How Interfaces Shape Our Relationship to Tech w/ Zachary Kaiser
Feb 15, 2024
01:02:38
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Quick takeaways
Interfaces shape our understanding of ourselves and the world by positioning us and presenting data as accurate reflections of reality.
The complete integration of digital technologies should be critically examined, considering the value of the suboptimal and addressing systemic problems instead of relying solely on individualistic technological interventions.
Quantified self and data collection through interfaces may not accurately represent the world, reducing human experiences to quantifiable data and reinforcing the belief that humans are solely computable.
Deep dives
The Influence of Interfaces on Our Understanding of Ourselves
The podcast episode discusses the influence of interfaces on our perception of ourselves and our relationship with technology. It highlights how interfaces shape our understanding of ourselves and the world by positioning us in a particular way and presenting data as an accurate reflection of reality. The episode explains that interfaces promote the idea that humans are computable and that our behavior and experiences can be quantified through technology. It also raises questions about the desirability of such a perspective and the potential consequences of adopting a computable subjectivity.
Challenging the Ubiquity of Digital Technologies
The podcast delves into the pervasive presence of digital technologies in our lives and challenges the notion that their proliferation is always a positive development. It calls for a critical examination of whether the complete integration of digital technologies is truly progress or something to be embraced. The episode raises concerns about the framing of these technologies as solutions to societal issues and highlights the need to consider the value of the suboptimal and the importance of addressing systemic problems instead of relying solely on individualistic technological interventions.
The Flaws of Quantified Self and the Fallacy of Data Accuracy
The podcast explores the concept of quantified self, where individuals collect and track data about themselves to optimize various aspects of their lives. It highlights the inherent problem of assuming that data collected through interfaces is an accurate representation of the world. The episode emphasizes that even if certain technologies provide accurate data, they shape behavior to enhance the feeling of accuracy and reinforce the belief that humans are solely computable. It questions the desirability of reducing human experiences to quantifiable data and suggests that technological optimization is not a comprehensive solution to societal issues.
The Influence of Data and Assumptions on Our Perception of the World
The podcast explores how our world is increasingly seen as nothing but data, a perspective reinforced by the assumption that data pre-exists humanity. This ideology seeps into core beliefs about how the world works. However, marketing narratives often exaggerate the capabilities of technology, as seen in false claims of fitness improvements with devices like the Apple Watch. This reflects the underlying political economy of technology, where accuracy and bias in data collection benefit the capitalist class.
Reframing Technology and Embracing Democratic Approaches
The podcast discusses the need to reframe our relationship with technology and consider the role it plays in our lives. It highlights the importance of envisioning alternative ways of living and interacting with technology by embracing democratic decision-making, questioning the necessity of constant expansion of digital technologies, and pushing back against the pressure to collect data on every aspect of our lives. The podcast suggests that the design space can be a platform for revealing and visualizing these alternative visions for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Paris Marx is joined by Zachary Kaiser to discuss the power of tech interfaces, why data isn’t an accurate reflection of the world, and why we need to discuss democratic decomputerization.
Zachary Kaiser is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Experience Architecture at Michigan State University. He’s also the author of Interfaces and Us: User Experience Design and the Making of the Computable Subject.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Paris is speaking in Auckland on February 18 at an event hosted by Tohatoha.
