L2 - Technological Mediation

Question 1

Explain what instrumentalism about technology says. What is a possible problem with this approach?

Answer 1

Instrumentalism is one of three main philosophies of technology that describes the relationship between technology and society. The instrumentalist says humans create technological artefacts as neutral instruments to reach a certain goal. So technology serves as a major instrument to reach society’s goals. An example of instrumentalism is a hammer or computer
Problems;
* overlooking the reciprocal influence between technology and society
* ignoring broader social contexts
* underestimating biases in technological design
* neglecting power dynamics
* potentially disregarding environmental impacts.

Question 2

Explain what determinism about technology says. What is a possible problem with this approach?

Answer 2

Determinism is one of three main philosophies of technology that describes the relationship between technology and society. The determinist stands says that technological developments determine culture, economic and social practices. So technology determines society, a loss of control. It is a more pessimistic view of technology. An example of determinism is Google Maps or a calculator from Thamuses view.
Problems:
* oversimplification
* neglect of human agency
* overlooking cultural diversity
* potential biases in technological impact
* underestimating social innovations
* overlooking the dynamic nature of technology
* insufficient consideration of ethical implications.

Question 3

What does the mediation theory of technology claim?

Answer 3

The mediation theory is a philosophy of technology that takes place between instrumentalism and determinism. This theory supports the view that states that society and technology influence each other. Technologies are not just neutral tools that we can use to reach certain goals, but they also shape these goals. An example of that is a tomato harvester, a machine shaped to the composition of the tomato. Tools/technologies are connections between humans & reality. The main focus of mediation theory is the “ready-to-hand” tool. The tool is not the main focus but more an extension of ourselves. It co-shapes how we are present in the world, as we experience the world through the artefact.

Question 4

Explain what “technological intentionality” is and give one example of a digital artifact’s intentionality.

Answer 4

Technological intentionality describes how technological artefacts direct and organize our experience. They amplify and reduce some aspects of reality. Refers to the specific purpose and design inherent in technology. One example of a digital artefact’s intentionality is social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which are designed to connect people and foster social interactions. However, they also have unintended consequences such as filter bubbles and addictive behaviour, shaping how people communicate and perceive the world. Microscope amplifies our view of nature by allowing us to see smaller cells

Question 5

Explain what Latour means by “script” and give one example of a digital artifact’s script.

Answer 5

Technologies prescribing actions through scripts. A “script” refers to a predefined set of instructions, expected behaviours, interactions, and relationships among actors within a specific context. Some invitations and inhibitions are unintentional consequences of materiality, making technologies not neutral.
An example of a digital artefact’s script can be seen in online payment systems like PayPal. When a user initiates a payment, the script dictates the sequence of actions, such as verifying user credentials, encrypting the transaction details, processing the payment, and sending confirmation notifications. These predefined instructions ensure secure and efficient electronic transactions, guiding the interactions between users, their devices, and the payment platform within the digital network

Question 6

Explain what “multistability” is and give one example of a multistable digital technology/artefact.

Answer 6

Technological artefacts are multistable. They do not have a meaning or essence of their own. They only become what they are in use meaning they can have multiple interpretations or functions. One example of multistability is an e-book reader like Amazon Kindle, which can serve as both a traditional book replacement and a multimedia device, offering diverse user experiences.

Question 7

“Designers can determine the intentionality & script of the technologies they design, and can thus always determine how their products will be used.”
Is this true according to mediation theory? Explain why (not).

Answer 7

In mediation theory, technologies have their influence and agency, shaping human behaviour and society. Designers cannot fully control how their products will be used because technologies interact with diverse social, cultural, and contextual factors. Users reinterpret and repurpose technologies based on their needs and beliefs, leading to unpredictable outcomes. Additionally, technologies can have unintended consequences, impacting their social and ethical implications. Therefore, designers cannot always determine the complete trajectory of their products in the complex and evolving landscape of human interaction with technology.

Question 8

Explain and illustrate the four basic relations between people and artefacts posited in mediation theory.

Answer 8

1. Embodiment relation
   We extend our bodies through technological artefacts, which means technology becomes incorporated. We do not experience an artefact but rather experience reality through an artefact, which makes it transparent meaning technology is ready-to-hand
2. Hermeneutic relation
   Technologies give a representation of reality, meaning these technologies are used to interpret reality. We interpret these technologies to understand the world better. They amplify and reduce aspects of reality.
3. Alterity relation
   Technology appears to us as “the other: as a non-human subject and we interact with these technologies. They do not mediate our relation with the world as such, as our attention is focused on the technology itself.
4. Background relation
   Technologies sometimes only play a role in the background of our experiences and thus shape the context of our experiences. We do not experience the technologies themselves (unless they malfunction!) but we only experience the context or situation they create (but not always consciously)

Question 9

In what sense can a smartphone give rise to each of these relations? Give examples.

Answer 9

1. Embodiment Relation:
   Through smartphones, users extend their bodies by incorporating the device into their daily activities. Users do not perceive the smartphone itself but experience reality through it. For instance, using a navigation app on a smartphone becomes an extension of one’s sense of direction and spatial awareness, seamlessly integrating technology into the user’s embodied experience.
2. Hermeneutic Relation:
   Smartphones provide representations of reality through various applications and media. Users interpret these representations to understand the world better. For example, social media platforms on smartphones offer a curated view of people’s lives, and users interpret these representations to gain insights into others’ experiences, opinions, and emotions, thereby shaping their understanding of the social world.
3. Alterity Relation:
   Smartphones often appear as “the other” when users interact with them. Users focus their attention on the smartphone as a non-human subject. For instance, when playing mobile games or using augmented reality apps, users engage directly with the smartphone screen, perceiving the technology itself as a distinct entity with which they interact, creating a sense of alterity.
4. Background Relation:
   Smartphones frequently operate in the background, shaping the context of our experiences without being consciously perceived. For instance, smartphones collect data for various apps in the background, enabling personalized recommendations and services. Users may not be aware of the technology’s active role, but they experience the context created by these background processes, such as receiving location-based recommendations or notifications tailored to their preferences.

Question 10

What are the potential problems of mediation theory?

Answer 10

Problems:
* complexity and ambiguity
* challenges in addressing value neutrality (the extend in which technologies embody biases or values)
* subjectivity in interpretation
* limited predictive power
* overlooking ethical implications.