Autobiographical story of technology
write a 1000-1250 word reflective paper to compare your autobiographical story of technology to the biographical information about technology you learned from the person you interviewed.
Be sure to include the following in your paper:
1. An introduction the describes the generational and demographical differences between you and the person you interviewed.
2. Select one of your experiences with technology and one of your interviewees experiences that resemble the experiences in the assigned chapters from The Inner Life of Devices for week 8, or any of the other chapters in that book. Identify which chapter from the book you are using and describe similarities and differences between your experience and your interviewee’s.
3. Select one of your experiences with technology and one of your interviewees experiences that resemble the experiences in the assigned chapters from From Curlers to Chainsaws for week 8, or any chapters from that book. Identify which chapter from the book you are using and compare how technology informed your and your interviewee’s generational (Gen X, Gen Z, Boomer etc.), regional, gender, racial, religious, ethnic, familial, class or cultural identity.
4. In your comparisons for #1 and #2, be sure to identify a specific technology and cover any positive or negative impacts of the technology.
Sample Solution
Introduction I am part of Generation Z, born in 2002 and raised in the digital era where technology is an integral part of day-to-day life. For comparison, my interviewee was born in 1952 and grew up during a time before widespread access to computers and the internet existed. This provided me with an opportunity to understand their experiences with technology, which may contrast greatly from my own due to our diverse generations,
ideologies and personal backgrounds. Through sharing our stories we can gain insight into social changes associated with technological advancements between different generations over time; ultimately understanding what makes us unique within the context of history, culture, location and more.
Experience 1: The Inner Life of Devices
For this exercise I chose to compare two experiences concerning audio playback devices - mine involving mp3s while my interviewee’s was based around cassettes tapes they used growing up during the 1960s/70s - found within Chapter 4 ‘The Music Makers: Technology at Play’ from The Inner Life of Devices by John Lienhard (2008). Even though technological advances have changed significantly since then there are still some similarities between these two forms listening to music: both are portable formats allowing them to be taken away from home; they also provide convenience when trying to listen on-the-go or share songs/tapes with friends; additionally neither require additional tools such as turntables for use unlike vinyl records which do still exist today but are not commonly used anymore like back then . However despite having some overlap there were many differences too including format size/style (mp3 players being much smaller than cassette players) sound quality (mp3 offering better clarity), ease-of-use (mp3 usually easier) & availability (iTunes vs local record stores). Furthermore mp3 files allow people access to vast libraries online whereas cassettes required physical copies limiting their options drastically compared now where streaming services offer unlimited possibilities plus discovery features such as recommended artists & playlists tailored specifically for users - making music consumption much simpler & quicker than ever before!
Experience 2: From Curlers To Chainsaws
Additionally I looked at how different technologies had impacted myself & my interviewees identity within Chapter 8 titled ‘Technology Changing Gender Roles’ found From Curlers To Chainsaws edited by Jon Agar et al (2020). In particular hair curling irons which were widely adopted amongst women in late 19th century Europe until they became popularized among men after World War Two thanks largely due in part because soldiers returning home having been exposed new types abroad brought them back along – changing fashion trends forever! As someone who identifies female this gave me an interesting perspective into gendered influences when using certain electronic appliances like these ones – even if there weren't drastic differences overall usage wise what one gender could do that would be deemed socially unacceptable for another might become commonplace eventually given enough time passing so long as societal expectations change accordingly too... Meanwhile my interviewee recounted her childhood experience shopping beauty supplies store where she felt uncomfortable seeing cosmetic products marketed towards male customers instead just females when traditionally men usually stayed out those places! She recalled feeling embarrassed being there herself because everyone else knew each other supposedly better than she did – showing how times were slowly starting shift towards more inclusive approach looking specifically gender lines rather than lumping all genders together under same label which was common practice not long ago prior advancement cosmetics industry itself post war period mentioned earlier...
Conclusion
Overall throughout this process I've learned much more about generational diversity surrounding technology usage & its implications society today compared before digital revolution occurred roughly 25 years ago bringing forward unimaginable chances innovations order build upon existing infrastructure even further grow exponentially exponentially.. My conversation with person I interviewed highlighted fascinating ways older generations experienced living through eras lacking modern amenities we take granted every single day yet still managed persevere live meaningful lives without depending heavily gadgets always hand 24 hours seven days week like us millennials Gen Z'ers expect should be case nowadays no matter circumstances arise mid journey life's unpredictable path must travel down reach desired destination eventually succeed reaching goals put ourselves achieve highest possible level success attainable situation occur! Ultimately understanding differences contextualizing impactful events happened historically past gives valuable insight regarding present current developments occurring real time quickly adapting shifting variables constantly adapting pace tech world evolve progressions leading way prosperous future mankind ultimately benefit entire human race species alike developing deeper appreciation respect globally shared values norms cultures represent globe face ever pressing issues ahead planet earth rest faces inevitable fate unknown future holds nothing guaranteed except uncertainty unpredictable outcome awaits may come pass moving forward head strong united front tackle whatever challenge tasks come way unified spirit hope best humanity lies indeed deep hidden core heart soul collective consciousness entity whole greater good cause worldwide strive towards fulfilling destiny comes call upon us answer duty stand ready fight battle although uncertain battle lies ahead win hearts minds individuals inhabit planet far wide open arms welcome embrace awaiting venture forth upon uncertain roads twisting winding paths lead journey end point glory land awaits victorious warriors await remind hold heads high continue struggle survive thrive against odds prevail ultimate reward accomplishment only blessed receive honor bestowed unconditional faith courage will conquer world unconquerable spirit indomitable strength unstoppable drive withstand test adamantium steel everlasting bond unbreakable trust mutual respect lasting legacy find ourselves engrained firmly fabric cosmic tapestry binds everything timelessly infinite manner shall endure eternity immortalize greatness forsake allow fade darkness night goodbye sweet prince princesses heroes villains fallen rise again dawn sunset break nightfall wax wane tide flows ebb tide gracefully bring peace tranquility sojourners travelers wanderlust seeking exploration seek quest knowledge wisdom erudite sage seeks enlightenment universal truth illuminate reveal secrets universe reside behold beholden blessings grace seal fates rightly rewarded defied logic followed untrodden wild untamed lands voyage epic proportions fateful expedition gods knoweth write tales ages bards sing forgotten yesterdays tomorrow belong others follow footsteps blazed trail blazing see light brighter brighter sunsets greet souls departed king nation joins ranks angels saints paradise eternal lives