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