Every day I grapple with my phone, or, better said, because of it. I grapple over notifications, social media, to-do lists, music, emails, photos, etc. I grapple and the data proves that I can spend nearly half of my conscious day grappling because of it. I’m grappling with attention span and anxiety. I’m compromising physical interactions and reducing physical sensations. Because of my phone, I grapple with myself. That in itself is a struggle. While my self-grappling is not entirely due to my phone usage, it certainly plays a role in the deterioration of what I’ve always needed to protect and enjoy: my brilliant brain and this beautiful life, respectively. But, I’m learning to step back and grapple less… one notification at time.
- WHAT is the name of the technology? My phone- iPhone XS Max
- WHICH use sector category does this technology fall into: Medical, Work, School, Home, Social, Public/City, Political, etc.? Social/Personal?
- WHAT is a 1-2 sentence description of the technology? Basically a computer in a phone. Phone calls, internet, photos, documenting, etc is possible on this device.
- WHY was the technology created? Microsoft thought they were going to rule the world with tablets and pens but Steve Jobs wanted to compress this into a device that can fit into your pocket.
- WHO makes the technology? Name companies, research groups, individuals, etc. Apple, Samsung, Google, Etc… (smartphones in general)
- WHO is the audience for the technology? Anybody that can afford it.
- WHEN was/is the technology made? Briefly describe the historical timeline for this technology. First iPhone was 2007. New iPhone model every year to present day.
- WHERE is the technology made? Assembly takes place in China.
- WHERE is the technology used? Basically everywhere, by anyone.
- HOW is the technology used and/or made? You can use technical terminology if appropriate. You can also include links to technical documentation (e.g. datasheets) if appropriate. Used through phone calls, apps, control of home security, social media… the list goes on.
- DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: Do you observe any issues of bias, or any other issues named in our class Keywords doc, that pertain to this technology? The iPhone (or smartphones in general) definitely play a role in the way we 1). spend our idle moments / deal with our idle thoughts (coping, mindless/time consuming scrolling, etc) and 2). the way we view our own life compared to others (can brood insecurity).
Diversity+Tech 