Theorizing Technology

“Theorizing Technology” explores the relationship between material tools and the mental process, as well as the relationship between material tools and culture. Haas states that by observing the meditation process, individuals can better understand the connection between material technologies and the mental process. She claims that writing tools are physical objects that exist solely from the human activities they are used for. As a culture progresses mentally; this progress is demonstrated through the technologies that culture creates.

Haas describes how altering text technologies can actually alter the cognitive process for the writer. Since different writing technologies require different 'spacial, tactile, visual, and temporal' thinking processes, it is implied that this can alter the authors writing. Print writing and digital writing are compared to prove how some writing technologies require different cognitive functions. It is explained that writing from a computer requires more abstract thought, while print writing offers a more intimate experience for the writers by allowing the to be more physically connected to their materials.

Haas describes that the connection between culture and writing materials is formed when writing materials are used across a specific population, for an extended period of time. She explains this process as a form of the body's memory. Haas makes it clear that a culture does not adopt a material tool based solely on its most appealing features. One of the deciding factors named in the adoption process is language. Haas explains that in Japan many of their engineers avoid using computers because of how the device is catered to Western literacy. For individuals literate in Japanese, these devices are very complicated to use. While the computer's features might be superior to the alternative devices, its westernized characteristics prevent some cultures from adopting the technology. She concludes by stating that technology is birthed by culture and cognitive thought. That these writing materials are the artifacts that define a culture and their level of progress, meaning all three of these components play a crucial role to one another.

Comment: I found her description of the relationship between cognitive abilities and writing materials to be interesting. I enjoyed her description of how different writing materials spur different cognitive functions. I have always been the kind of person that needs to physically write something down in order to truly retain the information being recorded, but I have always been told this was all just a myth. Her description offered a great explanation to why certain people might retain information better based on the writing materials used. I was relieved to know there are legitimate causes as to why some individuals favor certain mediums and that it all wasn't merely a literacy placebo affect.

Question: As technology advances do you believe writing technologies will be more 'culturally specific' or more universal? Also, do you think materiel intimacy can exist through a digitalized medium?