Monday, January 18, 2010

Week 2: Technological Determinism

I chose to apply Marshall McLuhan’s theory of Technological Determinism on the beloved television remote.

Enhances: Convenience and Access

Rather than constantly getting up to change the channel or adjust the volume, you can simply press a button on the remote from the comfort of your favorite chair.

Reverses: Laziness

People become huge couch potatoes since they don’t have to move much anymore. In fact, when my dad watches tv sometimes, he calls me from the other room just to change the channel for him!

Obsolesces: Television Buttons

There is no need for television buttons since everything you need is on the remote; the on button might be the only exception.

Retrieves: The Need for Simplicity

With everyone's busy schedules, it's hard to spend time just kicking back and relaxing. But when there is some leisure time, people can just simply pick up the remote, sit down, and watch some tube with the family.

1 comment:

  1. Good. Does it also retrieve the idea of having kids who obey you without talk-back? Haha.

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