Interface

Humanity is not something typically thought of in regards to technology.  When we think of technology we think of the latest cool device produced by Apple or maybe the Mars rover delivering data on a planet thirty-five million miles away.  The experiments and works of art shown in Aaron Koblin's presentation show that it is wrong for us to be thinking of technology and humanity as two different things.  Without humanity, technology would be nothing.  The Mars rover would not exist if some scientists hadn't dreamed it up. 

The graphs where the messaging people did in on New years and Queens day is depicted really showed how people want to connect with each other.  Even though they were all in the center of the city celebrating with their friends and hundreds of other people, they were also connecting through various social networking sites and text.  The desire to connect with people across large distances is something that every human has.  It is through technology that this thirst for connection is quenched.  We live in a world where technology has made connection not only possible, but easy.  In the Johnny Cash music video project, thousands of images were put together similar to photos in a film strip.  The resulting music video was a tribute to the late Johnny Cash by thousands of his fans.  Without technology the collaboration required to do something like that would be impossible.  Through this project the fans were once again able to connect with one of their favorite musical artists.  They were able to express their gratitude even after his death.  This connection would not have been remade without the aid of the project.

With the invention of the interface it has become possible to connect with people over vast distances and in incredibly large quantities.  Given this incredible ability we now possess, it would truly be a waste if we did not use it to the fullest. Imagine what the world would be like if people had never started using the telephone.  Instead they continued to rely on written letters and completely verbal communication.  Would cell phones have ever been invented?  Not in a society where that type of connection wasn't cherished.  If people had never embraced the telephone, countless other technological advances would never have been made.  Why would anyone research how to make phones better when no one bothers with them?  The same thing applies to the interface.  If we as a society do not use it to the fullest then how can further innovation of the interface will not take place.  We would not only be failing to make use of a wonderful piece of technology, but also failing to pave the way for future generations of use.  We have a duty to the future to continue to aid in the expansion of the interface as much as possible.