A Quantam Leap Too Far?
Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Simon212
As we near the end of the semester, looking back in reflection I would consider the Cyborg concepts to be some of the most interesting and thought provoking forms of new media. Kingsley Dennis in ‘Opening Pandora’s box’ offered useful insights into possible technological change that could impact society in the future. He examines wireless technology and its relationship with the biological human body. One Military developed product dubbed the Active Denial System was explained and illustrated; a wireless–to-body communication to be used as a crowd control mechanism using a beam of energy to inflict a burning sensation on persons at which it is aimed.
See a journalist test the Active Denial system here.
While this appears a positive development in terms of crowd control and subduing riots, it also brings concerns with respect to a democratic society. The phrase Dennis used to describe the effectiveness of wireless-to-body communication suggested; 'the mind has no firewall'. In this case, are we being subjected to breaches of privacy, and a reduction of rights within a democratic society? If our minds can be accessed or influenced (brainwashed) wirelessly, then depending on those utilising the technology, we will hardly exist in a state of democracy.
While such systems could be pivotal in the war against terrorism that Dennis argues as an information war, they also invite considerable criticism, especially among the western nations in which they would most likely be developed and adopted. As we have discussed throughout the semester, one reoccurring theme suggests that just because the technology is available, does not mean the majority will utilise it. In terms of the power of wireless-to-body communication, we can only hope that it is implemented under strict control, and contemporary society does not lose its democratic values.
See a journalist test the Active Denial system here.
While this appears a positive development in terms of crowd control and subduing riots, it also brings concerns with respect to a democratic society. The phrase Dennis used to describe the effectiveness of wireless-to-body communication suggested; 'the mind has no firewall'. In this case, are we being subjected to breaches of privacy, and a reduction of rights within a democratic society? If our minds can be accessed or influenced (brainwashed) wirelessly, then depending on those utilising the technology, we will hardly exist in a state of democracy.
While such systems could be pivotal in the war against terrorism that Dennis argues as an information war, they also invite considerable criticism, especially among the western nations in which they would most likely be developed and adopted. As we have discussed throughout the semester, one reoccurring theme suggests that just because the technology is available, does not mean the majority will utilise it. In terms of the power of wireless-to-body communication, we can only hope that it is implemented under strict control, and contemporary society does not lose its democratic values.