Yamamoto: Intermission 6 - Story 6

Maddie Baum
Yamamoto: Intermission 6 - Story 6

A) In this section, there were many ethical imperatives present. One of the most outstanding ones in 'The Day Shion Came' resulted toward the end of the story, when Shion tells her advisor that all humans have dementia, which would explain humans' irrational behavior. Shion, who already had difficulty communicating with the residents that she nursed for was an android. It bothered me that irrational behaviors must be labeled by something, specifically by a character who is not human. It forces us to make a conclusion, when not everything needs an answer.


B) Relating to my response to portion "A", I thought that the larger context that I noticed Yamamoto may be addressing through this portion of the narrative may be the importance of doctor patient care, and how there is constant controversy surrounding our health as humans. As humans it is easy to jump to conclusions and label something immediately.  "The frame problem - say you tell a robot you're going out, so it should keep you safe. The robot will walk with you, observing its surroundings, on the lookout for danger. But what qualifies as 'danger'?" (206). As humans, we are typically able to determine this, but technology can't all the time. It worries me, and I believe Yamamoto, that we will incorporate smart technology in the medical world to a fault; allowing it to make personable labels or decisions that the ultimately should not be making.

C) Article example:

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute is developing an intelligent, integrated medical system to assist in delivering quality health care during spaceflight and exploration. "Possible technologies needed include ultrasound diagnostics and therapeutics, lab-on-a-chip systems, patient and health physiologic monitors, and automated systems and devices to aid in decision-making,training and diagnosis" (NSBRI Website). I thought that this article discussing the new forms of space technology that is being created is awesome, but directly correlates to Yamamoto's "larger context" that I discussed in portion "C". Should we be allowing technology to make decisions for us? Should they be monitoring our physiological care if they do not have the ability to feel?

• http://nsbri.org/research/browse-by-team/smart-medical-systems-and-technology/

D) The ideas that I touched on through this reading connect well with what I will be doing my final/presentation on. I think that it's important that we recognize the role that technology plays in our everyday lives, specifically our mental health. For technology to be allowed to make decisions for us, it takes away the need for us as humans to have a self reliance. In the medical field, if we are allowing technology to do analyzation behind mental health, is that moral? I strongly disagree because they are incapable of feeling that as a human may. 

Yuanhao Pan: Yamamoto 6

Yamamoto 6

The Sixth Story, The Day Shion Came, is longer than the previous tales. It takes about 100 pages. The story comes against a backdrop of negative stereotypic view about robots and their usefulness in life. In all the stories, Ibis endeavors to present the good side of androids that is unknown to men. The story is about Shion, a robot working in a Japanese nursing facility. Interestingly, Shion has a robust understanding of medical terms and conditions based on her extensive training on health matters. However, it lacks effective communication skills when engaging with the residents. Despite the medical skills, it will be impossible to remain effective in the facility without proper communication skills.

The need to develop engagement skills sends Shion to a trainer. After a successful session, the trainer learns something startling from Shion about her understanding of human behavior. According to her analysis, humans have irrational behavior caused by dementia. She believes all the people within her sphere suffer from this condition. As the story comes to an end, Shion pulls one of the greatest act a robot can perform. She saves a resident who was on the verge of committing suicide. While the act proves her claim of humans being irrational, it presents a great stride in communication skills gained over time.

The ethical imperatives from the story centers on the social belief system that discredits the use of artificial intelligence. Androids have a positive influence on the lives of people. However, programmers should have stringent principles controlling their operations. Yamamoto addresses dynamism in social construct and the changing beliefs on the use of robots in delivering crucial services like healthcare. While there are traditional fears in trusting robots, societies are gradually adjusting themselves to accept their positive attributes. 

Work Cited

Yamamoto, Hiroshi, and Takami Nieda. The Stories of Ibis. San Francisco: Haikasoru, 2010. Print.

 

Yuanhao Pan: Yamamoto 5

Yamamoto 5

The story “A Word Justice Is Just” depicts a clash between diverse views to help understand the concept of life and the difficulties faced by people. The connection between people from different worlds has been illustrated in a way that raises a number of questions. Although it is a fiction story, reading about the characters corresponding through emails is slightly confusing. The idea that the Earth is being destroyed by an influenza virus released as a means of spreading bioterrorism makes one question the morals of the people dealing with the viruses. The overall story is rather interesting and engaging, but there seem to be many gaps in the plot that need to be filled and questions that lack answers.

Saeko has been shown to be from a world where people’s actions are leading to its destruction. The questions that need to be asked here include the following: “What different worlds are being referred to in the story?”, “What are the different issues in Saeko’s world in addition to the spread of the virus?”, and “What world is Saika from?” and “How the concept of reincarnation works in their world?” These questions are highly intriguing and essential for understanding the true essence of the story.

Nevertheless, the depicted concepts are very interesting, and the deterioration of the world is well-explained. Considering the current state of international affairs, the story seems quite true and applicable to the modern world, as the constant increase in the conflicts and acts of violence globally have resulted in huge losses of human lives (Peter 1225). Therefore, readers can relate to the suffering of the people in Saeko’s world, a link that reminds about the brutal realities of life.

Journal Entry 14: Yamamoto: Intermission 7 - Epilogue (Sara Loughran)

I really liked this book, significantly more than Techgnosis. They both addressed many aspects of technology and digital culture, but The Stories of Ibis accomplished it better, in my opinion. Techgnosis was less organized and just hard to follow, and it wasn't presented in an intriguing was the way The Stories of Ibis was. I feel like I've thought more about AI because of this book, and consequently have sought out more content about AI and robots because of it. Recently, a game came out called Detroit: Become Human, which addresses many similar topics to The Stories of Ibis and is about androids, their ability to feel emotions and have free will, and the question of whether they deserve the same rights as humans or not. It has really made me think about the topic more and has actually made me feel more positively towards AI while before I was somewhat skeptical.

I came into this course a little apprehensively, as I was afraid it was going to be too complicated for me to understand because it involves technology as well as creativity in a way that has always been a struggle for me to completely grasp. But I was actually really pleasantly surprised, and this has ended up being one of my favorite classes and has really made me think about things I wouldn't have if I hadn't taken it. I think that technoculture is such a broad and complex topic that involves tons of different ideas, concepts, and topics, which is why it seemed daunting to me. I understand technology pretty well and I'm pretty quick at picking up how to use new technologies and learn about them (I'm a kinesthetic learner and I basically learn just from messing around with something and figuring out how to use it just from that), but some of the deeper and more complex concepts I struggle with. And I've always known about AI, but just sort of had an indifferent attitude about it. Now I find myself actively interested in these topics and wanting to explore them more, hopefully in other classes or jobs I take on.

Yamamoto: Intermission 7 - Story 7

Maddie Baum
Yamamoto: Intermission 7 - Story 7

A) My overall reflection toward The Stories of Ibis is incredibly appreciative and positive. This story particularly, in comparison to Davis's book that we read, made a significant impact on my outlook on digital culture. I have come to really appreciate the vast variety of cultures that I was exposed to, especially in Yamamoto's writing. Yamamoto was able to give a perspective of many different cultures, allowing myself to be exposed to a more creative side of the digital world. It also allowed me to be able to open my mind and relate what I have learned to not only my personal life, but digital culture and the real world itself.

B)I have really enjoyed this course overall. It was unfortunate that our professor went on leave, but I thought that Noah did a fantastic job of stepping in to really big shoes and being concerned about students learning and enjoying what we were doing in class. Something that I thought could have been effective in this course was incorporating artist talks and not strictly learning through fiction books throughout the quarter. I thought that the two books that we read were impactful and I learned a lot from them, but I think it would have been great to also learn about different cultures from individuals that belong in the digital world but gain us different, real life cultural and experiential reflections. That being said, I thought that this course did an amazing job at exposing us to different cultures in a creative way.

C) Throughout this class, my feelings and thoughts toward techno-culture has changed tremendously. Before I took this course, I thought my definition toward digital culture was incredibly understanding and specific. Taking this course broaden my mind toward the vast majority that this culture incorporates, allowing me to understand that there is so much to it that there is no distinct definition. I have grown incredibly fond of my exposure of techno-culture in this class and am excited to continue to be exposed and learn while placing myself more in the digital world.

Yamamoto: Intermission 5 - Story 5

Maddie Baum
Yamamoto: Intermission 5 - Story 5

I really enjoyed Yamamoto's story 5. I thought it was incredibly well written and Yamamoto does a great job at using AI and keeping readers involved through out the whole story. This reading reminded me much of the Black Mirror episode "The Entire History of You" (Season 1 Episode 3), which takes place in an alternate reality. The characters through out the episode have chips voluntarily inserted into them that record everything they do and are allowed to play back any memory in front of their eyes or on any screen. I thought that this episode was a great correlation to this chapter, toward Yamamoto's idea of uploading an individual's consciousness onto a computer. I find this to be incredibly impossible and do not think that it would allow society to live in the moment  if it were to be possible. Something that I really enjoyed with this story was the factor of readers never knowing what is to happen next which constantly had readers involved and gave suspension. I think that it can be incredibly difficult as an author to incorporate suspense consistently in an affective way.

Something that I really enjoyed in "A World Where Justice Is Just" it touches on what I have been contemplating on discussing for my final, the mental health that surrounds digital culture. Sarika, a high school girl, discussed messages that she sent to another character Saeko. "I regretted sending such an angry message. I shouldn't have unloaded on Saeko like that. She was going to die soon. She was going to disappear from her world. She had to be scared and sad and suffering in ways I couldn't even imagine. It was heartless of me to be so harsh" (185). I thought that this targeted my potential topic really well because of how it shines the light on our influence of others in a digital space. Regretful things that one may not typically say in a face to face environment can be said. I thought one of the most important aspects to recognize not only from what I am correlating to my final work, but also one of the key take aways that I got from this story was the norm knowledge that death was common. It attempts to highlight what we as people value in society or that play key roles in any individual's lives, which is correlated to Sarika's sim message to Saeko.

Yamamoto: Intermission 4 - Story 4

Maddie Baum
Yamamoto: Intermission 4 - Story 4

In The Stories of Ebis, Yamamoto tells us a story called "Black Hole Diver" that takes place on an artificial space station. This story attempts to represent what the future may carry. Something that I found incredibly interesting with Story 4 was how the character would at times pretend to be human, exiting their body and gaze upon the unit's two camera eyes. Discussing how their consciousness was now their own, because they wanted it to be. "I gaze at stars as humans do, hoping that I might one day come to understand the feelings with which humans have regarded stars" (131). I really enjoyed this quote in this chapter while reflecting on what I may present or do my final paper on. I made me question what Yamamoto was attempting to have his readers think when discussing the human - tech relationship today. Are we so reliant and connected with our devices that they have become apart of us? Has it damaged our morals or changed our lives in such a significant way, that we no longer recognize we may be better off without it?

For my final project a theme that I wanted to focus on after reflecting on this chapter was the mental heath that surrounds the human and technology community. Digital culture is a huge part of our society today. I find specific parts of how digital culture makes an impact in our lives to be incredibly damaging toward our mental health. Constant comparing and those who struggle with disorders such as depression or body image, it at times does not help to have a constant need for comparing and connection to feel better. Psychology of the brain fascinates me, I find humans to be amazing and how our relationships can make such an impact on an individual that it can be life changing. I try to be incredibly aware of my mental health, my happiness and what I can do to constantly be at a good state of mind. That being said, I try to stay updated on how digital culture affects that by reading psych articles and scholarly articles on this. Below is a psychology today article that discusses diffract ways digital culture may have an impact on our daily lives and mental health, questioning the value that we have and need.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/digital-pandemic/201306/is-the-digital-culture-killing-us

Yamamoto: Intermission 3 - Story 3

Maddie Baum
Yamamoto, The Stories of Ibis: Intermission 3 - Story 3


A) 3 optimistic examples of media:

1. Cancer awareness campaigns - October being breast cancer awareness month is something that provides recognition and hope. It gives reasons to fight for better futures, to want to be a survivor, to better understand the happy and sad ending that individuals face. Tend to keep campaigns more optimistic in order for more individuals to get involved

• https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/582273 - Article on positive stories in the breast cancer awareness community

2. "Be a Good Person" - clothing brand developed based on passion for positivity and a brighter future that we force within our society

• https://www.beagoodperson.com - "Be A Good Person" Homepage

3. "Throw Like a Girl" - I find this to be a very empowering campaign that highlights women's rights, the importance of women in our society and how over time women change in retrospective to our societies expectations

• https://youtu.be/XjJQBjWYDTs - #LikeAGirl video

B) 2 Historical Events:

1. Sophia the Robot - "the glorious past of humans" discusses how AI and machines have a superiority to humans. I thought a perfect example of this idea was Hanson Robotics' "Sophia" who is an incredibly smart human like robot, programmed to act as a real human. She is able to respond by herself and have lively, funny conversations with others and has her own personality. 

• http://sophiabot.com/about-me/ - Sophia the Robot homepage

2. The invention of the internet - Though this seems to be an incredibly basic concept, I think this is a perfect example of how "the glorious past of humans" is being emphasized. The invention of the internet was a revolutionizing invention for mankind. It knows everything through a simple word bank search

• Example: Google

Yamamoto: Intermission 2 - Story 2

Maddie Baum
Yamamoto: Intermission 2 - Story 2

A) My personal experience with the ability to develop complex interpersonal relationships across virtual spaces is a very prominent aspect of my life. I question, why? And strongly believe it is because of how individuals in my age group revolve many social aspects through social media and the idea of staying constantly connected with one another. The relationships that I have made through virtual spaces have helped me stay connected with individuals no matter the distance, which I have become very appreciative of. I love being able to stay connected not only by chatting online with my friends, but also being able to see what individuals are doing through photos and videos. I have met and built relationships online that have continued to build today. I met one of my past significant others through a virtual space, which I never thought to happen to me, but it did. I was very appreciative of that relationship because it became fully real. I've also met more people that attend DU through virtual spaces that I would never find myself to actually run into them naturally through campus.

B) Three Historical Events:

1. The invention of the Kindle - I found this historical event in the digital world to be important to bring up because of how it eliminated the sense that we need paperback in order to read novels. Yamamoto in this chapter how even in this electronic age, plenty of people preferred to have their books on the printed page. I think that the invention of this proves that even in our tech savvy world that we live in today, there are still implications that individuals make to keep astray. I really enjoy the importance of this point that Yamamoto made by saying this due to us having such a reliance on technology.


2. The invention of Social Media - I found this to be an incredibly important historical event to highlight in a vast majority of Yamamoto's points that she makes. In this chapter specifically, she discuses how NONMaRS allows you to present yourself online with the "idealized" you, giving you almost a false identity of yourself. I thought that this was incredibly interesting to reflect on because of how much we as millennials value how we are perceived online. "In whatever area I played, I consistently chose a persona with immense physical prowess. Because I wasn't able to run free to my heart's content in the real world, I alleviated my unhappiness and feelings of inferiority by playing a character that was my polar opposite" (75). I really enjoyed this quote because it helped me reflect on how our identities online may be a false perception of that, and the invention of social medias is the source behind this.

3. The invention of the iPhone -  Toward the end of the chapter, Yamamoto discussed how while we are alone with no distractions, it is easy to become anxious. I correlated this to myself due to me feeling this commonly when I do not have my phone in public and am alone. We constantly feel the urge to be doing something, in fear of what others will think of us. "I grew anxious and began to fidget. I put a hand on my bracelet phone and activated the watch function. It vibrated to tell me that it was two minutes before two" (83). I think that the invention of the iPhone is a perfect example of our reliance on technology and the addiction that we have towards our cellphones. I do not think that staying connected constantly with others is a bad thing, but the anxiety around it may be.


C) In my reflection on what it means to be learning about digital cultures through a book that is not only fiction, but is also a translation and an anthology is incredibly personable to me. I really value the importance of different learning styles and techniques for students. I have found this to be a challenging, interesting and different learning style for me which I have come to appreciate, especially through reading Yamamoto's book. I think this opens the door to creativity of digital culture for students and allows them to expand their mind toward what they can perceive digital culture to be. It is not something that has a specific definition; digital culture means something different to everyone and how they choose to identify themselves within the community. Something that I have come to learn through learning about digital culture through fiction is how it plays different roles in everyone's life. Everyone is impacted by digital culture in some sort of way, whether they know it or not. Even before I took this course and had a basis of understanding of what digital cultures was, I never knew that my perception of a specific topic could broaden as much as it has over the span of a single quarter.