Should We Let Technology Take Over?

Digital technology has always fascinated me, especially the speed with which it has changed and improved, in my lifetime. "Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry" (Anon, Online). I loved the convenience of it as a child and the aesthetics as a teen as … "the skin of devices such as toasters and vacuums became smooth and shiny" (Gray, 1995 p. 398). I remember playing paint and educational CD-ROMs on the family desktop computer seeing the transition of portable technology from floppy disc to memory sticks. My mum has always told me that she had to pay £1000 to have a mobile phone for a month when she was pregnant with me. With improvement and demand, I pay £20 a month for not only calls and texts but also unlimited internet access. However, in the recent years, I have been worried that technology is too accessible and is taking over our lives. For example, my great cousin got an iPad for Christmas and she is 4. "A significant number of young people are spending an increasing proportion of their waking hours playing computer-based games…" (Gray, 1995, p 403). Not many people have just one family computer or television anymore. Therefore, in this article, by researching and comparing films I would like to consider whether or not this is a problem. As when the first film L'arrivée d'un train en gare de La Ciotat (The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station) was projected the audience literally ran out of their seats because they were scared that the train on screen would kill them.

Hence, in the first chapter, one of the case studies I will be analysing is Her (2013) directed by Spike Jonze because it explores the social advantages technology has because it arguably improves out communication skills. I will compare this with The Matrix (1999) directed by The Wachowski Brothers because this film conveys the political problems with media as television, radio, and film are made with technology. These two films also delve into the topic of simulating; “to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive: imitate” (online). In the next chapter, I will write about the film Iron Man 2 (2010) directed by Jon Favreau so that I can discuss the positives of cyborgs. I will juxtapose this with the negatives of cyborgs by analysing Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) directed by James Cameron. Lastly, in chapter three I will consider the advantages of environmental technology in Wall-e (2008) directed by Andrew Stanton. I will compare the environmental issues within Blade Runner (1982) directed by Ridley Scott as well as more on the disadvantages of an automaton. This is "mechanical figures or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own motive power; robot” (online). The main books I will be using are The Cyborg Experiments by Joanna Zylinska, The Cyborg Handbook by Chris Gray and Digital Experiments by Steven Dixon because they all discuss technology and whether it is a blessing or a curse. I will also be using a wide range of online news articles because it is a very contemporary topic thus there is a great deal of information in cyberspace on my computer and phone.

Chapter 1: Sex, Simulations and Too Much Information

Her is about a man, Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), who has just gone through a divorce and downloads a new computer update onto his phone. Little does he know the update is a simulation of a person Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) who he eventually develops an online relationship with. The message of the film is that audiences do not need validation or acceptance when it comes to what technology they use and how much they use it. As long as they are not hurting anyone, viewers should use technology for whatever they want and as much as they like because life is too short. This is conveyed though Theodor’s ex-wife Catherine (Rooney Mara) who conveys a stigma towards the simulation and finding love online. Nonetheless, Amy (Amy Adams) also falls in love with a male version of the simulation but eventually, the simulations learn and grow too quickly and cannot stay to entertain the people. When the software leaves for cyberspace, Theodor and Amy reunite but it is ambiguous as to whether or not their relationship goes to the next level or whether their friendship is just strengthened due to going through a break up together. Thus, the chapter will explore the positives sex bots, porn accessibility, social networking, dating websites, and television. Whereas, The Matrix pictures a dystopian future where reality is actually a computer simulation named "The Matrix". The machines, use human as their energy supply. Computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) learns this and is found by a group of rebellions. The main characters in this group are Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Cypher (Joe Pantoliano). These characters ask Neo if he would like to join them to free the rest of the human race from the machines because they believe he is the one. Therefore, this chapter will explain the negatives of the internet.

Firstly, Her is set in a utopian future which is conveyed throughout the film with the use of the colour; soft red. This is unconventional for a science fiction as it not only alludes to the romantic themes of the plot but also conveys positivity towards technology. Lewis Micheal Criswell explains that Theodore "doesn't fit in" due to "the contrast of his brightly coloured attire which makes him stand out against the muted hues of his surrounding.” (online) Again, this reinforces the originality of the colour because traditionally in futuristic films the colours are usually neon or dark like in Blade Runner and The Matrix which will be explored later. Even though technology can be very helpful and productive to many people across the globe not many films present this concept. It will later be explored why this happens. Nevertheless, in Her, Theodore Twombly finds great solace in the new technological advancement because he has just gone through a divorce and desperately needs someone or something to help him move on which Samantha ends up being. Criswell continues "The dominant theme of Her is loneliness something that our main character is all too familiar with" (Online). This opens up a discussion on the theory of being (ontology); (which will continue in chapter 3 on Blade Runner) "What makes a human, human?”(Gray, 1995, p 2), as Samantha simulates human emotion with her voice but is not physically real. As she is a simulation of a person portrayed as a voice in the film. She helps one understand our society more; the blur between digital and the physical world. Moreover, the definition of humane is: having and showing compassion, which Samantha does throughout the film. For example, when she sends an email of Theodore’s the best letters, written for others, into a book which a publisher accepts. Therefore, if she is like a human in every way except having a body and it makes people happy then it should be allowed.

At the beginning of the film, there is a stigma around the characters' relationship. Similar to the current stigma around online dating. A survey made last year was explained by Bibi Deitz; people are warming to the idea of online dating “In 2005, only 44 percent thought online dating was a good way to find someone… (2016, Online).” In 2016 the same question was asked and the result increased dramatically to "59 percent" (Deitz, 2016, Online). As Samantha and Theodore have shown, a computer software can help people learn more about one's self. For example, Theodore learnt that he could not have sexual intercourse with someone in place of Samantha when Samantha chose someone for him online. The internet can help you meet new people on dating sites, such as new app called Happn where you can message anyone that also has the app, who you cross paths with at work or on the street. This technology makes it even easier to find a soul mate, making people feel less alone like Theodore. Furthermore, people can contact anyone anytime, making long distance relationships even easier. In fact, Samantha and Theodore's relationship could symbolise a long distance relationship through phone sex and sole digital communication as this is the only way lovers that live far away from each other can feel close.

People will not only be able to feel close to someone or a simulation of someone; a sex bot. As Christopher Trout states “For $20 a year, users can create a limited number of personalised avatars with customizable voices, moods and personality traits. Like Scarlett Johansson's Samantha in Her, McMullen sees Harmony as a sort of girlfriend in your smartphone; a companion to keep you company throughout the day” (2017, online). This will also make people feel less lonely and it could arguably decrease rape, sexual harassment or paedophilia statistics because people will perform their fantasies on the dolls instead of people like Theodore.

Furthermore, it could be argued that social media communicates one's self "extensions of the human senses, patterns of consciousness could be mapped through transformations and redeployment of the human senses in the form of new media" (Dixon, 2007 p. 262). This means that even though people only represent themselves positively on sites such as Facebook they can express themselves freely. Moreover, if one likes a page that is about a film, a Facebook friend will see this and be able to use this as a conversation subject when they next see them in person. This can create communities of people with the same interests such as people that enjoy similar YouTubers. This is like how Amy (Amy Adams) and Theodore understand each other more because they have both have a relationship with the computer software.

By the end of the film, it is shown that the technology actually helps Theodore learn how to love which conveys another positive of technology. One can learn any topic that they wish on web 2.0 because there are so many videos, ebooks, and articles on the internet. As Mitchel Broussard states, "In total, there are 400 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, which equates to 65 years of video every day" (2017, online). Furthermore, there are large amounts content on the internet. One can learn how to play an instrument, learn a new language, and learn about historical events. There are even niche topics that are so specific that people can find with just a touch of a few buttons. For example, the best cleaning products are found on a YouTube channel for that called "clean my space." The best cat toys are found on Anna Akana's YouTube channel and in-depth analysis of television episodes are on Harry's Moving Castle YouTube videos. This conveys the positives of technology e.g. being able to read and research about a variety of topics such as technology. There are even online courses such as Future Learn or Open University. Theodore also learns how to not care about what others think of him in the film.

Moreover, there is a metaphor in The Matrix; every time the characters are plugged into the computer simulation through their neck, it is like when one goes online to learn a topic such as kung fu while playing. It could be argued that the more information there is on the internet the less use it has, for example, games like Grand Theft Auto. Although like many games, Neo learns a lot faster because he is in a digital world, if one was to learn a topic in a game it would be quicker but one may not necessarily be able to master the topic in the physical world. Similar to Neo, as he can only put his skills to use while in the simulation or in the Matrix. As Baudrillard argues "We live in a world where there is more and more information and less and less meaning" (1981 p. 436). It could be argued that there is so much information in cyberspace now that it is becoming more difficult for people to make decisions, especially when it comes down to politics. As "Pesce (1992) reminds us, the relationship between humans and information has changed profoundly during the late twentieth century; increased accessibility and an explosion in the quantity and quality of information made available to individuals… threaten to sweep away notions of identity and choice" (Gray, 1995, p. 436). This can be seen through fake news as people, will find information out and before making sure it is true they will blog about it and then share it on social media. Whereas before "… Government control of the media has always been considered as placing restrictions on freedom" (Dedelow, 2009 p. 218) there is more freedom of speech now. Also, the news networks are trying to shock viewers more and more so they keep watching "what arises at this point in representation is a crisis in the sign, it's non-signification that would be spun out to post-modern arbitrariness, even meaningless, its fairness to refer to the real" (Zylinska, 2002, p209). The purpose of the news has become to entertain instead of spreading accurate information. In the film even though everything in the physical world is not as good as in the matrix, the people in the physical world except Cypher, who prefers the "real" world. (I say "real" inverted commas because who says that one's online presence is not real?) Some like Cypher do prefer style over substance when it comes to entertainment like in the Matrix itself but not when it comes to being informed. No matter how many articles one reads on worldly troubles, one does not know if it is completely true, as many media companies have their own agenda.

Similarly, news and reality television are not true as producers and editors shorten a 24-hour shoot to 1 hour, by picking the most interesting bits and mediate them to be more interesting using Premier Pro. "The documentary realism currently in vogue with fly on the wall documentaries such as Big Brother might appear to display subjects ‘true lives' however, in their continuation of the documentary tradition such works are in fact highly superficial" (Zylinska, 2002. p. 208). Directors make television and film aesthetically pleasing, for example in The Matrix the characters wear black leather inside the computer simulation. This is one way the physical and digital world is differentiated. Therefore, this film uses both style and substance to point out that other media do not always have substance.

Another problem with technology is it can make people indolent and unproductive. As Dixon states, "watching television is often a waste of precious time and evasion of real human communication" (Dixon, 2007, p. 108). The Matrix conveys this because it implies that we are constantly consuming media through advertising and our main source of this is through television. This topic is summarised by the film The End of The Tour directed by James Ponsoldt, while the characters discuss pornography:

David Foster Wallace: [laughs] …You're having a fantasy relationship with somebody who is not real... strictly to stimulate a neurological response. So as the Internet grows in the next 10-15 years... and virtual reality pornography becomes a reality, we're gonna have to develop some real machinery inside our guts... to turn off pure, unalloyed pleasure. Or, I don't know about you, I'm gonna have to leave the planet. 'Cause the technology is just gonna get better and better. And it's gonna get easier and easier... and more and more convenient and more and more pleasurable... to sit alone with images on a screen... given to us by people who do not love us but want our money. And that's fine in low doses, but if it's the basic main staple of your diet, you're gonna die. (Ponsoldt, 2015)

The character David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel) explains the reason why there is an evasion of physical communication even though we may be communicating digitally. After all, television is one of the ways creators convey their ideas to a wide audience. Wallace and The Matrix are stating that we need Lior Frenkel's digital diet as he states "the overuse of screens can damage the frontal lobe of one's brain which controls one's planning and prioritising skills. A different part affected is the insular which aids one's empathy skills" (2014, online). These negative effects on the body are making people become more inclined to moderate their technological use. As people are even becoming addicted to television. Pornography addiction is becoming more and more common as Gavin McInnes states in a video called "Millennials Aren't Interested in Having Sex," "pornography is bad for your brain, it releases endorphins” because the person watching it feels like they are have sexual intercourse (online, 2016). This means that people are having less sex because it feels like they are having sex while watching pornography. McInnes explains that it also takes less time to masturbate to pornography (or Samantha's voice in Her) than trying to create a connection and relationship with a physical person.

Furthermore, The Matrix conveys the negatives of technology as the machines literally take control of the humans for their own gain. This symbolises our reliance on technology as we become addicted to using our phones. As Meena Hart Duerson states, "84 percent of people surveyed in a new TIME Mobility Poll said they couldn't go a single day without their mobile device in hand”(2012, online). Technology may help us be more productive at work it can be unproductive for one's social life. There are many games, such as Candy Crush, Smash Hit, and Adrenaline Pool Lite. Even though many computer games improves ones’ problem-solving skills and gives one a topic to talk about many lose track of time when playing these games and the device ends up controlling the player. Susanna Halonen explains why one gets into the habit of being on their device. An article called "Changing habits to succeed," explains Charles Duhigg's theory of habits. This includes a cue such as a feeling of boredom or obtaining a notification, a routine where you go on your phone if one is bored or has a notification and a reward where a chemical called oxytocin is released in the brain when you have won the game or replied to the message from the notification. (MacDonald, 2017, Online) It is exactly the same with social media, the reward is getting a reply to a comment or like. As Scott Simon stated, "YouTube is now poised to surge above the 1.25 billion hours of television that Americans watch every day" (2017, online). This means that audiences are now watching more content made by independent producers than television producers. "Technology escapes the control of its inventors to produce unseen and unforeseeable changes and possibilities, and thus the future…" (J, Zylinska, 2002, p. 139) This conveys people's reliance on technology as it is actually painful to stop using it. The Matrix expresses this through facial expression every time a character is unplugged in they gasp and squeeze their eyes showing their pain literally instead of metaphorically. Steve Dixon goes further by explaining "we are media itself" (Dixon, 2007, p. 153-4). As people are now promoting products for the companies on social media. Therefore, people feel like they cannot "unplug" from web 2.0 as people can now be employed by YouTube when they obtain a big enough audience.

Moreover, we could be the media more than we know. “Several physicists, cosmologists and technologists are now happy to entertain the idea that we are all living inside a gigantic computer simulation, experiencing a Matrix-style virtual world that we mistakenly think is real.” Therefore, if the world as we know it is a simulation but it is real to us, arguably technology is the most important thing to us if it is the only way we can survive. If there was no oxygen in the world that created the simulation we live in, then we would die if we came out of this world. Even if we somehow, came out of this simulation and into the "real" world there would be no way of being absolutely certain that it was the "real” world.

Therefore, following the popular belief that we are not in a computer simulation people are using social media so that they feel heard. As Bo Burnam states, "Social media is just an answer to a generation that demanded to perform, so the market said here perform everything, to each other, all the time, for no reason… if you can live your life without an audience you should do it" (online, 2016). This is because while people feel heard in the digital world, others in the physical may not. For example, when one uses their smartphone at a dinner table, it is seen to be rude to most people because they feel ignored or uninteresting. However, "When parents were asked, 'What specifically concerns you when your child accesses the internet on a smartphone or tablet?' with 61 percent more generally concerned about their sons and daughters spending too much time on their gadgets" (Anon, 2015, online). This is similar to The Matrix because when everyone is in the Matrix they like they are truly connecting but they are not even trying to communicate in the physical world. In "the desert of the real" they are in pods and the machines are dissecting heat and energy from the bodies.

There is also a danger of social media currently because people do not know who they are communicating with for certain. People are not always honest about their age or what they look like, as they can obtain an image from online and pose as that person. Another topic that concerns parents is …"security” (Anon, 2015, online) as “81 percent cited their child visiting inappropriate web pages and 71 per cent about their kids giving their personal details to strangers” (Anon, 2015, online). It could be argued that paedophilia has been made easier, due to technology, as sexual predators can access children anytime and place as long as their parents are not watching. This has coined a contemporary term; catfish: someone that poses as someone they are not on the internet. This then relates back to The Matrix and the idea of truth then it loses its meaning or creates a new one. Plus, at the very beginning of the film Neo does not know who tells him to follow the white rabbit on his computer.

In addition, another social disadvantage of technology is cyber bullying which is increasing mental health issues. In an article called "Depression rates for teen girls spikes in an age of cyberbullying," it states "Among girls, the prevalence of major depressive episodes over a 12-month period rose from about 13 percent in 2005 to about 17 percent in 2014, according to the study” (Gallucci, online, 2016). It could be argued that depression is increasing faster for girls because they are typically more violent emotionally than physically. As Trace Dominguez states "females have evolved to use a lower risk raving aggression, by forming exclusionary social groups… and generally being mean to females that they see as a sexual threat” (2012, online). Moreover, social media blurs the private/public binary as young people feel safe in their own home but are constantly in a public digital world and can be attacked verbally or "passive aggressively online" at any time. This increases people's anxiety because they were off guard when people were not around and thus not expecting abuse which makes cyberbullying worse as young people feel like they are missing out if they are not on these sites. Thus, like the characters in The Matrix, as people feel like they cannot disconnect.

Therefore, people's reliance on technology is getting out of hand as David Foster Wallace suggests that people may need technology to prevent us from using technology in the future. There is already an app called Breakfree which has tools to stop one using their phone and monitors how much one uses it as well as parental lock. This reinforces the idea in Her that technology can be useful in some ways as Samantha or a child-friendly version of the computer software could make friends with a child to help them also tackle loneliness. As it becomes easier for people to be on their own, this will become more necessary. "technology is applied science, in instrument of knowledge. The inverse of this conception, now commonly heard, is that the instrument has taken control of its maker" (Zylinska, 2002, p. 134). This is due to addiction and the media controlling people's beliefs. Television may be a great source of entertainment but every film, advert, and series contain many political messages."(Tele)vision"- a vision whose ultimate present-day expression is to be found in the texture and flow of electrical images" (Gray, 1995, p 264). Similar to the Matrix itself, television documents an exaggerated representation of life in a historical or contemporary context. Even though it may offer a distraction for some people it arguably helps people become more creative. Equivalent to how games can increase problem-solving skills. Nevertheless, "in a world whose mode of operation is governed by technology," (Gray, 1995, p 264) people need to learn to moderate their technology usage and use it in the correct way more often. As the next chapter will discuss how medicine can help people in Iron Man 2 and how the science of time and cyborgs may affect people in the future. After all, it could be argued that because Neo took the blue pill the Matrix was nothing but a medical hallucination.