercial operators have upon the environment.
Change perceptions of environments. Realise the importance of them.
Perceptions change, therefore relationships change towards ‘kinship’ (hopefully).
Generally ‘safer’ as guides are trained and accredited and familiar with the conditions.
Have a concern for the environment. They too have developed a relationship with it and rely on it to make a living.
Tour leaders/commercial operators can educate people on how to care for the environment with minimal impact.
Ensure some level of success through ‘structured’ training programs so all participants achieve something.
Cheaper than having to purchase all of the gear yourself.
Negatives of commercialisation
‘Dodgy’ operators who don’t follow codes of conduct or regulations (e.g too many students in a group.)
A negative experience for students. Near drowning, too tough a challenge or an abusive teacher (Prinsy)
Infrastructure required as popularity of activities increases.
Media
Social media and the media itself, play a huge and ever increasing part in our everyday lives.
The media has a huge influence on our perceptions towards outdoor environments and how we form relationships.
Often view/portray the environment as a gym, adversary or playground.
Primarily recreation/leisure activities.
Increased impacts due to increased numbers.
Potentially increased awareness and development of relationships.
