I have read one of the chapters of the book, “Media, Modernity, and Technology: The
Geography of the New”. That
chapter is mainly talking about the symbolic function of the technology. Therefore,
in this blog, I would like to focus on discussing the symbolic perspective of
the technology.
Usually, people mainly focus on the rational function of technology,
such as using mobile phone to talk with other, using computer for doing
homework. In the book, author used computer as one of the example to illustrate
that there are symbolic meaning of technology. Computer is a really common nowadays.
However, in the past, computers were still rather new and uncommon. Computers
have been sold domestically as the key technology of access to
knowledge. It symbolized educated, civilized, and intelligent. It doesn't
only imply knowledge, but also implies modern and ahead of others, because
technology is something expensive and complicated at that time. It brings one
more meaning to it.
From my point of views, smart phones also may symbolize particular
kind of cultural identity of the owner. Smart phone is an icon of the new.
People who own a phone means he or she is in the trend of the generation.
Besides, a mobile phone is also a tool to reflect particular styles.
The color, design, materials of the phone reflects the owners’ style and
character. Therefore, people started to pay attention to the outlook of the
phone than the function of it. Some people may have decorative stickers on
their mobile phones or order a beautiful phone case to match their phone. By
doing so, they can distinguish themselves from the others or make the phone
more unique. The similar situation also emerges in Hong Kong. Hong Kong youngsters
seem to be more emphasis on the style reflection function of phone. For girls,
part of them may stick some sparkling elements on the smart phone cases. Not
only can they attract people’s attention including strangers and friends, but
they can also gain recognition within certain social circles.
In addition, a phone is a powerful symbol of the owner’s status. For
instance, it is easy to distinguish one’s financial ability to see he is using
iphone or Nokia phone. So, some people will sacrifice themselves financial
burden to buy an expensive phone in order to hide its financial status.
In conclusion, modern technology not only have its real function,
but sometime it also has been attached some symbolic meaning.
References:
David Morley. (2007) “Magical Technologies. The New, the Shiny, and the Symbolic.” In: Media, Modernity, and Technology: The Geography of the New.
沒有留言:
張貼留言