Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 186 | Sherry Turkle on How Technology Affects Our Humanity
Feb 28, 2022
Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and MIT professor, explores the intricate relationship between technology and human identity. She discusses how digital communication can erode empathy and genuine connections, urging a balance between tech use and real interactions. The conversation dives into how social media algorithms manipulate emotions and create disconnection, prompting a reflection on our digital identities. Turkle emphasizes the importance of navigating this landscape mindfully to foster meaningful relationships in a world increasingly dominated by machines.
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Freudian Slips vs. Glitches
- Sherry Turkle recounts a classroom experience where a computer scientist challenged the interpretation of Freudian slips.
- The scientist argued that slips are merely mechanical glitches, like a dropped bit, rather than meaningful expressions of the unconscious.
Tron vs. Bambi
- Sherry Turkle recalls attending the premiere of Tron with Marvin Minsky, who saw the film as a validation of the mind-as-machine metaphor.
- Minsky argued children would prefer Tron to Bambi, as robots offer immortality, unlike the death of Bambi's mother.
Embodied Machines
- Humans are complex machines shaped by embodiment, lifecycle, and experiences.
- These experiences create a specific human condition that goes beyond mere mechanistic glitches.
