The term “cyborgs” highlights our immersion in digital media and software-driven equipment, appliances, and applications in our everyday lives. But, the fact that this is such a familiar environment means that we tend take much of it for granted. Therefore, as social scientists, we need to develop concepts and methods (or “probes”) with which to analyze these digital media and applications in order to understand both their positive and negative effects. That is, we need ways of examining what is hidden behind those screens with which we interface and consider how this digital technology is organized and controlled, and by whom. We need to examine the hidden role of software, algorithms, and sensors that control the many devices in our everyday lives although hidden for us-as-users. Thus, despite the prevailing hype surrounding these devices, we need to take a critical look at the many positive and especially the negatives effects of this technology for both our daily lives as well as the wider society.
- Teacher: Peter Weeks