Journal 3

I had a much harder time understanding Borgman because of his analogies and metaphors that he used to express his point. Many just seemed irrelevant to any topics discussed in the classroom and some were just stretched out too far. What I got from the reading was the part concerning how we as humans use three types of information; natural, cultural, and technological (which we also discussed in lecture). Like Dreyfus, Borgman assumes the role as the pessimist who feels that technology is “replacing” former aspects of our lives and environment. He assumes that we will lose touch with nature and culture, and instead focus all available attention to the technological. Borgman calls for a balance, which I like because it’s less pessimistic, but it’s not quite as necessary as he makes it out to be. Natural and cultural information are important and although they are sometimes looked over for the easily accessible technological information, it does not mean that they are fading away completely. Information can be affectively acquired by means of technology, but not as far in depth as cultural or natural information can provide for us. Basically, if you desire that greater understanding of it, you will seek it. We have free will and more control than Borgman would want you to think. So, “where can one go to experience pure silence, without the roar of technological information?” Not far really; probably your own house. Most technological devices have an off switch, you know? If you really don’t want to receive any calls, emails, watch TV, listen to music, or be bothered by any other “roaring” and intrusive technologies, I suggest you stay home and turn everything off. Technology’s all around us, but usually the most intrusive ones that directly affect your personal space and privacy (phones, computers, TV’s, Mp3 players) can be avoided with some will-power. Who’s to say what’s real and what’s not anyway? Technology is real just like nature and culture. It’s just grows more complex and flexible over time to the point where some inevitably develop pessimistic a point of view like Borgman’s here.