Directions: Please Read The Article From A Recent Issue Of N

Directions Please Read The Article From A Recent Issue Of New York Ma

Directions: please read the article from a recent issue of New York Magazine (2016), entitled "Lured to be Human" by Andrew Sullivan, which is posted on Moodle. In addition, read the article, "Automation for the People" which concludes Carr's newer Book, The Glass Cage (2014). Both authors focus, although in different ways, upon how people interact with and learn from technology, and offer some challenge to those whose lives have been increasingly filled with tech and services. Beyond the question of the risk to developing brains, these articles pose questions about what our future will, or even should, be with technology. Please read the material, annotate it, and respond by taking a position either agreeing with the authors, ideas and conclusions about the growing push for more "automation" in our tech and lives, as well as some of the more de-humanizing elements of our tech, or not. You may agree with parts of the articles, but to take a stand on whether you think this need to be better monitored for its effects on us and society. How you structure your response essay is entirely up to you. However, you must quote and refer to a few specific passages and ideas in these articles and use information from at least three (3) other of the readings we've done since Mid-Term for evidence, and to quote from, in support of whichever point of view you ultimately settle upon. Work on this alone and make an extended outline along with this sheet to bring with you on the day of the exam. Staple your outline to this sheet. Failure to have an extended outline to hand in with the essay will result in a grade of "D," or just "Passing" for the exam. You will not receive a higher grade, since you are not providing evidence of having prepared ahead for your response. Write relevant information, definitions or ideas, either as direct quotes or paraphrases, into your outline (with page numbers) from the texts you intend to use in your response. This will save you from having to carry the books around. Use parenthetical, in-text citations (shorthand version of MLA), such as (Jackson 276), when you cite a quote or idea from one of the articles or sources. You won't need a "Works Cited" page since we all know the source of references for the exam. Essays will be graded on (1) clarity of ideas expressed; and (2) support offered from the articles and our readings for your point of view.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid integration of technology into daily life has prompted critical discussions about its impacts on human cognition, social interactions, and societal structures. Articles such as Andrew Sullivan’s “Lured to be Human” and Nicholas Carr’s “Automation for the People” serve as vital contributions to this discourse, each emphasizing the profound influence of automation and digital engagement on human identity and societal cohesion. This paper advocates for a balanced monitoring and regulation of technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of preserving human-centric qualities amidst increasing automation.

Andrew Sullivan’s “Lured to be Human” presents a compelling reflection on how modern technology seduces us into losing touch with our innate humanity. Sullivan argues that the pervasive presence of digital devices and social media cultivates a superficial sense of connection, leading to a diminished capacity for deep, meaningful relationships. He cautions that technology’s seductive design often overrides our rational decision-making, eroding our sense of authentic self and community. Sullivan’s critique resonates with Sherry Turkle’s observations in “Always On,” where she highlights how constant connectivity fosters superficial interactions at the expense of genuine connection (Turkle, 2015, p. 55). Sullivan’s concern about losing our humanity echoes Carr’s worries about automation dehumanizing society, reducing individuals to mere operators of machines rather than reflective beings.

Nicholas Carr, particularly in “Automation for the People,” contends that while automation promises increased efficiency, it risks stripping humans of their skills and agency. Carr emphasizes that reliance on automated systems can diminish our critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as documented in “The Glass Cage” (Carr, 2014). He warns that automation could lead to a societal shift where humans are rendered passive participants, akin to “autopilots” in their own lives, thus undermining the richness of human experience. Carr’s argument is supported by Don Tapscott’s “Eight Net Gen Norms,” which describes how digital natives prefer information-sharing and autonomous decision-making, yet also warns that excessive reliance on technology could weaken their independent thinking skills (Tapscott, 2014). Similar concerns are echoed in Small and Vorgan’s “Your Brain Evolving Right Now,” where they describe how the brain adapts rapidly to digital stimuli, often at the expense of traditional cognitive functions.

The tension between technological advancement and human preservation calls for vigilant oversight. While automation offers undeniable benefits, unchecked implementation could foster a de-humanized society characterized by superficial interactions, diminished cognitive capacities, and loss of individual agency. As Sullivan cautions, “The more we automate, the more we risk losing what makes us human” (Sullivan, 2016, p. 38). Therefore, society must develop strategies to critically evaluate technological innovations, ensuring they augment rather than diminish human qualities. This encompasses fostering digital literacy, encouraging meaningful social interactions, and maintaining skills that reinforce human agency and creativity.

Additionally, the importance of ethical considerations in technological development cannot be overstated. Alter’s “Escalation” underscores how conflicts escalate when technology is used without regard for human consequences (Alter, 2015). Likewise, Carr’s “The Robot at the Gate” advocates for regulations that prevent automation from superseding human judgment in critical sectors. The overarching goal should be to harness technology in ways that enhance human life without overriding essential human values or autonomy. In conclusion, while technological progress is inevitable and often beneficial, it must be monitored and guided to support human well-being rather than undermine it. Society must strike a balance where automation and human qualities coexist, ensuring technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than dehumanization.

References

• Sullivan, Andrew. "Lured to be Human." New York Magazine, 2016.
• Nicholas Carr. The Glass Cage. W.W. Norton & Company, 2014.
• Sherry Turkle. "Always On." In Packet, 2015.
• Don Tapscott. "Eight Net Gen Norms." Moodle, 2014.
• Small, Gary, and Vorgan, Susan. "Your Brain Evolving Right Now." Moodle.
• Alter, Stephen. "Escalation." Packet.
• Nicholas Carr. "The Robot at the Gate." In The Glass Cage, 2014.
• Alter, Stephen. "Escalation." Packet.
• Nicholas Carr. "On Autopilot." In The Glass Cage, 2014.