Technology and Effects

Question 1

What is technology in relation to OE?

Answer 1

Most often we think of technology as being items such
as: Smartphones, GPS, Radio, EPIRB, etc.
However, technology can also relate to: improved fabrics
(clothing), lighter and safer climbing gear, new stronger
and lighter surfboards, etc…

Question 2

Positive effects of technology in OE

Answer 2

New technologies give unskilled participants the chance to partake in
Outdoor Experiences - with more confidence and awareness of the
unknown.
Due to all the new safety and emergency devices that people carry
they then feel safer and have a greater sense of security. Most likely
making their experience more positive and less stressful.
Synthetic fibres for instance are water repellent, quick drying,
durable, light weight and breathable - meaning people can spend
longer in the outdoors with less clothing and equipment, and they
can endure more extreme conditions all year round and feel more
comfortable.

Question 3

Negative affects of technology in OE

Answer 3

Technology is leading to the deskilling of
knowledgeable outdoor enthusiasts/adventurers.
Are people already beginning to rely too heavily on
technology? If so why is this a bad thing?
Why do adventurers need to develop their skills - when
technology can now answer the questions for them?
Also, does the use of technology make us disconnect
from the natural world?

Question 4

Examples

Answer 4

Navigation for example: in the past a bushwalker would
have had to solely rely on their map/compass skills to a
degree. In gaining knowledge about an area they would
have most likely had to speak to locals or people that
had previously visited the area.
Today bushwalkers have a range of handheld
navigational devices such as maps, guidebooks, hand
held GPS devices, emergency service devices, Satellite
phones, smart phones etc