Cyberculture needs to get out more often

More thoughts on Q. J. Schultze (2002) Habits of the High-Tech Heart. Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI.

In chapter six, Schultze addresses the limited vision of those who chart our information futures. The key problem he sees is the narrow inputs of informationism and its instrumental practices spare little room for virtue and diversity. Schultze proposes a more diverse notion of "knowledge workers" that need to be invited into the discussion. Most of all, of course, is the input of religiously derived moral wisdom.

Overall, Schultze posits a "cosmic diversity" that embraces uniqueness while at the same affirms our common humanity. Here's a key quote that sums up his thesis: "Our informational endeavors will be more morally fruitful when they are shaped by respect for more non-informational ways of knowing...Information technology without cosmic diversity is likely to be monotonous, uncreative, and even oppressive, whereas with cosmic diversity it will always be more interesting, rich, and liberating (pp. 162-163). If I can paraphrase, Schultze feels those who shape cyberculture need to get out more often to see other perspectives and then allow those perspectives to shape cyberculture with more diverse and holistic values.

It's crucial to examine whose voices are influencing our views on technology. It's fascinating to watch celebrity tech companies like Google, Facebook and Apple finding themselves on the receiving end of criticism instead of the acclaim they've been used to for some time. It's as though a different perspective is finally being allowed that points out that some of their actions are in their own interests instead of their claims of innovation and progress. Ironically, it is through technology like blogs and YouTube videos where other voices have caused a firestorm that helps force a response to infringing on people's privacy (e.g. Google's data storage practices), unilateral decisions (e.g. Facebook's privacy settings) and faulty products (e.g. iPhone 4's antenna). I think these companies have found themselves in the bind Schultze describes as celebrity and virtue not mixing well (p. 149).

Recently, Microsoft released an ad campaign in response to the influential yet narrow message of the Mac vs PC ads from Apple. I think it captures the essence of Schultze's message in portraying the delightful diversity yet commonality found though technology when a wider vision and diverse voices are brought into the discussion.